Jacqueline Laizer

Emmanuel is known in Tanzania as the pioneering conservationist and visionary founder of Betheli Expeditions. He grew up in the picturesque village of Sekei, nestled at the foot of the renowned Mount Meru, often referred to as Socialism Peak, standing tall at 4,566 meters in Northern Tanzania. Emmanuel's childhood was a tapestry of natural wonder, surrounded by rolling hills and mountains, where Maasai elders would gather to trek to the mountaintops, offering prayers and reverence during drought and generational transitions. In those early days, Emmanuel and his peers were entrusted with tasks like collecting firewood and tending to cattle on the mountainside. The lush forests teeming with wildlife, from antelopes to baboons and a myriad of bird species, provided a vibrant backdrop to their daily lives. The pristine water streams that flowed down from these peaks sustained the local river, a source of local fishing adventures. The distinct rule of not bringing fish smell home reflected the traditional Maasai dietary preferences, which have evolved over time. Over the years, Emmanuel observed a shift in the landscape and the disappearance of once-thriving wildlife habitats. The question of where the wild animals of his youth had gone weighed heavily on his mind. It wasn't until after completing his high school education that Emmanuel realized his true calling lay in conservation. In 2005, he embarked on his journey at the College of African Wildlife Management, where he discovered that transforming nature into tourist attractions could directly benefit local communities while conserving precious ecosystems. His educational journey continued with a stint at The National College of Tourism in Dar es Salaam, where he studied tourism. Emmanuel's career in the world of adventure tourism took flight in 2007 when he became a mountain guide. By 2010, he transitioned to become a safari driver guide, and from 2012, he assumed the role of a tour consultant. In 2013, he further expanded his responsibilities as an operational manager, ensuring the utmost satisfaction and safety of guests exploring the captivating landscapes of East Africa. In late 2018, Emmanuel and his wife Jacqueline embarked on a transformative journey by establishing Betheli Expeditions. The challenges of entrepreneurship only fueled their determination, and it quickly became evident that this was their true calling. With a shared vision, they now find themselves in a position to inspire and uplift the younger generation. As the founder of Betheli Expeditions, Emmanuel is a fervent believer in the power of education and community involvement to protect and preserve nature. His commitment extends to supporting orphaned children and those who need help affording school fees and supplies. Through various initiatives, including the purchase of bracelets crafted by Maasai women, supporting local markets, and engaging customers in the cause, Emmanuel and Jacqueline are making a lasting impact on their community and the environment they hold dear. Emmanuel Laizer is not just a tour operator; he is a pioneer of conservation and a beacon of hope for the next generation. Join him on a journey of adventure, cultural enrichment, and meaningful impact by experiencing Betheli Expeditions, where every step taken is a step towards preserving the wonders of Tanzania for generations to come.

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.