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 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!
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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!
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 Vivek Chander | 50-65 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
Amazing, Available, Great Advice, Flexible with trip changes
We had a GREAT trip with Duma Explorers. Stacy helped us plan an amazing trip. She was always available and helpful with her advice. Because of the Covid pandemic, there were a number of changes to our travel plans and Duma explorers was always able flexible and accommodating with our changing plans.
Our guides were excellent through the safari. We were lucky enough to see a lion kill a warthog - that we named Joel. We also spent some time with a cheetah and her cubs . We saw a Zebra being born and wildebeests everywhere.
They also assisted us with travel within Tanzania to Zanzibar and Mafia Island where we swam with the whale sharks. A once in a life time amazing experience. We stayed at Pole Pole based on Stacy's recommendation - It was great.
I would unequivocally recommend Duma Explorers for your safari and travel needs in Tanzania.
SE
Email Sofia | 35-50 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Excellent service and a fantastic trip!
Just came back from a 7 days private safari. We got to see all the Big Five and over 40 different species. We had the best guide and Duma Explorer planned the perfect trip! All accomodations were excellent with great staff and food!
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Email Dave | 35-50 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Duma Explorer planned the perfect family safari
We are a family of 4 (kids ages 3 and 11) and barely knew where to start planning a safari trip to Tanzania. Stacy, the owner of Duma Explorer responded the next morning with a great itinerary. I instantly connected with her since she lives in the Bay Area and is also a parent. She tailored our safari trip as we continued to communicate. Most safaris require a large down payment, so it’s critical you trust the company arranging your trip. Duma Explorer delivered an incredible itinerary, great vehicles, and most importantly, an AMAZING guide, Ebenezer. He was extremely knowledgeable, very patient, and had great interaction with our kids. We were very fortunate to have Ebenezer as our guide on this once-in-a-lifetime trip.
We saw so many animals in every location - words can't describe it. Just in the Ngorongoro Crater, Ebenezer guided us straight to a pride of 9 lions pursuing herds of wildebeests and buffalo. We were very lucky to see a Black Rhino and there were hundreds of animals including spotted hyaenas, golden jackals, impala, wildebeests, buffalo, gazelles, hippos, elephants, zebra, flamingos, and many more. In the Serengeti, the wildebeest migration filled the horizon with animals. We were fortunate enough to see a leopard, and on the last day, we watched a cheetah chase a Thompson gazelle.
Our itinerary was in/out of Kilimanjaro, Tanzania (JRO), had 12 days in Tanzania from mid-March to late March 2022. We only have great things to say about each of the locations we visited and stayed at. We spent 1 day in Tarangire National Park | stayed at the Elewana Tarangire Treetops (great staff, wonderful experience), 2 days at Ngorongoro Crater | stayed at Ngorongoro Crater Lodge (amazing property, staff, and views!), 3 days at Lemala Ewanjan Camp in Central Serengeti (great location, awesome staff, and accommodations), 4 days in Zanzibar (2 nights at Zanzibar Serena, 2 nights Melia Zanzibar, which was pure luxury).
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Email Family from California | 35-50 years of age | Experience level: first safari
We highly recommend Duma Explorer, they were perfect from beginning to end!
We just returned from a trip with Duma Explorer. We highly recommend this company! We did a one-day Kilimanjaro hike, Ngorongoro Crater, the Serengeti, and a Maasi Experience. All of our activities were fabulous - we have zero complaints. Our driver Ebenezer was really talented at spotting wildlife. We saw the big 5 at the Crater and 4 of the 5 in the Serengeti. All of the lodging was great with excellent food and service. We couldn't recommend this company more!
Excellent in Every Aspect!
We booked a trip to Kenya through Duma Explorer in June. The communication prior and during the trip were outstanding. I felt totally prepaired when we arrived thanks to their guidance and planning. We spent 8 days on the trip visiting parks, hiking, biking, animal viewing and going to the beach. The vehicle we traveled in was comfortable and perfect for the terrain. The camps and hotels were even nicer than described. We say the "Big Five" within the first few hours of entering the Mara. The best part of our trip was our guide Kikitu! He was the perfect match for our group. Funny, patient, incredibly knowledgable and knew about everything there was to know! He made the trip beyond perfect. I felt like every little thing had been considered and taken care of. It was a life changing experience that I give my highest recommendation to.
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Email David Stern | 50-65 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
Exceeded our expectations!
We loved our Duma Explorer trip! I traveled with my 28-year old daughter and her fiancé. I heard about Stacy and Duma Explorer from a friend in Rwanda, and I was really impressed with Stacy's 20-year experience in Tanzania and with her commitment to support her Tanzanian team. I like supporting in-country businesses vs. large international ones. Stacy was super responsive to our requests to pack in a lot in five days and to spend less on accommodations (which were all very good with great food and outstanding staff). We hit the jackpot with our driver/guide, Isack, who was absolutely phenomenal. He is a master guide, an encyclopedia of wildlife, and was able to identify every bird and animal we saw. Plus, he is a great spotter! He spotted a rhino on the horizon, and we couldn't believe it, but we take a blurry photo through the binoculars, and it confirmed it was a rhino. I also saw how all the other drivers/guides respected his leadership/expertise. He met our appetite for long days but without causing stress or over-doing it. He is a great driver and a fabulous storyteller. His passion and enthusiasm were contagious. I can't say enough good things about him and our experience. Bottom line: I highly recommend Duma Explorer!
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Email Jo Dixit | 35-50 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Expertly Tailored Bucket List Vacation to Tanzania's National Parks and Zanzibar - Stacy Readal
Stacy Readal of Alika Africa/Duma Explorer is an absolute treasure! She planned a bucket list of 3 weeks of vacation for our family to Tanzania's National Parks in the North Circuit and a beach vacation at Zanzibar that exceeded all of our expectations.
Stacy is an American, residing in San Francisco. She has over 15 years of living and working in Africa, including extensive travel throughout the continent and fluency in Swahili. She knows exactly what families like ours are looking for in a safe, luxurious, and fun vacation in Africa. She used her unique understanding of both America and Africa to design a custom bucket list vacation for our family.
As a professional and an expert in her field, she demonstrated high availability, and her communication was top-notch. Despite the time zone difference (while we were in Tanzania and Stacy was in CA), she was always available to answer our questions and connect with us.
Her attention to detail and high-touch experience made us feel truly special. She went above and beyond to ensure that all of our needs were met, and she even helped us with special requests such as Indian vegetarian food and Masala Chai. Her ability to negotiate great deals with luxury tent operators was impressive, and she made sure that all of our local flights and transportation were seamless and hassle-free.
The National Parks that Stacy organized for us to visit in Tanzania were nothing short of breathtaking. From the lush and diverse landscapes of Arusha, to the vast and wild expanse of Tarangire and the Serengeti, to the otherworldly beauty of the Ngorongoro Crater, every park offered a unique and unforgettable experience. And the true highlight of our trip was the time we spent at the beaches of Zanzibar. The crystal-clear waters and powdery white sand were like something out of a dream.
Her team on the ground in Tanzania was friendly, and professional, and provided top-notch service. Omary, Milcah, Robert, Isack, and especially our Tour guide Ben were always available to answer our questions and provide assistance, and they made sure that our trip was an unforgettable experience. Stacy's leadership and her team's dedication to their clients is truly remarkable. We felt well taken care of throughout our entire trip, and we couldn't be more grateful for the wonderful memories we made.
I highly recommend Stacy, her team, and Alika Africa/Duma Explorer to anyone looking to plan a dream vacation to Africa. She is an expert in her field and will go above and beyond to make sure that you have an amazing experience. Five stars all around!
