The Story Behind Joyful Safaris and ToursJoyful Safaris and Tours was founded by Naite Laizer, a woman whose journey began in the deep roots of the Maasai community within the Ngorongoro Conservation Area.Raised among wildlife, wide open plains, and rich traditions, Naite grew up surrounded by the natural beauty that today inspires her work.However, her early life was also shaped by the challenges many Maasai girls face.Like many girls in her community, Naite was expected to undergo harmful traditional practices at a very young age, followed by early marriage to an older man. Refusing to let her future be decided for her, she made a courageous decision to leave village life.With the help of a kind guide who had children her own age and believed in her potential, Naite escaped to Arusha town to pursue her education and her dreams.Her journey was not easy.She began her studies in primary school, continued through secondary school, and went on to attend two colleges—one specializing in education and another for postgraduate studies in accounting and tourism promotion.Through determination, discipline, and resilience, Naite completed her education and entered the workforce.After graduating, she worked for over five years, first as a teacher and later as an accountant in several companies.Yet her dream was always bigger than a job.She wanted to build something meaningful—something that connected her love for Tanzania’s wildlife with her passion for empowering women and giving back to her community.That dream became Joyful Safaris and Tours.For Naite, this company is not just a business.It is a platform to showcase the incredible wildlife she grew up alongside, the national parks she knows by heart, and the rich cultures of Tanzania.More importantly, it is a way to create opportunities for women who come from backgrounds similar to her [sensitive content]day, Joyful Safaris and Tours proudly employs:•Female safari and mountain guides•Five female office staff•Female porters for Mount Kilimanjaro and Mount Meru treksMany of these women come from very difficult backgrounds, and through this company, they are able to earn a living, gain confidence, and build independent futures.The company also supports women in Naite’s home village by purchasing traditional Maasai beadwork—bracelets, necklaces, and other handmade ornaments—helping local women generate income and support their families.In addition, Joyful Safaris and Tours supports vulnerable children through partnerships with orphanages such as Faraja Center and Sion Center Orphanage in the Kisongo area, which provides shelter, food, healthcare, hygiene, and education for orphaned and abandoned girls.
