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
US
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!
US
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.
US
Email Suman | 35-50 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
Customized Trip of a Lifetime
Duma Explorer organized a custom safari for 6 nights/5 days for my family and friends and it was absolutely fantastic. From the accommodations (tent camps) to the food to the customer service provided by our driver and camp staff, every detail was well thought out. We visited Ngorongoro Crater, Seregenti National Park, Ndutu and Tarangire. I was so impressed by our driver, who was able to spot animals from a mile away but also was incredibly knowledgable. He knew where to go, how to find the big 5 and his driving skills were first class. We chose to stay at the camps that Duma owns and they were beautiful. You felt like you were in a 5 star hotel room only you were glamping! It was really cool to hear the wildlife at night, including lions roaring! We had delicious food cooked throughout and hot showers to order. They even brought us tea/coffee in the morning directly to our tents. If you want to go on a safari with the highest level of customer service and stay in comfortable and thoughtful camps, you should definitely book with Duma. Stacy is very easy to work with through email and very responsive.
US
Email Jen | 20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Outstanding in every way!
Every aspect of our experience from start to finish was exceptional. Stacy was so helpful and responsive as we were planning over email. Our guide Kawaga and our tour blew us away. The camps we stayed in were so luxurious and the service was impeccable. It was the experience of a lifetime and I can’t imagine how it could have been better.
US
Email Ellen | 50-65 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
Short, 3-day safari
My daughter and I took a three day safari with Duma Explorer in January. We were in northern Tanzania for other reasons and wanted something we could fit in our schedule. I contacted a few companies looking for a moderately priced private safari. I chose Duma because Stacey was responsive, discussed options, and answered all my questions. Additionally, I liked that they employed their own guides and owned and maintained their own vehicles (many companies hire guides and rent the vehicles by the trip). Even though we weren’t hiking, their membership in the Kilimanjaro Porters Assistance Project (https://kiliporters.org/what-we-do/) told me they treated their employees well, which was important to me. (They were founding members.)
We went to Tarangire National Park and Ngorongoro Crater. Our guide-driver, Sifuni, was excellent. He was so passionate (in his quiet way) and so knowledgeable about the animals. We were amazed at his skill finding distant animals we could only see with binoculars. He provided so much information about the animals and knew when to stay put because he thought the animal we were watching would move. He was determined to help me get photos of distant rhinos, using my phone and binoculars, which was successful. He was also a skilled and very safe driver both on the highways and on the muddy park roads. He paid attention to our comfort and interests. He didn’t make us stop at any souvenir shops, which we were not interested in and which I’ve heard many drivers do. My daughter and I really felt his goal was for us to see as many animals as we could. The Land Cruiser was not brand new but solid and comfortable. We were provided plenty of bottled water, binoculars, and guide books (although after an initial look at the books, we found Sifuni could answer all our questions).
I also chose Duma because we stayed in the Tarangire Park one night and in the crater rim another, which meant less driving and more viewing time. Both lodgings were very nice. In Tarangire we stayed at Kichuguu Camp, a beautiful and luxurious tented camp that was much more of a high end accommodation than we expected. The second night we stayed at the Rhino Lodge, a comfortable and friendly mid-range accommodation. (While we wanted a mid-range price, I think Duma will also arrange higher end lodging.) The food was great at both places. We were provided with large bag lunches each day that included a variety of foods. Additionally, Duma arranged for our guide to pick us up at our out of the way location between Arusha and Moshi. Finally, we stopped by the Duma office the first day and saw their vehicles and facilities.
I was pretty anxious about finding a safari company, especially because I was not looking for a high end company that had offices in the US. (Duma does have staff in the US, which makes payment easier.) Even doing a lot of research, it is a leap of faith to send money off, but the Duma safari turned out to be so much better than my daughter and I expected. I highly recommend them and am happy to answer any questions.
US
Email Kapish Goyal | 35-50 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
Kilimanjaro Climbing 8 day lemosho route
I had the opportunity to fulfill my dream of climbing Mt Kilimanjaro. The trip started with Duma explorer.Our head guide name was Emanuel Mungure. I was once sick , Emanuel found me and gave me medication to feel better. Emanuel, Always went above and beyond to take care of us with availability of water and handling our luggage including carrying mine while i had altitude sickness.I wouldn't be able to conquer and realize my dream without his help.. It was full of exotic experiences, including both high adventure and tranquil moments. We met the locals, learned history, witnessed incredible sun rise and sunsets , and most of all got to know the country's culture. This was all facilitated by our wonderful guide, Emanuel. He orchestrated the trip in his meticulous style, yet provided us with enough freedom to make it exciting. although Samuel had been working as a porter he helped me on the last day if the summit by carrying hot beverage without which it was not possible for me to accomplish my climb.Thank you so much for your attention to detail and for a wonderful lifetime memory!
CA
Email Enid | 65+ years of age | Experience level: first safari
Best Safari ever
Duma Explorer is an exceptional company. Stacy Readal worked with us to plan an 8 day safari and took care of every detail from pick up at Kilimanjaro airport, a two night stay at the beautiful Rivertrees Inn to an 8 day safari.
We stayed at 3 tent camps owned by Duma and one owned by another company. There was no comparison. While the other camp was nice, the Duma camps were exceptional. The staff was professional, welcoming and attentive. When we asked for adjustments to the packed lunches the camp chefs came to talk to us to understand what we wanted and produced wonderful options. The ability of the staff to provide tasty, varied meals in the bush is truly incredible. The tents themselves are solid and once inside you can’t believe you are in a tent. Comfortable beds, sitting tables and chairs with a fully equipped bathroom. Furniture is locally made, beautiful and comfortable. Each camp has a different theme and artwork to reflect. Camp fires are made in the evening and the settings are beautiful. The managers of the camps are friendly and helpful. Chaka sent us off with a song and dance. The manager at Kiota arranged to have the toiletries bag with my malaria pills that I left in our tent flown to Arusha in time for me to get it before boarding our flight to Zanzibar.
And then there was our incredible guide and driver Chaduu. I can’t say enough about this wonderful man. He was kind, considerate and very knowledgeable. He patiently answered our many questions even when we asked two days later because we couldn’t remember all that he had told us. He knew where to find animals, spotted them from far away and got us very close often just feet away. He explained the animals behaviour, knew the names of the many bird species and talked about how various plants are used. Chaduu was also an excellent driver navigating wet, muddy, slippery roads sometimes resembling small rivers. We saw numerous other vehicles get stuck in the mud and twice stopped to help pull jeeps out. Chaduu always stopped if another Jeep needed help.
Don’t miss Tarangire or Nudtu if the are doing a safari. In Tarangire we saw 100’s of elephants and many other animals. In Nudtu you are able to drive off road and get close to the animals. We also did an interesting tour in Mto Wa Mbu where we learned about crops, bananas, how different tribes build their homes and much more.
Duma provided a trip that we will always remember. Thanks to all of the great Duma staff.
US
Email Tori | 20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
7 Day Tanzanian Safari - AMAZING Experience
My husband and I had the pleasure of going on a 7 day safari with Duma Explorer. We went to Tarangire National Park, Serengeti National Park, and Ngorongoro Crater. The safari was the greatest experience of our lives and we could not have had a better time. I am so happy in our decision to go with Duma and we loved all of the Chaka Camps!
We felt unbelievably lucky to have had Ebenezer as our guide. He made us feel comfortable and welcome immediately and calmed any nerves we may have had. He knew EVERYTHING and we were asking what felt like 100 questions a day. He was kind and compassionate, always checking on people pulled over and checking in with people along the way. We could tell immediately he was a truly good person. In addition to all that, he was an unbelievable guide. He was able to spot things forever away and almost always saw things before my husband and I did. He spotted many things throughout the day that other groups around us missed. We had a few other tour groups (not Duma) tell us they wish they had our guide!
We will be suggesting Duma to anyone we talk to that’s interested in planning a safari, and I hope they are fortunate enough to have Ebenezer as their guide!
Trip of a lifetime!
I booked and planned our 10 day safari with Stacy. We stayed at three of Duma's camps - Kichuguu, Kiota and Chaka. They were all exceptional! Do bring ear plugs if you are a light sleeper, or if you have a wild imagination. The animals make a lot of noise at night, but rest assured, the camps are very safe. Each and every staff member at all three camps were outstanding - we have never met such warm, welcoming and sincere individuals! Everyone was incredibly attentive, engaging and a delight to be around. The accommodations were beautiful ("glamping" is an understatement) and the food was delicious, but it was the staff that really made it special. I will also write individual reviews of each camp - but a big warm thank you to Charles and Jubilate at Kichuguu, Eric at Kiota and Godlisten and Amani at Chaka Extra!
The game viewing was incredible! Watching different animals of all ages interacting in their natural environment left us speechless. We saw jackal pups pop their heads out of their den, a 2 day old elephant learn to walk, a female lion try to entice a male lion to mate, hyenas hiding in the brush, wildebeest crossing the river, lion cubs playing, a baby hippo who's colouring had yet to change and was still bright pink, and so much more.... We strongly recommend tailoring your choice of parks based animals you are most interested in seeing. I love big cats and therefore chose to spend 5 nights in the Serengeti. A special thank you to our guide Isack who was incredibly knowledgeable and engaging and could spot a lion in the distance while driving 60km/hr down a dusty road! We shared some great stories and a lot of laughs during our time together.
I also want to point out that throughout my interactions with Stacy and our observations during our safari, Duma Explorer is truly dedicated to nature conservancy. Their guides are extremely respectful of the animals and their habitat. Unfortunately we observed other companies going off the road, chasing animals and driving far to close to them. Isack always stayed on the road and approached the animals quietly and slowly, making sure that both we and the animals were safe at all times.
After our safari, we flew from the Serengeti to Zanzibar and stayed at the Sunshine Marine Lodge. The on-site dive shop, DivePoint was excellent. Again, Stacy co-ordinated all of this for us and everything ran smoothly.
If you are looking to book a safari, look no further - Stacy and her team at Duma Explorer will ensure you have a trip of a lifetime! Stacy is incredibly responsive and made all the difference when we contacted her mid-safari with an issue. She resolved the situation quickly and effectively and even contacted us at that time to follow-up and again after our trip. Stacy truly cares about her clients and their experience.