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
KR
Email Scott | 50-65 years of age | Experience level: over 5 safaris
Another Great Safari to Tanzania
In August 2021, we were able to make a long anticipated and COVID delayed trip to Tanzania. The trip was originally schedule to be last year and 8 persons. Due to various travel restrictions both in the home countries as well as Africa, I finally was able to return to Tanzania with my adult daughter. I had visited in 2009 with my wife and wanted to return but it took 12 years to return after 6 other safaris in other South and East African countries. My first trip we used Stacy and her team at Duma and they did a tremendous job so we reached out again. Stacy was able to put together a well priced safari covering 12 days in Tarangire, Ngorongoro, Central/Northern Serengeti, and finishing up in Ruaha. Unfortunately, due to COViD it was delayed but Stacy was always responsive to help us return. There was probably over 100 emails from various members of our party over the next 12 months covering the safari and COViD protocols, etc. The Duma team was always responsive. In fact, Duma was able to make changes and find better options as some of the originally booked camps had ceased operating temporarily. We ended up with significantly upgraded lodges/camps due to Stacy’s knowledge and diligence.
Now on to the actual safari. Our guide/driver was Isack who we used previously. He has many years of experience and is a Gold level guide and very knowledgeable and friendly. We started with 3 days in Tarangire at the Lemala Mpingo Ridge lodge. We were one of the few visitors so most of the sightings were just me and my daughter. We saw lions every day, leopards two our of three days (albeit it a bit far away for pictures), and even cheetahs. Of course, we saw numerous elephants that Taragire is famous for along with herd after herd of zebra and others. We even came across a porcupine in the middle of the day which was unusual. We stayed at the Sopa Lodge on the rim and closest to the entrance. Due to its size, some safari goes avoid it but the lodge was great and the food was the best we had at any of the lodges.
Ngorongoro was like last time amazing. Other than not having good luck with the Rhinos (they were too far away) it was wonderful. I have been on 8 African safaris to date but this is the first time we were able to watch a kill (lion hunting zebra) from start to finish. We watched as the lioness slowly and patiently crept to zebra, as the zebra not aware of the lion and turning directly toward her, and the sudden burst of speed to take the zebra down in 3 seconds and then finish the kill.
The Serengeti also provided great game viewing including numerous leopard and lion sightings including young cubs of both. Cheetah were also sighted but again a bit far away for the best photos. We witnessed a river crossing (by ourselves) within 30 minutes of arriving at the Mara river Northern Serengeti. Isack had a hunch based on his years of experience and went to a different area than the other vehicles. Turned out a herd of probably 2,500 wildebeest came to the river and quickly crossed without the normal back and forth that can sometimes take hours. We also saw another 3 crossings in the next day or so. Finally, finished up with a Serengeti Balloon ride a dawn. My daughter had this on her bucket list but I always did not go myself as I wasn’t sure the price was worth it. Turned out it was well worth it and an amazing time and lots of fun.
After finishing up the Northern Circuit, we flew directly from the Northern Serengeti to Ruaha. We stayed at the Jabali Ridge Lodge and it was amazing. Due to a low number of visitors, they gave my daughter her own room and they did a great job making sure we were well taken care of. The food, guiding and services was top notch. The camp manager was so friendly and helpful. Ruaha is a wild gem of a park and glad we went. While I was hoping to see wild dogs, they were too far away to go looking for. We did, however, had great sightings of most everything else including a prolonged fight between a leopard and baboons in the tree. Quite fascinating watching them go back and forth.
Overall, a great safari experience again and made even better by the hard work and creativity of Stacy and the Duma team to make it all work without a hitch. Thank you.
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Email Ashley | 20-35 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
Haven’t ever had a better tour operator (Stacy)
One of the best safari experiences I reckon. I wanted to end the year watching the wildebeest and in the plains, and got exactly what I wished for. Chaka camp is an all inclusive (except alcohol which isn’t too pricey) camp and you will get a private guide. I went on a solo trip and I was expecting that I had to share a guide but I had my own!!
My guide Godson has a way of finding all the lions! We were able to see male lions which are much more difficult to see! Lots of lions, some amazing leopards and just the best time.
Stacy, who runs Chaka camp, made it all happen. She was able to help me arrange everything properly, give me great and amazing ideas on what to do, and advise me on the most cost effective methods. I was denied my flight to Tanzania but I was able to speak to Stacy who recommended perhaps going by Kenya. I was able to enter Tanzania with ease. She also made sure I was connected with the staff to get the Covid testing I needed to return to Kenya and continue my trip. All in all, one of the best experiences I could imagine, with the best crew.
Service here is impeccable! Especially coming back to my tent and having a nice heated bottle to keep my bed warm after dinner!!! 1000% recommended and I will definitely come back!
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Email Aryana | 20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Unbelievable experience - will forever be grateful to Duma Explorer!
We traveled through Duma Explorer to the Ngorongoro Crater, central Serengeti, western Serengeti, and ended in Stone Town, Zanzibar. I cannot say enough positive things about our experience - it was truly the trip of a lifetime.
Stacy, one of the Founding Directors of Duma, acted as our initial point of contact and very patiently and graciously helped us plan a bespoke trip that met our needs and interests, while navigating various COVID-19 restrictions and concerns. She took care of every last detail and was extremely communicative and accommodating, even during our trip. The trip itself was unforgettable. Our guide, Isack, is someone we will forever hold in our hearts. He possesses deep, extensive knowledge about every animal and plant we encountered and each ecosystem we visited. He is a veteran guide, having done this for 25 years and taught himself the various routes years ago without the help of GPS! The experience felt meaningful and genuine with him, rather than commercial, and we really appreciated how much he respected the animals. We greatly enjoyed each and every day driving around with him and cherish the time we had together.
Safari itself is unforgettable. You are well and truly out in the wilderness where nature reigns and it is an awe-inspiring and humbling experience. The tented camps are luxurious and comfortable, and the staff are exceptionally attentive. We were also glad to visit Stone Town and experience some culture and history and have the chance to snorkel in the Indian Ocean (incredible snorkeling!) at the end of our trip - it was the perfect way to wind down after safari before heading home.
Thank you, Duma Explorer!
Kilimanjaro Mountain Magic!
Our experience, transportation, and lodging were excellent with Duma Explorer for our Kilimanjaro climb. They really created a magical experience for our large group of 15+ friends.
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Email Denise | 65+ years of age | Experience level: first safari
A Truly Fantastic Adventure
Our trip originally scheduled for May 2020 was halted as the world went into darkness under the threat of COVID. After months of battling with the airlines we received a refund for our flights and with some gentle encouragement from Stacy Redal, owner of Duma Explorer, we rescheduled and did not cancel our trip.
We just returned from our first safari organized by Duma (May 15-28, 2021) with Ebenezer as our guide. With the eyes of an eagle and driving skills on rain-soaked roads that would match any Indy 500 race car driver we were show the best of Tanzania's Northern Circuit. Our party of 3 (hubby, son & I) have forever been marked by the beauty of the Serengeti, the diversity of its plants and animals and most of all by the graciousness of the people.
We were rewarded with beautiful weather, breath taking views from Tarangire Safari Lodge, elephants, cape buffalo, baboons, birds, monkeys, impala and a couple of lions welcomed us on our first day. Unfortunately, the tsetse flies heard that Americans had come to visit and they made sure we would never forget them as well.
Having Ebenezer as our guide was an absolute joy. He was a wealth of information, had a wonderful sense of humor and always manage to answer my many, many, many questions. He promised us we would be able to see part of the migration and the man made good on his promise. A+.
COVID safety precautions were practiced in all the lodges and camps, plenty of hand washing/sanitizing stations and mask worn by staff. We stayed at Four Points Sheraton, Tarangire Safari Lodge, Rhino Lodge, Lemala Ewanjan, Escarpment Luxury Lodge and Ameg Lodge with no problems at all. We also went to markets in Arusha, Mto wa Mbu and Moshi and enjoyed being among the locals.
We would have been lost without the help of Omary, Duma's General Manager, who got us registered for our COVID test and Ebenezer who was right by my side as I navigated the paperwork necessary to pay for our test. Their help was greatly appreciated. As a side note I had more COVID testing done for this trip than I had experienced as a health care worker during the entire pandemic.
I can honestly say I have never taken a trip where I felt more supported, pampered and cared for than with the service provided by Duma. Truly a trip of a lifetime!
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Email Majid | 35-50 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Once in a lifetime trip ... amazing tour operator
Every aspect of my Serengeti safari and Kilimanjaro climb was top notch. I was initially hesitant to travel to Africa, but a friend could not stop talking about their trip to Tanzania and how great Duma explorer was, so I was convinced to contact Duma. To start with, Stacy (the owner) was amazingly knowledgeable and helpful talking me through the different options and what to expect. This was my first visit to Africa and I had a lot of questions (and a few concerns). Stacy made me feel totally comfortable and super excited.
On the ground in Tanzania, the climbing and safari guides were amazing and all the logistics were smooth. The guides were full of life, funny, motivating on the climb, and had an amazing ability to find and spot wildlife. I wasn't confident I could make it to the summit but the guides were great, pacing us along the way, singing and making jokes. I was so happy to make it to the top and seeing the sun rise from the slopes of Kili on summit day was surreal - a truly once in a lifetime experience. On safari in Serengeti, I was amazed at how bountiful the wildlife was. It was common to see thousands of wildebeests or zeebra, 10s of elephants, a pride of 5-10 lions, a pond packed with hippos ... the guides knew exactly where to go to be surrounded by wildlife. It was just like being in a national geographic documentary!
The combination of an American owner and a local team really is the best of both worlds. A reputable operation, first class service, local logistics know how, and guides that know EVERYTHING about the wildlife and Kilimanjaro. I could not have asked for a better trip.
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Email Monica S. M. | 35-50 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Incredible, once in a lifetime experience in the Serengeti and climbing Kilimanjaro!
I went with a group of friends on a Duma Explorer safari. After our Safari, we climbed Kili. It was the most incredible trip I have ever taken. We had such a wonderful time enjoying nature, watching animals in their natural habitat, taking photos of them, and camping. Our luxury tents were amazing. The staff and porters always made sure we were taken care of and all of our needs were met. The food, transportation, accomodations, and all logistics were managed for us.
Climbing Kili was a magical experience and my first mountain I had ever climbed. The staff kept us safe and did everything they could to ensure we made it to the top and down with amazing photos & great memories. I actually met my husband on this climb. I can wholeheartedly recommend Duma, from the patient and thoughtful staff to the detailed itineraries, fabulous facilities and quality gear. A lot can go wrong on a trip like this, but nothing did and I'm sure it was due to the experienced staff of Duma.
We are planning another trip with Duma, this time to Zanzibar!
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Email Joe | 50-65 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
Mind-Blowing and Incredible!!!
I went for 2 months, and it was absolutely incredible! The service, reliability, and care was fantastic. I had a million questions before committing, and it was all answered. Then the adventure was extreme, but always top-notch. I could write an encyclopedia about all the amazing stuff that happened, but I've discovered with friends that it is up to what you want to hear. In short, it was absolutely spectacular in every way. I camped, moved around, did Tarangire, Manyara, Ngorongoro, Natron, Serengeti, and more, plus multiple locations within. The guide, Isack Msuya was simply fantastic! It was truly life-changing, and fascinating in every detail. You never know what to expect in the wild, so be prepared to be shocked, enthralled, days of tears being overwhelmed, days of wonder being in the sublime of brilliance. Everyone w/ Duma was top notch, including the food preparation/service every day by Jamal. Simply amazing!!!
Email MAEH | 35-50 years of age | Experience level: over 5 safaris
Best in Class. Knowledgeable. Personal Experience. Individualistic. Trip of a Lifetime.
Duma is an outstanding company. I have been on multiple safaris, Kilimanjaro climb, and Mt Meru climb with the company over a number of years. The owner, Stacy Readal, caters to every trips' needs and builds out wondering plans to ensure the guest gets an outstanding trip, sees wildlife, immersed in the surroundings of Tanzania.
The service, value for money, reliability and experience are all first class. You get a true Tanzanian experience. Experience the Migration or see the amazing wildlife if not migration season (I've seen both).
I can't recommend this company enough to choose for your tour.
Lastly, the company is safety conscious whether that is going up Kilimanjaro or on your safari for the day. They care about you as and individual.
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Email Adriana B | 20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Unbelievable Full Serengeti Safari
It likely goes without saying that any visit to Tanzania will be worth five stars, regardless of who you select as your guide or where you stay. But it’s difficult to put into words how our time with Duma Explorer, our guide, Isack Msuya, and Chaka Camp made the visit unforgettable in numerous ways, and exceeded the highest expectations.
Planning was stress free and seamless when working with Stacy to personalize our route from Arusha through the southern, central, and northern Serengeti, despite short notice (less than 2 weeks before arrival). Stacy went out of her way to give us multiple options and arrive at an itinerary that was perfect for us. Pick ups and logistics in the park were seamless. Ultimately we did a day at Ngorongoro Crater, a drive from the Crater to the northern Serengeti with game drives in the central, and 2 days in the Northern Serengeti to see the Great Migration and Mara river crossing.
The accommodations at Chaka Camp were the proverbial cherry on top of each incredible day. The setting is stunning and to be surrounded by the sounds of lions, zebras, hyenas, and wildebeest during the night is something we will never forget. The food is excellent and you can be sure you won’t go to bed hungry. We were fortunate enough that Chef Simba and company prepared a traditional Tanzanian meal on our last evening, which they graciously shared. There isn’t much more special than enjoying an invitation to share in someone’s traditions and food culture, and that is a meal I will surely never forget (PS Simba, if you come across this review, I’d love it if you were still willing to share the green banana soup recipe!). Needless to say, Chaka Camp stands head and shoulders above any of our stays during previous vacations.
As to our guide, we were beyond lucky to have Isack lead us through magnificent Tanzania. He is a man who is warm and friendly from the start, eager to answer any and all questions (no matter how obvious or stupid) and teach you about the land he loves and calls home. He is patient and accommodating, constantly working to make your time together unique and special. His years of experience (20+) result in spectacular game drives, navigating off memory alone and traveling to the most remote locations to find the most difficult to spot animals. His passion for Tanzania, the wildlife, the people, and the places, is on full display at all times. He refuses to compromise his respect for the parks and its animals, something we were most grateful for. So often it seems lost that you get what nature is willing to give, and if you can’t respect that, you likely shouldn’t be there. We cannot thank Isack enough for sharing so much wisdom and knowledge. Beyond that, we must thank Isack for sharing his experiences and life with us. Because of that, we feel we can truly consider him a friend.
We firmly believe that a trip is not truly memorable without the people you meet and the relationships you build along the way. And that is what really sets this company, and the experience they offer, apart. Everyone we met along the way were lovingly warm hearted and welcomed us with open arms, as if we were long lost friends. It’s difficult to express what it meant to have people so willing to share their culture, language, traditions, and knowledge so enthusiastically. While we only spent a short time with Isack and Chaka Camp, they will be the first people we seek out when we make it back to Tanzania. Truly, we only wish we had more time.
A quick note about traveling to Tanzania during the corona pandemic. We felt incredibly comfortable at all times traveling through the country, while on drives, and at the lodgings. Tanzania as a whole appears to have taken all necessary precautions to ensure safety. Hotel staff all wear masks and hand sanitizer is abundant. If you feel you can safely travel domestically, you will find a trip to Tanzania just as safe. As a favor to the Tanzanian people, and as a responsible traveler, it’s a best practice to be tested as close to departure as possible, so as to avoid endangering others. Otherwise, there is very little to be concerned with, except enjoying your adventure.