Duma Explorer Blog

Upcoming open trips

2012-01-27T12:34:00.002Z

We have many upcoming open trips available. Please check our open trips page for details.

2011-07-19T12:11:00.002Z

Great news! The Tanzanian government has announced that they will not move forward with the Serengeti Highway. Continue to read Serengeti Watch's website for further updates -- http://www.savetheserengeti.org/.

Serengeti Highway Update

2010-08-12T16:48:00.003Z

On July 31, the Tanzanian president stated that construction of the Serengeti highway will move forward, but that the section that crosses Serengeti National Park will not be paved. Even if the road is not paved, hundreds of large trucks will cross the Serengeti each day, having a devastating effect on the entire Serengeti ecosystem. Please visit Save the Serengeti's website for more information on what you can do to help stop the Serengeti highway.

KPAP clothing drive

2010-07-23T12:37:00.005Z

Kilimanjaro Porters Assistance Project is having a clothing drive in the USA to collect 10,000 pieces of mountain clothing and gear by October 1. Entitled '10,000 for 2010', donations are currently being accepted at Ranier Mountaineering Inc's base camp below Mt. Rainier in Ashford, WA. Please visit Ranier Mountaineering's website for more details.

New highway in Serengeti National Park

2010-07-04T06:17:00.005Z

The Government of Tanzania will begin construction of a highway through Serengeti National Park in 2012. 'By cutting through the northern part of the park, the proposed road would sever a critical corridor for the annual migration of hundreds of thousands of wildebeests and zebra, which has been rightly called one of the 'greatest spectacles on earth'. African Wildlife Foundation believes such a road would negatively impact conservation, wildlife and human security, and park revenues. Most importantly, the road would mar a national and global asset in which the rule of nature still predominates and the footprint of human activities is hardly visible.' (African Wildlife Foundation website)

Please visit the AWF website for more information and images of the current road plan.

Kolo Kondoa rock art

2010-06-14T09:44:00.002Z

Duma Explorer recently visited Kolo Kondoa, a World Heritage Site 275km south of Arusha. We highly recommend a visit for those interested in learning about Tanzania's early history. The paintings depict both human and animal figures and scenes and are believed to be at least 2000 years old. Please visit our new Kolo Kondoa page for more information.

Duma guides complete training

2010-05-24T13:06:00.002Z

Duma's safari and mountain guides the last four weeks in an in-depth training course on wildlife behavior and ecology. The course included three weeks of classroom lessons and one week of field training.

Recommended Lodge: Plantation Lodge, Karatu

2010-05-18T12:12:00.002Z

We recently visited Plantation Lodge in Karatu and highly recommend the property for safaris including Ngorongoro Crater and Lake Manyara. Each room has its own style and there are fresh cut flowers throughout the common areas and rooms. Plantation has beautiful gardens, many seating areas, a pool, and delicious food. However, the best thing about Plantation Lodge is that it is just as nice or nicer than other properties charging twice the price!

Wilderness First Responder training

2010-05-11T08:39:00.000Z

Five of Duma's mountain guides successfully passed Wilderness First Responder certification classes in April, 2010. The WFR course is an intensive, ten day course designed to train participants how to respond to emergency situations in remote settings.

Power restored in Zanzibar

2010-03-16T07:07:00.002Z

After months without power, electricity has finally been restored in Zanzibar. Power reaches Zanzibar via a dilapidated underwater marine cable from the mainland. This is the second time Zanzibar has gone without power for an extended period of time. There are plans to upgrade the cable with support from USAID.

Migration Update

2010-03-11T11:38:00.002Z

The wildebeest migration continues to stay in the Ndutu area as it continues to rain in Masek, Ndutu and the Ngorongoro slopes. Game viewing is excellent although some game drive roads have been closed.

Wildebeest Migration Update

2010-01-22T19:33:00.002Z

The wildebeest migration is currently in the Southern Serengeti area around Ndutu and Lake Masek. The recent rains have resulted in a very green Southern Serengeti which means ample food for the wildebeest and other ungulates in the area. Large lion prides and other predators have followed the migration into the Southern Serengeti.

Electricity in Zanzibar

2010-01-12T06:53:00.002Z

Zanzibar continues to go without electricity as the energy company has been unable to fix the underwater power cable from the mainland. Most hotels and restaurants have generators so the lack of electricity should not disrupt those visiting Zanzibar for holiday.

Porter English Course

2009-11-18T02:43:00.004Z

Duma's porters are currently taking a two week intensive English course in Ndatu Village near the town of Arusha. The course is conducted by an English instructor provided by Kilimanjaro Porters Assistance Project (KPAP) based in Moshi, Tanzania. Duma Explorer, a partner for responsible travel with KPAP, is able to take advantage educational opportunities provided by KPAP during the low season. Peak Kilimanjaro season will start again in mid-December.

Rain in Arusha

2009-10-29T03:35:00.003Z

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

2009-09-30T18:24:00.003Z

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

2009-09-23T08:27:00.001Z

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

2009-09-13T07:57:00.004Z

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

2009-08-26T10:11:00.003Z

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

2009-08-22T08:41:00.002Z

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

2009-07-23T10:30:00.002Z

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

2009-07-15T10:07:00.002Z

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

2009-06-04T07:07:00.002Z

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

2009-05-22T01:49:00.004Z

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

2009-05-07T18:04:00.002Z

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

2009-04-30T15:33:00.002Z

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

2009-04-14T16:21:00.003Z

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

2009-03-10T10:20:00.003Z

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

2009-02-25T19:30:00.002Z

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

2009-02-18T08:29:00.003Z

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

2009-02-13T08:19:00.004Z

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

Open camping safari

2009-01-22T19:53:00.003Z

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

2009-01-14T07:34:00.004Z

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

2009-01-12T15:56:00.003Z

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

2009-01-09T11:33:00.002Z

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

2009-01-06T06:44:00.003Z

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

2008-12-27T08:02:00.002Z

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

2008-11-26T05:34:00.000Z

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

2008-11-17T18:27:00.000Z

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

2008-10-31T18:29:00.002Z

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

2008-10-28T03:20:00.000Z

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

2008-10-21T20:24:00.000Z

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

2008-10-16T19:44:00.001Z

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

2008-09-30T05:21:00.000Z

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

2008-09-23T16:08:00.000Z

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.

Holiday Inn in Arusha

2008-09-08T13:13:00.000Z

The Holiday Inn (Southern Sun) is opening a new property near downtown Arusha. They are renovating the old Novotel Mount Meru Hotel, a beautiful property with acres of gardens. There are currently Holiday Inns in Nairobi and Dar es Salaam, both of which are lovely places to stay.

Tanzania in the Olympics

2008-08-12T18:26:00.000Z

Tanzania is represented by 10 athletes in the 2008 Beijing Olympics. Eight of the athletes are runners while two are swimmers. Since Tanzania began attending the Olympics in 1964, it has won two medals.

Last minute weekend trips

2008-07-29T19:53:00.000Z

We have last minute 3 day safaris open for this weekend (August 1 - 3) and next weekend (August 8 - 10). Please email us for details - info@dumaexplorer.com.

New mountain uniforms

2008-07-17T10:12:00.000Z

Duma provides its staff with high quality rain jackets on the mountain. Guides wear Gore-Tex Marmot Minimalist jackets while porters and cooks wear Marmot Pre-Cip jackets. All jackets are in Duma's orange color. To view photos of our staff in their jackets, please visit the treks page.

Serengeti Migration Update

2008-07-12T07:48:00.000Z

The lead herds of wildebeest arrived in the Northern Serengeti at the beginning of July. Mara river crossings have begun and guests visiting the Northern Serengeti should enjoy excellent game viewing from now until November. Duma Explorer recommends the following properties in the Northern Serengeti: Lemala Camp, Sayari Camp and Klein's Camp.

School assistance

2008-07-01T13:52:00.000Z

Duma Explorer assists a rural kindergarten near Arusha. For more information on how Duma contributes to the school, please visit our community involvement page. If you are interested in volunteering at the school before or after your safari, please let us know and we'll arrange a short project.

Winter in Tanzania

2008-06-27T18:51:00.000Z

Be sure to pack a jacket when visiting Tanzania in June, July or August! The average minimum temperature in Arusha in July is 12.4 degrees Celsius (54 Fahrenheit). The Ngorongoro Crater rim, which is at a higher elevation, can be as cold as 8C (42F). The temperature generally warms up in the afternoon so it is best to dress in layers.

Zanzibar International Film Festival

2008-06-24T06:16:00.000Z

The 11th annual Zanzibar International Film Festival (ZIFF) is scheduled for July 11 - 20. Films and other events will take place at the Old Fort and other selected sites around Stone Town. The theme for 2008 is Cultural Crossroads and the mission of the film festival is to promote and develop culture in the region. For more information, check out the ZIFF homepage.

Zanzibar electricity update

2008-06-18T07:24:00.001Z

The government is running tests on the electrical line from the mainland to Zanzibar and it is hoped that the power will be switched on Wednesday or Thursday (June 19 or 20).

Zanzibar out of electricity

2008-06-13T07:56:00.000Z

The entire island of Zanzibar has been out of electricity since May 21, 2008. Although the authorities are working on repairing the electrical line from the mainland, it is not known how long the island will be out of electricity. Many hotels and restaurants have generators, so visitors' stays in Zanzibar are not too affected by the electricity outage. Duma Explorer recommends checking hotel electricity schedules before booking accommodations.

Cheetah kill from Duma car

2008-06-08T07:56:00.002Z

Some of our safari goers were lucky enough to have a cheetah climb on the bonnet of their Land Cruiser. The cheetah used the high position of Duma's car to track an unlucky gazelle. View photos and an account of events here.

New Lonely Planet Tanzania

2008-05-29T04:57:00.002Z

The new edition of Lonely Planet Tanzania has just been released. The 2008 guidebook recommends Duma Explorer for both safaris and Kilimanjaro treks.

New extended cab Land Cruiser

2008-05-14T20:58:00.004Z

Duma has just added an extended cab safari vehicle to its fleet. The new Land Cruiser has been designed to comfortably seat up to 8 people and was built with a higher roof to allow for large windows. Electrical outlets allow passengers to charge camera batteries and other appliances. Click here to view a photo of the new car.

Open lodge safaris

2008-02-29T15:49:00.000Z

We've just posted two new open lodge/tented camp safaris. One is an nine day trip beginning June 5 and the other an eight day trip beginning June 23. Please email us for additional details at info@dumaexplorer.com.

Yellow Fever vaccination update

2008-01-30T09:49:00.000Z

Tanzania recently changed the rules regarding Yellow Fever vaccine requirements for entry to Tanzania. Travelers entering Tanzania from Yellow Fever endemic countries now must show proof of Yellow Fever vaccination to enter Tanzania. This includes travelers flying through Jomo Kenyatta International Airport. Travelers flying directly from Europe or North America do not need to show proof of vaccination when entering Tanzania. Yellow Fever vaccination will be offered at Kilimanjaro International Airport for USD 50/person.

Membership- International Mountain Explorers Connection

2007-12-14T09:47:00.000Z

Duma Explorer is proud to announce that it has been accepted as a partner for responsible travel by International Mountain Explorers Connection. Duma is one of just a few Kilimanjaro trekking companies to qualify for IMEC membership. In order to be a partner, Duma must adhere to IMEC's guidelines on porter care regarding wages and gratuities, loads, and provisions on the mountain. For more information on IMEC's guidelines for Kilimanjaro operators, please view their website at http://www.mountainexplorers.org/.

Open trips

2007-11-21T10:12:00.000Z

We have posted many new safaris and Kilimanjaro treks for 2007 and 2008. Check the itineraries page for details. If our dates don't work with your travel plans, please email us and we'll create a new trip for you.

Saving money on safaris

2007-10-31T07:39:00.000Z

There are a few months of the year when the lodges offer lower rates. April and May are the least expensive months to go on a lodge safari while discounted prices are also offered in March, November and the first half of December. Camping safari fees do not decrease at any time during the year but we do offer discounts during low season.

Buying Tanzanite

2007-10-20T08:05:00.000Z

Duma Explorer can arrange a visit with a local Tanzanite dealer in Arusha prior to or after your safari. Prices are USD 70 - 250 lower per karat when buying through a local dealer instead of a large souvenir store. If you are interested in making an appointment, please let us know.

Last minute camping safari available

2007-09-06T11:13:00.000Z

We've just posted a new camping safari starting on October 13. The safari is five days long and visits Manyara, Serengeti and Ngorongoro. The price is USD 900 - 1000/person depending on how many people join the trip.

Serengeti migration update

2007-08-23T09:12:00.000Z

The wildebeest migration is now primarily located on both the Tanzanian and Kenyan sides of the Mara River. While the best game viewing between now and November will be in the far northern area of the Serengeti, there are also excellent resident wildlife viewing opportunities in the central, west and southern areas. The best lodges and camps to visit during the next couple of months are Sayari Camp, Soit Sambu Camp, Klein's Camp, and Lobo Wildlife Lodge. Duma's preferred camp in the Northern Serengeti is Sayari Camp, a small tented camp located in a remote area near the Mara River. Email us for discounted prices on October/November safaris.

Did you know?

2007-07-12T11:49:00.000Z

The cheetah is the fastest land animal and can sprint up to 70mph over short distances. The cheetah is one of the only cats to hunt during the day and it has black tear marks underneath the eyes which are believed to be an adaptation to prevent glare during hunts. The cheetah expends so much energy while hunting that it must rest before consuming its prey. This results in a large percentage of the cheetah's prey being lost to other predators.

The cheetah is classified as among the most endangered species in the world and is listed in Appendix I of the CITES agreement. Because of its low genetic diversity, many cheetah cubs are lost to disease within the first three months of life. Many more are lost to predators. It is thought that only one in twenty cheetah cubs survives to adulthood. The Serengeti Cheetah Project is one of the longest ongoing studies of cheetahs in the world and you can read more about cheetah conservation at the Serengeti Visitor Center.

Open treks and safaris

2007-05-28T09:14:00.000Z

We have many open trips scheduled over the next few months. Please check our itineraries page for details.

Ngorongoro fee hike

2007-05-12T09:46:00.000Z

Ngorongoro Conservation Area is raising its fees for the second time in 18 months. The new fees apply to all Ngorongoro visits on or after July 1, 2007.

Conservation entrance: USD 50/person/day for tourists above the age of 15
Crater entrance: USD 200/vehicle/day

The new fees represent increases of USD 20/person for entrance to Ngorongoro Conservation Area and USD 100/vehicle for entrance to Ngorongoro Crater.

Did you know?

2007-05-03T19:04:00.000Z

The giraffe is the tallest living animal and can be found in many of Tanzania's wildlife parks. The giraffe has a long black tongue which it uses to feed on broad-leafed deciduous foliage. Giraffes live in loose, open herds and lose from 50 - 75% of their young to lion and hyena attacks.

New treks page

2007-04-25T03:15:00.000Z

We've recently updated our treks page. Please visit http://www.dumaexplorer.com/treks.html to view the new page. We've also posted a few new treks for this year so check http://www.dumaexplorer.com/itineraries_treks.php to see what is available.

Arusha's first art gallery: Artizanian

2007-04-14T02:56:00.000Z

Interested in buying African art while in Tanzania? Visit Artizanian Art Gallery, a nonprofit organization that works to support and promote the work of African artists. The gallery features oil and watercolor painting, iron sculpture and unique furniture designs. New selections are featured monthly. If you are interested in stopping by the gallery before your safari, please let us know. For more information on Tanzanian art, please visit http://tanzania.africancolours.net/.

New August Kilimanjaro trek

2007-04-10T20:41:00.000Z

We've just posted two new August Kilimanjaro treks. The seven day Machame climb begins on August 23 and the eight day Lemosho climb on August 22. Both climbs summit with the full moon. Email us for details.

Confused about travel insurance?

2007-04-02T20:48:00.000Z

QuoteWright.com can help you choose the insurance that best suits your needs. Receive quotes from several different insurance companies by entering trip details directly on the QuoteWright website. One of our clients climbing Kilimanjaro in May recommended this website to us. Thank you!

Finding flights to Africa

2007-03-27T13:58:00.000Z

The New York Times recently published an article on finding cheap fares to Africa. To view the article, click here.

We've moved offices

2007-03-07T13:35:00.000Z

Duma has moved its Arusha office from the Golden Rose building to PPF in Njiro. Our new office address is below:

PPF Oloirien Estate, Office #22; Njiro, Arusha, Tanzania

Cell phone rental

2007-02-14T09:29:00.000Z

We are now renting cell phones for $5/day for the duration of your Tanzania safari or Kilimanjaro climb. We include a phone line in the cell phone, but you must add credit to the phone before using it. Email us for details.

New April Kili climb and safari

2007-02-03T07:40:00.000Z

We've just opened a new April Kilimanjaro trek and camping safari. The Kili climb follows the Machame Route over six days and the camping safari is a five day trip that visits Lake Manyara, Serengeti, and Ngorongoro Crater. The climb runs USD 1379 - 1549/person and the safari USD 875 - 925/person. Dates for the trip are April 2 - 7 for the climb and April 8 - 12 for the safari.

Last minute Kilimanjaro climbs

2007-01-11T13:11:00.000Z

We have two open February Kilimanjaro climbs. The first runs from February 4 - 10 and the second from February 13 - 19. Both climbs are seven days and follow the Machame route. Please refer to our itineraries page for pricing.

Update on Serengeti airstrips

2007-01-07T10:05:00.000Z

The Seronera Airstrip is still closed, so flights are being rerouted to other airstrips in the area. Airstrips in the Southern Serengeti remain closed due to heavy rain.

Cell phones in Tanzania

2006-12-28T13:05:00.000Z

If you would like to stay connected while on safari or on Kilimanjaro (yes, cell phones work on the mountain), we recommend purchasing a local Celtel SIM card after arriving in Tanzania. International calling rates are reasonable at approximately USD 0.40/minute and you simply add credit to your phone to use it. There are no upfront costs other than the SIM card which is USD 1.50. To use a Celtel SIM card, you must have an unlocked, tri-band mobile phone.

Rain, rain, rain

2006-12-22T14:44:00.000Z

It is still raining heavily in Tanzania, and some safari roads are flooded. Several airstrips in the Serengeti are closed, and it is now impossible to reach some of the lodges. A hurricane is developing off Tanzania's coast, and it is unlikely that the rain will end anytime soon.

Seronera Airstrip closed

2006-12-18T10:09:00.000Z

The Seronera Airstrip is currently closed for repairs. It should reopen by December 26. Flights that are scheduled to leave via Seronera are now being rerouted to depart from Fort Ikoma.

Short rains

2006-12-10T13:07:00.000Z

This year's short rainy season has been unusually wet and Tanzanians and visitors can look forward to a long green season. The wildebeest migration, which follows the rain, is already approaching the Southern Serengeti Region. Game viewing during the busy holiday season should be excellent.

Ban on plastic bags

2006-12-04T06:57:00.000Z

Tanzania's government recently banned the thinnest type of plastic bag which are used in most small stores across the country. The ban should help rid the country of the ubiquitous bags which are seen along Tanzania's roads. The bags, which are approximately the width of cling wrap, take up to 1,000 years to degrade.

New January Kilimanjaro trek

2006-11-05T14:39:00.000Z

We've just opened a new January Kilimanjaro trek starting on January 2 and ending January 7. The climb is six days and follows the Machame route. The price is USD 1,479.00/person.

Open February Kilimanjaro climb

2006-10-28T04:48:00.000Z

We have just posted a new Kilimanjaro climb. The seven day Machame trek runs from February 4 through 10. The price is USD 1659/person.

Breast cancer fundraising climb

2006-10-23T08:29:00.000Z

Duma Explorer is operating a fundraising Kilimanjaro climb for the Breast Cancer Foundation of Western Australia. The seven day climb starts on December 28 and the climbers will ascend via the difficult Umbwe Route to Crater Camp. To make a donation or learn more about the climb, please visit the following website:
http://www.breastcancer.org.au/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=79&Itemid=163

New open trip: December

2006-10-18T15:02:00.000Z

We've just posted a new five day camping safari. The safari runs December 13 - 17 and visits the Serengeti, Ngorongoro Crater, and Lake Manyara. THe price is USD 750/person.

New open trip

2006-10-09T06:48:00.000Z

We've just opened a new camping safari. The trip starts on October 17 and is seven days long. It visits Tarangire, Lake Manyara, Ngorongoro Crater and the Serengeti. The trip is USD 980/person. There are currently two people on the trip. Email us for details.

Electricity at safari lodges

2006-10-07T07:10:00.000Z

Most of the safari lodges operate on generator power, which means that electricity is not available 24 hours a day. Ask the front desk when you check in as to when electricity is available at the lodge. Most lodges turn off the generators during the middle of the day and then again at 11pm.

Ngorongoro Conservation Area fee increase

2006-10-05T13:11:00.000Z

Ngorongoro Conservation Area authorities have raised the daily entrance fee for Ngorongoro from USD 30/adult to USD 50/adult. The new fee will be charged starting January 1, 2007.

Arusha news

2006-09-20T11:31:00.000Z

Arusha, Tanzania's tourism capital, is where Duma's safaris and Kilimanjaro treks usually start and end. If you are interested in reading Arusha's local newspaper before you visit Tanzania, please read The Arusha Times online at www.arushatimes.co.tz. The newspaper covers local news and events including the International Criminal Tribunal for Rwanda.

Wildebeest migration update

2006-09-06T08:50:00.000Z

The wildebeest migration has now moved into the Maasai Mara and most northern areas of the Serengeti. The best overnight locations from now until the end of November are Sayari Camp, Klein's Camp and Olakira Mobile Camp. These camps are all luxury camps and we recommend flying to these locations. We recommend that camping or budget lodge safaris visit the Central Serengeti as the resident wildlife viewing in that area is great year round given the high concentration of cats.

Lodge reviews

2006-08-28T15:18:00.000Z

Interested in reading our thoughts on lodges in Tanzania's national parks? Duma has posted reviews and photos of several lodges in Serengeti, Tarangire and Lake Manyara National Parks. Please visit our lodge page at http://www.dumaexplorer.com/lodges.html. As we visit lodges, we'll post new reviews.

Current open trips with Duma

2006-08-16T14:11:00.000Z

August 31 - September 6: Seven day camping safari. US $1050/person
October 4 - 12: Nine day Kilimanjaro Lemosho climb via Crater Camp. US $2449/person
December 18 - 24: Seven day Kilimanjaro Machame climb. US $1559/person
December 25 - 29: Five day camping safari. US $750/person

Current open trips with Duma

2006-08-16T14:06:00.000Z

August 21 - 25: Five day camping safari. US $750/person
August 25 - 30: Six day Machame Kilimanjaro climb. US $1329/person
August 31 - September 6: Seven day camping safari. US $1050/person
October 4 - 12: Nine day Kilimanjaro Lemosho climb via Crater Camp. US $2449/person
December 18 - 24: Seven day Kilimanjaro Machame climb. US $1559/person
December 25 - 29: Five day camping safari. US $750/person

Serengeti migration update

2006-08-10T08:58:00.000Z

The wildebeest migration has moved to the Northern Serengeti and some groups of wildebeest have already begun crossing the Mara and Bolagonja Rivers. The wildebeest have dispersed into several smaller groups and should remain in the Northern Serengeti area for the next several weeks.

Open camping safari- August 21 - 25

2006-07-24T09:57:00.000Z

We have an open five day camping safari that begins on August 21. The itinerary inlcudes Tarangire, Serengeti, and Ngorongoro Crater. The price is USD 750/person assuming that two people join the trip.

The differences between cheetahs and leopards

2006-07-18T15:05:00.000Z

As cheetahs and leopards are similar in size and shape, many safari-goers get them confused. Here are some easy ways to tell them apart-
Cheetahs are the smaller and lighter of the two carnivores. They are built for speed and chase down their prey over long distances. They are usually found in open grasslands while leopards are in woodland areas. A cheetah's spots are round and solid while a leopard's have a hollow center.
Leopards are heavier and more densely built than cheetahs. They generally hunt at night and they pounce on their prey rather than chase after them. If they do chase at all, they run for only a few meters. Leopards are often seen in treetops while cheetahs are seen on the ground.