What to expect on safari with Duma
A typical day on safari will start early and end late; bumpy roads and changing conditions mean flexibility is a must!
Your typical day may start early. Enjoy a light breakfast around 5:30 AM and head out just before sunrise for an early morning game drive. Temperatures are cool, and animals are still very active; big cats may be enjoying the spoils from their night hunts. After a few hours, return to your camp or lodge for lunch and a break. Enjoy camp amenities during the hottest part of the day while the animals are resting. Most properties have excellent wildlife viewing opportunities directly from your room or the common areas. Many also have libraries, usually filled with wildlife guides and explorer memoirs.
The early evening game drive will usually be teeming with wildlife viewing opportunities. Predators start to stir, and prey animals are more active and alert. You’ll return just before sunset and freshen up before pre-dinner drinks and dinner. Relax around the campfire before bed, or head out to a night-time game drive. Duma’s vehicles are equipped with powerful spotlights, and our guides can usually spot any wildlife before you will. You may catch the elusive leopard high up in a tree; a night time drive can be quite memorable.
Night game drive vehicles are equipped with powerful spotlights, and night guides can usually spot any wildlife before you will. Driving at night is a different experience as you see different species and hear different sounds than you do during the day. There are fewer vehicles, and the parks are quiet. If you’re lucky, you’ll see pangolins, porcupines, civets, and genets. Also, large cats such as leopards and lions are more active at night and you may catch them mid-hunt.
Your Duma vehicle will be equipped with the following: charging station, binoculars, guide books, Maasai blankets, fly swatters and a basic first aid kit. Bottled drinking water is also supplied.
While images of African safari can evoke old world glamor, one reality is that if you need a restroom break during your drive, you’ll be in the bush. Vehicles are not equipped with restrooms so you’ll be ‘using the loo’ behind the nearest bush or even the vehicle. Please remember to use the facilities before embarking on a drive, and avoid consuming large amounts of tea or coffee beforehand. With enough warning, guides can usually get you to a proper restroom.
Also, bear in mind that game drives can be long, hot, and rough with a lot of bouncing around; most routes are not paved, and you’ll be driving under ‘off-road’ conditions most of the day. You’ll definitely enjoy a free ‘safari massage’ as you move between exciting wildlife viewing opportunities. Be sure to pack a hat, and wear or bring lightly colored and lightweight long-sleeved shirts for sun protection.
Another constant with your safari ride will be some kind of critter or another. Tsetse flies with an annoying bite, and mopane flies can be abundant, and mosquitoes may also abound, depending on the season. Dark colors are attractive to these critters, so dress in light colors, and use a hat to shoo them out of your vehicle.
Although the car roof will be open during game drives, we suggest keeping the roof closed during long transfers to avoid dusty rides. The guide will also suggest closing the roof in areas with dense tsetse fly populations.
Remember that amongst the most important things to bring along on your trip to Tanzania is a sense of humor and adventure. Despite the most detailed planning and coordination, things sometimes do not go as planned. The weather and wildlife movements can change. Be flexible - it’s the African wilderness!
