The Duma African Safari Camp Experience, by Cindy Villiot
In three Words, “Beyond Your Expectations”, but it takes more than just three words.
Let me start from the moment you arrive at the airstrip. The adventure begins once you land with the first sighting of numerous wildlife on the Mara on our way to camp. Once you arrive at Camp, your Host, Peter, and your Maasai Tent Stewards are there to greet their guests and Welcome you with Cold towels, and Mimosa’s, lemonade or beverages. After a short briefing (for everyone’s safety) you are escorted to your tent. Don’t let the word, TENT or image of a Tent scare you. These are First Class accommodations. This is when the emotional excitement hits you and reality sinks in. You ask yourself, “Am I really in Africa on a Safari, staying in a tent with a view of the Mara River?” Let’s just mention the First Class accommodations in your Tent. A spectacular View, your own private shower with hot water brought to you on request, your own sink, and toilet, mirrors, your wardrobe area with shelves and hanging space, down comforters, pillows and an incredibly comfortable bed, a desk, a Chest (for storing any valuables), lighting, and a covered shaded Porch with seating to enjoy your coffee or view, in every tent. There are only 7 tents on the water. Therefore they are nicely spaced for everyone’s privacy and in the shade. Having only 14-16 guests at the Camp makes it very personable, and every guest is given undivided attention and service. One of the true highlights is your wakeup call with hot coffee, tea and cookies at 5:30-6 AM. Then an early morning game drive and back for breakfast.
The Dining experience: Beautifully set elegant dining area with a spectacular view, mornings, afternoons and evenings. The lighting changes with every setting. Breakfast consists of, fresh fruit, rolls, pastries, yogurt, or anything of your choice. Lunch, beautifully prepared Healthy meals, Salads, like you’ve never had before, and of course, if you have special requests, they are always willing to accommodate you. Dinners were always beyond expectations. The finest 5-star dining, full course dinners, appetizers, Salads, Main course, desert, cheese platters, deserts and more. And, any wine or cocktail of your choice is available. Just wait and see, I won’t spoil it for you, but it’s incredible.
This is nothing you have ever experienced in your Lifetime. The sounds of the Hippos throughout the night, and other wildlife, the croc’s splashing in and out of the water, sound of Lions in the distance, the hundreds of Birds early morning, and throughout the day. Those are the memories you bring home with you, those sounds that are only experienced in Africa. It’s so incredibly peaceful.
Not to worry you are safe, as, the Askari’s (Maasai guards) are nearby and on the lookout and patrol for any animals that come too close to the camp. You are also escorted, to and from the dining area, in the evening by the Askari’s, or if you want to retire early after dinner and shower. They are there for your protection. Your tent Steward makes certain you have Hot water early morning and for your showers in the evening. Midday and afternoons, when it’s warm and we return to the camp after our morning drive, you have the comfort of your room to Nap, or read, with all the beautiful sights and sounds, usually with a gentle breeze for napping, relaxing or just reading a book. The camp offers seating near the dining area, that you can enjoy while having any beverage, or cocktail of your choice with a view of Hippos with their calves, croc’s in and out of the water. The Hippos put on a show, and are hysterically very vocal. If you’re lucky, you’ll catch elephants crossing the River!
