Rain in Arusha

The short rains have started in Arusha at last. The long rains that usually occur from March until May did not reach Arusha this year so the recent rains have helped relieve extreme drought conditions in the area.

Ndatu School update

In August 2009, Duma finished construction on Ndatu Kindergarten, the school it supports in a rural area outside Arusha. The building consists of two classrooms and an office. For more information and photos, please visit our giving back page. We would like to thank everyone who donated time, money and supplies to the school over the past two years.

Safari praise: Isack Msuya

Isack was a wonderful guide, and we really enjoyed our safari! As we were especially interested in birds, we were so pleased that he knew all the species names and that he got us to the locations where we could photograph them. He seemed to enjoy watching the animals as much as we did, which made him a pleasure to travel with. He worked hard every day to make things comfortable for us, and the safari turned out perfectly. I would give him the highest possible recommendation.

The Bay Leaf

Duma has a favorite new hotel in Arusha. The Bay Leaf opened its restaurant in 2008 and the hotel in 2009. The food is excellent and the rooms are beautifully decorated. Whether stopping by for lunch or staying the night, you're sure to have a wonderful time. Email us if you want to include The Bay Leaf as part of your Tanzanian vacation.

Open trips in September

We have several open safaris and treks in September. Safari start dates are September 3, 5, 15 & 26 while climb start dates are September 8, 10, 15 & 29. Please email us for itineraries and pricing.

Recent trip comments

We both miss your country dearly as well as the fantastic company of Isak and Amini. Besides the majesty of the country those two guys could not have been better hosts if their lives depended on it. It was so obvious that Isak was one of the elite guides out there. He always knew where to find the animals and did it with the utmost respect for the animals and the parks themselves. At no point did we ever feel like we were in danger, or that we would get lost as long as we were with Isak. Being in the hands of Isak embraced the feeling of no worries. He is a fantastic man and one you are probably very proud to have as one of your team members.

Now for Amini, well, we rarely eat with such abundance and flavor. He is truly a master at what he does. What is even more admirable is how he does what he does with such pride and genuine concern for appealing to our likes, needs and wants. We were always so well fed and cared for, that, in the amazing surroundings we were in is what fairy-tales and dreams are founded on. I could go on forever ranting and raving about these two but words are almost not enough to give them the praises they so merited. We miss them very much!!!!

New extended Land Cruiser

Duma Explorer has purchased a 2009 Land Cruiser which will be ready for safari in August. The vehicle has an extended cab which can fit up to eight passengers comfortably. The new Land Cruiser is perfect for group safaris.

Volunteers at Ndatu Kindergarten

We've had three groups of volunteers spend time at Ndatu Kindergarten over the last month. Volunteer teachers spent time organizing the classroom and teaching students. A family of volunteers spent time in the classroom and decorated the walls and painted furniture. Five groups of high school students are currently finishing a second classroom by cementing the floor, painting the walls and furniture, and decorating. This group of students will also lay water pipes and level the future playground. If you are interested in volunteering at the school, please email us for details.

300 trees planted

Duma planted 300 indigenous trees in the Arusha area in April and May. As safaris have a heavy carbon footprint due to the amount of diesel fuel used, Duma plants trees each rainy season to offset its carbon emissions. Trees are planted during the rainy season to ensure survival. Average diesel fuel consumption on a seven day safari is 200 liters which produces approximately 0.50 tonnes of CO2 emissions (www.carbonfootprint.com).

Last minute camping safari

We have just posted a last minute camping safari. The trip is five days long and starts June 3. The price ranges from USD 1000 - 1150/person depending on how many people join the trip.

Porters complete first aid training

Twenty-five of Duma's mountain porters will complete their first aid training course May 11, 12 & 13. This is the second session of training and it is conducted by a Wilderness First Responder licensed instructor. After completing the course, some porters will continue with English lessons.

Guides complete Wilderness First Responder course

Kilimanjaro guides Msuri Moshi, Thomas Mambali and Godbless Suma successfully completed a thirteen day Wilderness First Responder training and practical in April. The internationally recognized program trains participants to respond to emergencies in remote settings.

Rains in Arusha

The much awaited rainy season has finally arrived in Northern Tanzania. It is now raining almost daily in Arusha and the surrounding areas. The rains should last until sometime in May.

Recent Kilimanjaro testimonial

I wanted to mention to you that I thought the quality and professionalism of your guides was outstanding. We could not have had a better trio of guides looking out for our well being on the mountain. They were excellent in every possible way and I thank them for their dedication of having us reach our goal. Two of the guides took a special interest in my injured knee and made sure that I got safely down from the summit to the gate. I cannot say enough about their attention and care. Treat them well, as long as you have guides such as these three your business is in good hands.

Hotel and safari discounts

The hotels in safari parks and on the islands continue to offer special deals due to the global economic downturn. Now is a great time to go on a luxury safari so email us for details on how to take advantage of the discounts.

First aid training for mountain porters

Duma Explorer conducted a three day first aid training course for 20 of its porters from February 4 - 6. The course was conducted by a Wilderness First Responder instructor and was followed by nine days of practical training during one of Duma's Kilimanjaro climbs. The porters will attend a second training in March, and three Duma guides will attend a ten day Wilderness First Responder course in April.

Holiday Kilimanjaro climbs

We've just posted new December Kilimanjaro climbs. Please visit our open trips page for more information.

Open camping safari

We've just opened a new camping safari starting on February 27. The trip is five days and visits the Serengeti, Ngorongoro Crater and Lake Manyara. The price is USD 1000 - 1150/person depending on group size. Email info@dumaexplorer.com for more details. 

Mafia Island

Duma owners Stacy Readal and Hezron Mbise are on a familiarization trip on Mafia Island. Look for a new page on Mafia after they return from their trip next week. They are staying at Pole Pole during their visit but will visit several other hotels on the island. Activities in Mafia include swimming with the whale sharks, diving, mangrove walks, tours of ruins and sand bank visits.

Recent testimonial - Kilimanjaro

Everything was great - amazing experience. Every person on the crew was kind and caring and they became our friends. We felt like we had the best crew on the entire mountain! Wonderful time - thanks.

New restaurant in Arusha

The Bay Leaf has just opened in Arusha. This new restaurant offers guests fine dining and a great wine menu in the center of Arusha. It is easy to visit The Bay Leaf for lunch or dinner for guests staying on the east side of town. The Bay Leaf will open several rooms and suites for overnight guests sometime in the next couple of months. 

Recent testimonial - Isack Msuya

Taken from a December evaluation: 'Our guide, Isack, was incredible. He answered every question we could think of and more. His experience as a safari guide and a committed naturalist was very apparent. It seemed that this was not just a job for him - it was his passion. We were so impressed with his knowledge and command of English, his respect for the parks and animals, his apparent driving and guiding skills, and his terrific attitude - we really had fun with him. We felt so lucky to have him, and we would recommend him for any type of guest on a Duma trip. Isack is truly an ambassador for Tanzania's tourism industry.'

New website

We have just launched a new www.dumaexplorer.com! The new site has much more information about the trips we offer and additional details about booking your trip and what to expect while in Tanzania. If you have any questions or can't find something because it has moved, please email us and we'll be happy to direct you to the correct page. 

2008 Travelers’ Philanthropy conference in Arusha

The 2008 Travelers' Philanthropy conference is set to start in Arusha on December 3. The three day conference provides a unique opportunity to learn about responsible tourism in Tanzania, East Africa and around the world. Click here for more information. 

Duma at WTM in London

Duma Explorer attended World Travel Market in London from November 10 - 13. The travel trade show is the biggest of its kind and features travel companies from around the world. The Tanzania stand featured more than forty hotels, safari companies and tourist services in Tanzania. 

Luxury safari discounts

Luxury properties in Tanzania have started offering discounts for new bookings. Discounts apply through March 31, 2009, and include properties in Tanzania's most beautiful wildlife parks. Email us for details.

Arusha National Park canoe ride

Book a last minute game drive and canoe ride in Arusha National Park. A day trip is available on October 31 for $200/person. Email info@dumaexplorer.com for details.

Kilimanjaro Marathon

The 7th Kilimanjaro Marathon will take place in Moshi on March 1. A full and half marathon as well as a fun run take place in the foothills of Mount Kilimanjaro, the world's tallest free-standing mountain. 3,200 people from 40 different countries participated in the run in 2008.

Michelin experienced chef in Arusha

A new small lodge has opened fifteen minutes from Arusha. Onsea House features a Michelin experienced chef and many residents consider the restaurant to be the best in Arusha. The restaurant features a delicious blend of European and African cuisine. The small hotel can accommodate approximately ten guests and is great for a small party.

Kempinski in Tanzania

Kempinski is opening two new hotels in Northern Tanzania, one in Ngorongoro Conservation Area and another in Serengeti National Park. The Serengeti property will offer spa services and luxury villas with private pools.

The Kempinski chain currently operates the most luxurious hotel in Dar es Salaam and another large resort in Zanzibar.

Migration Update

The Northern Serengeti continues to offer excellent game viewing with wildebeest river crossings, predator activity and elephant herds. The recent rain in this area has caused some of the wildebeest herds that were in Kenya to turn back to Tanzania. The Northern Serengeti will continue to offer excellent game viewing until early November.