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 Joni | 50-65 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
Wonderful Safari - So good we did it FOUR times!
Over the past dozen years we used Duma for 4 safaris. It was that good. Stacy is wonderful to work with. You can customize your trips however you like. We stayed in a variety of camps, including Duma’s camps (which were the best). The guides were knowledgeable and knew everything. You will not be sorry to use this company.
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Email Hal M. | 65+ years of age | Experience level: first safari
Incredible Safari Experience
If you’ve found Duma Explorers’ website or this review—STOP—you need not look any further for a safari operator. Duma’s owner based in the US, Stacy Readal, will organize an amazing safari for you with transparent and fair pricing, all while patiently answering your many questions about Africa. Stacy lived in Tanzania for 15 years, has been to all the parks she will recommend to you, and has a partner and other staff in Tanzania who will take you on your safari.
I just finished my first trip to Africa with Duma Explorers and could not have been more pleased with both the trip and the service we received before, during and after the safari. I started planning the safari over a year before we went. I looked at literally dozens of safari operators, including all the big names like Abercrombie and Micato, and contacted 4 of them to discuss different safaris and pricing. None of them were as knowledgeable or offered better rates then Stacy and Duma Explorers. None of them allowed me to deal with the owner of the company other than Stacy and Duma. Her detailed knowledge of Tanzania was tremendously helpful when planning where to go in Africa given the multitude of choices. I followed her advice on a number of trip details and was glad I did when we got there.
Our safari consisted of 3 camps in three parks: 3 nights at Kichuguu Camp in Tarangire; 2 nights at Sanctuary Ngorongoro; and 4 nights at Chaka in Ndutu (right on the border of Serengeti); which was followed by 4 nights at Gibbs’ Farm on the border of the Ngorongoro Reserve near Karatu. We also spent the first night resting from the long flight from the US at Rivertrees Inn (about 30 minutes from the JRO airport) and the last 6 hours of our trip resting and having dinner there before our flight home.
Service at all the camps was excellent. But the real star was Duma’s guide and driver, Isack. You will spend a lot of time with your guide on safari given that you will be on game drives 3-6 hours or more every day. I didn’t find that other companies discussed their particular guides with me, but Stacy did right from the start. She even tried to match up our respective personalities to insure a smooth safari. Isack was the perfect guide for us…he was patient with all of our questions, could spot game a half mile before we could see it, was a careful driver (which makes a big difference on TZ’s bumpy roads and when off-road) and was so knowledgeable, other drivers would stop us to ask him questions about the different parks and where to find the animals. And he could not have been more patient or kinder to my wife. He also cleaned his truck every day inside and out which many other guides did not do.
You will get “sticker shock” when you first price an African safari. Don’t let that dissuade you from going. It was the most expensive trip of my life but it was also the one for which I received the best value for the experience. It was magical from the first game drive to the last. If you like wilderness and seeing animals in their native habitat you will love a safari in Tanzania organized by Duma. It was a life changing experience seeing the grandeur of the landscapes and the thousands of animals inhabiting it that you can see in almost any direction you look.
Stacy stayed in touch with us throughout the safari as we were trying to figure out how to get the newly-required Covid test in order to return to the US. Her team in TZ made it happen, and our return was uneventful. And then even after the safari I heard from Stacy about returning money to me for a balloon trip which was cancelled due to high winds. I received excellent service from everyone at Duma from start to finish. And we felt completely safe in TZ as Duma’s guide, Isack, met us at the airport and dropped us off there at the end.
Perhaps the best thing I could say about Duma is that I will use them again when I return to Africa. I have to go back as there is simply no other place like it left on this planet.
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Email Melissa | 35-50 years of age | Experience level: over 5 safaris
Fabulous 6 Day Private Safari from Arusha to Central Serengeti- trip of a lifetime!
My husband and I booked our Tanzanian safari directly with Stacy, co-owner of Chaka Camps and Duma Explorer, which we highly recommend. You can plan a bespoke private safari staying in luxury tented camps for less than you might think. It really gave us peace of mind to know that we would have the same vehicle and guide to ourselves for our six day safari during the pandemic. If you’re considering Tanzania in 2021- GO! This is the time to visit when there are few tourists. There were only 10 vehicles in Ngorongoro Crate when we visited, often there are 400 vehicles a day during high season. The crater was something we would have skipped under normal conditions due to the crowds and I am so glad that we did not as saw so much wildlife- including critically endangered black rhinos.
One person made this trip a roaring success and that was our guide Isack. He can spot animals from a kilometer away without binoculars! It is truly incredibly what he could find on our game drives and this skill is only surpassed by his vast knowledge of all the animals, birds and flora in northern Tanzania. I learned so much on this trip and we have been on several safaris before. It was our best safari yet! The custom-fitted Land Cruiser with pop top is incredibly comfortable for hours of road travel and has some fabulous features like a picnic table embedded in the floorboard.
We stayed in luxury tented camps- Chaka Camp in Ndutu and Kiota Camp in the Serengeti. Beautifully decorated and oh so comfortable- glamping at its best with delicious food and welcoming hosts!
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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.
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 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!!!
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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 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 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!
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.