Duma Safaris | Tailor-made Safaris in Kenya

Welcome to Duma Safaris

Duma: Swahili for cheetah.

We are Harvey and Frances Davies. As a company we are based in Europe, but we have lived and worked in Kenya for many years and almost every one of our recommendations has been personally visited by us, both in a professional capacity and during our own leisure time.

We have a wealth of experience in organizing Kenyan safaris, and over the years have built up a considerable bank of experienced personnel to ensure the smooth running of your safari.

Every hotel, tour company or safari lodge we recommend has the highest reputation and experience unrivalled in Kenyan hospitality, being some of the longest established and respected companies in Kenya, who have gained this reputation by providing every guest with an unforgettable holiday.

We have a great love of the country, the people, the traditions and the wildlife and would love to share this with you. We are a small company and can assure you of our personal and complete attention and commitment in the hope that you too will share our love of all things Kenyan

Our safaris are all tailor-made to suit you, the client.

Your whole safari experience is built around what you want to see and do during your stay in Kenya. We do not have rigid itineraries dictating what you will be doing, it's YOUR holiday, it's YOUR choice.

Let us help you to experience some of the wonderful adventures available to you, they are just the click of a button away.

Well, what are you waiting for? Don’t just dream. Do!

Harvey & Frances Davies

Points to consider when planning a safari:

1.    If you only have time for a short 7 – 10 day safari don’t try to cram too many parks into this period. At the end of your holiday you will be exhausted and drained. It is better to visit no more than 2 parks in one week and really enjoy and explore this area.
2.    Kenya is not just “The Big Five” it also has beautiful scenery and lovely people. Take time to enjoy both. You will see all the animals you want so don’t rush to tick them all off on the first day.
3.    If you want to get the most out of your of holiday don’t fly everywhere. The driving is sometimes a little bumpy but you do get to know the country and get a far better understanding of both the people and the country.
4.    Unfortunately a safari is not the cheapest of holidays so to get the best out of your time - plan, plan and plan some more. Although nearly all of your expenses are taken care of you will have to allow for drinks and tips.    A detailed list of these costs can be supplied as necessary.
5.    Remember to get all your jabs and malaria tablets.

6. You don’t have to buy expensive safari clothes, normal casual gear is fine, in muted colours – animals don’t like red. On the other hand, it is great fun to splash out on some specialised clothing, and always remember a hat. Also evenings can be chilly.

7. The beauty of a customised safari is nobody tells you what to do – you must have seen itineraries on other sites – ‘Day One – early morning game drive; evening game drive’. Day 2 – early morning game drive; evening game drive’. What if you don’t want that? You may want a late morning start and stay out for most of the day. On a standard safari this is not possible because you have to go with flow. With your own vehicle and driver you can do what you want as both he and the vehicle are at your disposal for 8 hrs. a day.

8. At the end of a busy safari a lovely way to finish your holiday is a few days at the coast. It allows you to relax and reflect on your safari before setting off for home. This can either be at a top class hotel ,or consider hiring a private villa, always fully staffed (so no washing and ironing, cooking, or set meal times)

9. As Kenya is in the southern hemisphere the seasons are opposite to Europe. High summer is December, and the winter is June and July, and although this can is no way be compared to a European winter it is cooler than high summer with temperatures around 20 – 22 degrees rather than approximately 30 degrees in summer.

10. Many people when planning a safari would love to see the great migration – which truly is a magnificent spectacle. Although approximate guidelines can be given, this is a moveable event and cannot be guaranteed to happen at any particular time. This is governed entirely by the weather over which no-one has control.

11. A truly customised safari takes time to plan and organise , in order to go where you want and stay in the lodge/hotel that you want you will need plan well ahead. Nine to twelve months is not too long.

12. Two of the most essential things you will need – a good camera and binoculars!

13. A small, but useful tip – electric plug sockets are the same as U.K. , so no necessity for adaptors.

14. When exchanging money you will receive a better rate in Kenya and all main banks accept Visa, Master Card and other standard credit cards.