Join us for your African adventure!
Alika Africa
- Located 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 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.
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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.
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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.
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.
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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.
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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 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 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 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 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.