Join us for your African adventure!
Alika Africa
- Offices In:
-
United States
- Size:
- 20-50 employees (Founded in 2004)
- Member Of:
- Association for Promotion of Tourism to Africa
- Tour Types:
- Custom mid-range & luxury tours that can start every day
- Destinations:
- Price Range:
- $180 to $1,500 per person per day (USD, excl. int'l flights)
for a custom tour
Your request will be sent directly to the operator
If preferred, you can contact the operator directly
Reviews
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Email Sophie | 20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Amazing Experience, Wonderful Company
Fantastic company!! We are in our early 30’s and decided to go on a private, 2-person safari in late August 2020 in Northern Tanzania. We decided to go with Duma after contacting about 15 different recommended companies from Lonely Planet. We went with Duma as they were the easiest/fastest to communicate with (Stacy), had the best price, had unlimited miles/gas & water, pays their employees fair wages, and showed professionalism.
What we experience was beyond our expectations. We went with a camping 10-day safari where we saw over 5 national parks including the Serengeti. Everything was well planned and organized from the time we booked to picked up from the airport to dropping us off at the end of the trip. The food was great, we were always well taken care of and informed. During camping, we were able to be close to the animals while always feeling safe under the stars.
If we had gone on a safari during the high season, I would have preferred lodges as you would not have to wait for showers or camp in close proximity with other campers. However, low season camping was the perfect option for us.
Guide (Isack):
We had the best guide, Isack. He takes great pride in his work, loves and respects nature, cares about his clients, and was always very professional and funny. He has amazing eyesight, fantastic ability to track animals, and an incredible amount of information to share about the ecosystem, history, and every animal you see. He respects the animals and the park which is not always the case with guides. We absolutely loved spending 10-days with Isack. He has loads of information to share, but also allows you to experience the sounds of nature. We were able to see absolutely everything we imagined and more. You can tell he’s quite experienced as he navigates the vast Serengeti off memory.
We were able to see all of the below but not limited to:
Rhino (Just one but they are very hard to spot)
Giraffes
Lions (male, female, cubs), including a hunt & mating
Elephants
Water Buffalo
Wildebeests (including watching 2 river crossings)
Cheetahs
Leopard
Zebra
Owls
Baboons
Impalas/Water Bucks/Topi/Gazelle/DikDik
Silver backed monkey
Crocodile
Hippo
Eagles
Flamingo
Hyenas
Jackel
We are not birders, but more birds than I could possibly name.
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Email Jonathan | 35-50 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Once in a Lifetime Experience
We just got back from a week long budget safari in the northern circuit of Tanzania. We had an incredible time and we are grateful to Stacy and her team at Duma Explorer. It was a pleasure planning our trip with Stacy. She was always available whether by email or phone to discuss plans for our trip.
Our guide Isack MsuyaI was awesome! Besides for having an incredible eye for game¸ he was very professional and responsible. There was a lot of logistics that went into our trip and Isack was on top of it and provided a smooth experience. As a whole we felt that all of Duma’s employees that we came in contact with were professional and took great care to make sure our trip was special.
On our las day¸ our flight was cancelled. We were supposed to leave the Serengeti at 2:45 pm but had to leave 10:30 am. That meant we were going to be stuck at JRO for close to 12 hours. Before I could even reach out to the office to discuss other options¸ Isack got a message that they already arranged to have a guide meet us at the airport when we arrived and take us to Arusha National Park. They also arranged for us to have a walking safari at the park which turned out to be one of the highlights of the trip.
I highly recommend Duma Explorer and if we ever make it back to Tanzania I will for sure be using them again.
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Email Janet Smalley | 50-65 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Professional, Experienced, and Knowledgeable Staff - Could Not have Asked for A Better Tour Company!
Our family used DUMA Explorers for a Kilimanjaro climb as well as a safari trip, and could not have been in better hands! This was our first international travel experience, so I had a lot of questions and concerns! DUMA took the reins and really helped me coordinate the many legs of our trip, arranged for transport, recommended lodging, and gave me great advice on where to focus or time. This trip was a life changing event for our family, we loved every aspect of it! My daughter 21 yrs old, niece 24 yrs old, and I (51 yrs old) were the only members that climbed Kilimanjaro (yes, I was the slow one)! We had Msuri and Joseph as our mountain guides, they were excellent guides and really prepared us for what to expect and what to do (none of us had ever attempted a mountain climb, much less at this altitude). We never got altitude sickness like many others, and all three of us made it to the summit (I give full credit to Msuri & Joseph for getting me to the top)! The rest of the family joined us after our mountain climb and we did a 1 week safari with Alex. He was extremely knowledgeable, great sense of humor, spoke several languages, and we were able to see all the wildlife we were hoping to and many more we knew nothing about. What I loved most about DUMA is their involvement in the community and their commitment to the care and welfare of all their employees. They are fully committed to bringing a higher quality of life to the area, versus just selling tours.
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Email Elaine | 65+ years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
Duma is absolutely fabulous!
As the main planner for a family group of 6, I looked at dozens (out of the more than 1000) safari operators in Tanzania. I was more than a bit nervous about ensuring that each of us had a wonderful experience. Duma nailed it--there is good reason why all of the reviews of Duma rate it a 5.
The combination of a locally owned/operated company in Arusha plus Stacy in the US to make planning easier is a plus. Add to that Stacy's patience (sure to ensure that your custom safari is just right), the seasoned, expert camp staff (all of whom are attentive, lovely to be around, and seemed so happy in their work!), and the luxurious tent camps.
We ran into flooding/muddy roads and while we enjoyed drinks and dinner and campfire, our guide Isack and the team at the Arusha office seamlessly moved us from our planned camp (flooded beyond reach) to a new campsite. We were totally spared any angst that might have marred our stay.
Even after 10 days in Tarangire, Ndutu/Serengeti, Ngorongoro Crater pus a final night near Mt Killi base camp to see us off from Africa, we were definitely NOT ready to leave! Do stay as long as you are able.
We selected Isack as our guide because of the rave reviews he has received and we totally agree. An expert naturalist (knowledgeable not only about big and small animals, but also the birds, the vegetation, the geology and how the terrain is changing), he was by far the best tracker around and an excellent driver/mechanic (see: flood and mud above).
Duma will provide the experience that you want, at a reasonable price, and with the assurance that everything will will be done right. Even when nature interferes with your plans.
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Email Dawn and Eric | 50-65 years of age | Experience level: first safari
A magnificent trip in a magical part of the world!
I am happy to share our fabulous Tanzanian experience with Duma Explorer, and I would highly recommend this expedition company to anyone. Our party of six embarked on our 12-day adventure in late January 2020, after several months of research. We knew that there were dozens of options and outfitters, but we were attracted to Duma because of their reputation, their social responsibility, and because they employ their own guides and staff from Tanzania. The cost was also quite reasonable compared to many other companies.
Once we chose Duma Explorer, the planning with Stacy was very easy. She was flexible and accommodating. Communication throughout the planning process was generally handled by one other member of our party, and she shared Stacy’s ideas with us via email. We went back and forth with Stacy several times, to get the itinerary just right for our preferences. Stacy truly listened to our interests. As an example, we were able to minimize internal flights and to avoid long back-and-forth drives.
Our itinerary allowed us to go to Tarangire National Park, Ngorongoro Crater, Olduvai Gorge, the Ndutu region, and Serengeti National Park. We ended our trip in the Kilimanjaro region, near the base of Mount Kilimanjaro. It was quite exciting to see hiking expeditions leave from the park entrance.
Isack was our guide and fearless leader, and we absolutely loved being with him for the entire trip. He was warm and funny in a very understated way. His vast knowledge of the animals, birds, topography, and people made for an educational and truly enjoyable experience. He took great pride in his job. Every morning we were treated to a completely clean Land Cruiser, including exterior, windows, and interior. We did not see many other vehicles given the same daily treatment. The staff at the camps were very professional and helpful, and they all seemed eager to make our stay enjoyable. The accommodations at the camps were all very high-end, and the food was well-prepared and plentiful.
Given the current world situation, we feel so grateful that we experienced this magical place when we did. We encourage anyone considering a safari expedition in Tanzania to book with Duma Explorer.
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Email Bill Brininstool | 65+ years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
Our very best holiday.
My wife was reluctant to go on this safari arranged by our son. We're in our 70s and the thought of roughing it in tents and the lack of bathroom facilities worried her, she suggested we make this a boys only outing. Being assured that each tent included a toilet and shower, in separate areas, she finally agreed to go. The tents, with carpeted floors, king size beds, clean bathrooms were very comfortable, and the wake-up by staff with hot coffee and cookies dispelled any idea of roughing it. The camp food was great and sitting around the fire pit after dinner with a drink in the evening was relaxing.
Ebenezer, our guide was completely knowledgeable of the animals and often spotted game that we and other guides didn't see. He was also an excellent and safe driver. The 3 parks, Tarangire, Serengeti and Ngorongoro were beautiful and we saw all the big game animals including leopards and rhinos.
We've been lucky and lived in Mexico and Thailand and have traveled all over Asia, Australia and New Zealand, the Nile, as well as Europe. Before this Bhutan was our favorite holiday, but my wife agreed our Duma safari was the best of them all.
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Email Marcella | 50-65 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
No better folks to climb a mountain with
In June 2018, 10 of us (5 each from 2 families) landed in Tanzania to climb a mountain. I did extensive research before we booked and Duma Explorers checked all the boxes. We wanted a company the was affordable, but more importantly one that treated the staff equitably and fairly. Prior to the trip, we were provided with all of the information we could ever need to make ourselves feel prepared. Communication was fast and easy. We were blown away by our experience. Each of the staff went beyond themselves to get to know us and to find out the little things we might like. We felt like the Kings and Queens of Kilimanjaro. We always had the best camping spot with the best views because the staff would rush off to beat the other companies there. The food was fantastic. It was clear from talking with the staff that they felt well cared for and that they absolutely loved Mt. Kilimanjaro. Our group aged from adults in their 50s to young adults in their teens with a wide variety of experience and fitness, but they managed not only to get us all to the top of the African continent, we were all at the summit together as a group. If you are thinking of any type of adventure in this part of Africa, and Duma has something available then there is no better choice. You will come away with some of the best memories you have ever had and you will meet some of the kindest people on earth.
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Email Brad | 20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Like a well-oiled machine!
I used Duma for a combo 8-day Lemosho route Kili climb and 5-day safari and cant say enough nice things about my experience. From the get-go Stacy was very responsive to my emails and questions (yes, there were many) and made it super easy to get my trip set up and organized. Stacy has me stay at the Tumaini Cottages for my nights not on the climb or safari and arranged for easy pick up and drop off for all activities. The climb itself was incredible and our guides Mike and Nelson (and Dickson!) took excellent care of us throughout the trek and helped us get to the summit. We spent the 8 days with a group of genuine and fun guys and ended up making some great new friends. As for the safari, I very happy with our driver, Isaac, who was not only an excellent driver, but also knew everything there is to know about the wildlife in the various parks that we visited. We ended up seeing the big five because Isaac somehow spotted a leopard lying on a tree branch ~100 ft away - no idea how he was able to see it, but thankful nonetheless. If you're looking for a smooth and responsible outfitter for either a kili climb or safari, you should look no further than Duma!
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Email Mike | 50-65 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Northern Tanzania Safari Circuit
Class Act, Duma. Awesome Guide (Chaduu). Highly recommended. Very nice camps. Stacy will tailor a trip to fit your needs. Don't wait to see this part of the world.
Email Ahmed M. | 35-50 years of age | Experience level: over 5 safaris
Arusha Nationa Park and Lake Natron
Just returned from an amazing family and friends’ trip to Arusha NP and Lake Natron. This is our fourth Safari with Duma Explorer and this safari company continue to excel every time. Stacy and her team took good care of all the safari details, including organizing the expedition to Lake Natron, an off-the-beaten path cultural safari in the Lake Natron region. After our arrival in Kilimanjaro Airport, George our guide and driver drove us safely right away to Arusha National Park (the smallest of all NP in the Northern Circuit). He took the time to show us every corner of park including the alkaline Momellas Lake and the pink flamingos. You can see all other animals, elephants, giraffes, gazelles, waterbucks, etc. but the amazing landscapes so close to Arusha City are part of the enchantment of this park. We spent the first night in Arusha Rivertrees Country Inn, lovely place with amazing staff and food. The second day we drove directly to Lake Natron enjoying the views of the eastern Rift Valley. On the way to the Lake we visited a small archaeological site in Engaruka, a site dating from the 15th Century and abandoned at latest in the mid-18th century. The site still poses many questions, including the identity of the founders, how they developed their farming system, and why they left the site. Visiting the local Maasai communities was enjoyed by all the group. Aside from the time spent with the Maasai communities, enjoying the views of the Youngest Volcano of East Africa, Ol Dinyo Lengia and the pink flamingos in Lake Natron, the family agrees that the best two activities were the Hominid footprints site near Lake Natron (well preserved footprints from at least 19,000) and the waterfall near Ngaresero, quite an adventure for the family, as long you bring a local Maasai guide.
Duma Explorer did a great job planning this trip and it is great to know that you have an entire team caring for your family and providing customer focused service at all moments during your safari.