Emmanuel is a passionate Tanzanian conservationist, social entrepreneur, and founder of Betheli Expeditions—a locally owned tour company based at the foot of Mount Meru. Born and raised in the Maasai village of Sekei, his early years were steeped in nature, tradition, and a deep sense of community.

From herding cattle along forested mountain slopes to watching Maasai elders climb sacred peaks to offer prayers, Emmanuel’s childhood nurtured a profound respect for land, culture, and spiritual connection. These experiences laid the foundation for Betheli Expeditions—not only as a travel company but as a bridge between ecosystems, communities, and cultures.

In addition to tourism, Emmanuel is also involved in ethical small-scale mining—an industry he believes can be a force for good when rooted in integrity and community empowerment. His focus is on creating opportunities for local families, promoting responsible resource use, and reinvesting in education and environmental protection.

Today, through Betheli Expeditions, Emmanuel leads immersive journeys across East Africa—from safaris and cultural tours, to Mount Kilimanjaro treks, gorilla tracking, and Zanzibar beach escapes. Every experience is thoughtfully crafted to celebrate East African heritage, uplift local livelihoods, and preserve the region’s extraordinary natural beauty.

“We believe travel should inspire, heal, and uplift—not just our guests, but the people and places they encounter.”

Join us for a journey that goes deeper—where adventure meets purpose, and every step tells a story of resilience, connection, and hope.

emmanuel@betheliexpedition.co.tz

Founder of Betheli Expeditions

Emmanuel Laizer

Jacqueline Laizer

Co-Founder of Betheli Expeditions

For me, Betheli Expeditions began with a simple belief: that travel should feel like connection—not just movement. Emmanuel and I would often sit and talk about how visitors came to Tanzania for the beauty and adventure, but many never got to experience the soul of our home—the people, the traditions, the quiet strength of the land. We wanted to change that. So we started Betheli as a way to share our world more honestly. Not just the landscapes, but the stories. The communities. The warmth of a local welcome. It was also important for us to give back. That’s why our work extends beyond tourism into ethical small-scale mining, where we help support local families through responsible practices that respect both people and the land. I believe travel should uplift everyone it touches—those who visit, and those who call this place home. That’s the heart behind Betheli. It’s not just business for us—it’s family. It’s legacy. And it’s our joy to welcome you into it.

Jason Elkins

Director of Marketing

Jason Elkins handles marketing for Betheli Expeditions. His journey is a captivating tale of a life infused with thrilling outdoor pursuits and a knack for connecting with adventure travelers and tour operators. He's not just an adventure enthusiast; he's a third-generation commercial hot air balloon pilot, Montana fly fishing guide, PADI Advanced Open Water SCUBA diver, paramotor pilot, and a former US ARMY paratrooper. Jason's passion for adventure was ignited from an early age, thanks to his father's diverse pursuits. His father, a SCUBA diving instructor, influential cave explorer, and big-game hunter, played a pivotal role in shaping Jason's adventurous spirit. Most notably, he was a commercial hot air balloon pilot sharing the thrill of ballooning with thousands of guests, and promoting various brands in balloon festivals worldwide. While his peers spent summers in more conventional pursuits, Jason was learning to fly hot air balloons, creating connections with people from all walks of life, and discovering the profound impact of adventure tourism. Fast forward to today, and Jason boasts an eclectic resume that includes service as a US Army paratrooper, guiding fly fishing enthusiasts in Montana, managing a dive resort in the Caribbean, operating a balloon ride business, and leading Orvis International Travel for nearly a decade. In every role, Jason found himself at the forefront of digital marketing efforts, driving business growth and innovation. This passion led him to join Betheli Expeditions as the Director of Marketing in the summer of 2023, where he manages our digital marketing efforts and fosters collaboration with other tour operators and travel agents. Living a fully remote lifestyle, Jason has explored over thirty countries across six continents and continues to expand his horizons. His passion for adventure travel is contagious, and if you're an agent or tour operator considering a Betheli Expeditions, he'd love to hear from you.

Step 3 - Experience

We've worked with you in Step #2 to plan the perfect itinerary and have collected everything we need to ensure a smooth arrival here in Tanzania. Now it's time for you to sit back and relax while we do the work (unless you're climbing Kilimanjaro with us, in which case you still have some work to do). Regardless, we'll be with you every step of the way to ensure that the only surprises will be the kind you want to have. We'll be here waiting for you, and look forward to welcoming you to our beautiful Tanzania.

Step 2 - Customize

Connect with us to plan the perfect adventure. Since we own the company, and manage every detail of your itinerary, we are able to accommodate many special requests. We don't like cookie-cutter experiences any more than you do, and that's why we will work directly with you to craft an Africa trip that is truly special. Once you're completely satisfied with your custom itinerary we make it safe and easy to confirm your reservation. Now it's time to move on to the last, and arguably the most important step, the experience.

Step 1 - Discover

Take a look at our expertly designed trips on the website and narrow it down to your favorite, or contact us and let us suggest an itinerary if you prefer. Don't forget to look at our most popular extensions to get some ideas for other activities you can experience while you're here. Our "pre-designed" trips are wonderful trips that have become client and guide favorites because they include many of the highlights you might expect to see while you are in Tanzania. It's likely that one of these trips will catch your attention, and get you excited about taking the next step.