Meet Justin Mushi

Justin Mushi is one of our newest safari guides and describes himself as a ‘guiding light with a warm smile and endless patience’. Justin began his career in tourism as many without means do, as a Kilimanjaro porter. He worked hard at his job but knew he wanted something different. After spending a few years climbing Kilimanjaro with Duma Explorer, Justin landed a job at a tented camp in the Serengeti. He started as a dishwasher but quickly worked his way up the ranks, ending his time in the Serengeti as Camp Manager.

Shifting back to Arusha during the pandemic, Justin completed a tour guide course at Mount Meru College. Hired by Alika in 2021, he spent 18 months training with our senior guide Sifuni Mungure. He accompanied Sifuni on each of his safaris during this time, learning game drive routes and accumulating vast knowledge of plants, insects, wildlife, ecology and more. A quick study, Justin has been on his own guiding our guests since 2022. He has accumulated many positive reviews in the past two years with reviewers commenting on his patience, sense of humor, and vast knowledge of Tanzania’s natural world.

Justin completed a 10-day training in April 2025 with our other safari guides in Mkomazi National Park. The course covered many in-depth modules on planning and executing safaris and was run by renowned the South African guide training company Eco Training. Justin enjoys working with Duma Explorer because the leadership is approachable and genuinely invested in their team's growth, offering regular training to keep guides sharp and constantly improving.

Meet your Guide: Justin Alphayo Mushi

Guiding Since: 2021
Years with Duma: 12 (started as a Kilimanjaro porter)
Specialties: I like all animals but especially birds

My Favorite Trip: My favorite Tanzanian experience is walking with the Maasai from Empakai Crater to Lake Natron. You descend into the crater through thick forest, climb back out the other side, and then cross miles of raw, sun-baked Rift Valley terrain until the flamingo-pink waters of Lake Natron appear shimmering ahead. The Maasai set the pace, point out wildlife you'd walk right past, and make the whole experience feel like stepping into a world that hasn't changed in centuries.

My Unforgettable Moment: I'll never forget a day in the Serengeti. We spotted a large male leopard moving through the grass with clear intent. Then I realized what he was stalking — a young leopard.

It was over fast. The male struck, and after a brief struggle, the young one was dead. Without hesitation, he grabbed the body, dragged it up into a tree, and started eating — just like any other kill.

The Soundtrack: Jikubali by one of the best R&B artists in Tanzania: Ben Pol

Top Training: Duma took the guides to Rwanda to experience a different country and go gorilla and chimp trekking. I learned a lot from this experience.

My favorite Tanzanian meal: When I have guests at my home I like serving makande (banana & bean stew) or wali maharage (rice & beans).

Customer Testimonials

  • I surprised my wife with a safari for our wedding anniversary. Friends of ours recommended Duma Explorer/Alika Africa based on their safari experience, and I was extremely pleased with their coordination of our whole trip. We stayed in some of the most exclusive camps with excellent staff, service, and food. All the arrangements were top notch! Justin, our guide picked us up from the airport and we spent 11 days in his calm, professional hands and felt completely safe and secure on some of the most wet and wild roads I had ever experienced! More than just navigating the rough terrain with ease, Justin was clearly in his element showing us all the wildlife that beautiful Tanzania had to offer. We saw the "Big Five" most iconic wildlife species - lion, leopard, elephant, Cape buffalo and the elusive black rhinoceros. And we also experienced being part of the herd with the Wildebeest and zebra! Justin made sure that we saw it all. Thanks to Justin and Duma/Alika Africa, it was very exciting to see some amazing animals and have an outstanding safari. I do recommend Alika Africa to my friends because they have the best guide in the business and truly care about the way the trips are conducted.

    Brian - February 2026

  • My husband and I had an extraordinary 11 day safari in beautiful Tanzania at the end of February. We used Duma Explorer/Alika Africa to book our trip and they were excellent to work with. Everything was seamless and our camps were amazing. We visited Tarangire National Park, Ngorongoro Crater, Central Serengeti and Southern Serengeti. Justin, our guide, was the best part of our adventure. With nine years of experience guiding safaris, he can spot the tip of a cheetah tail waving in the tall grass from 20 yards away! Justin made sure we saw every animal on our list and even those we didn't know should be on our list. We saw all the big cats - Lions, Cheetahs, and Leopards. It felt like we were part of the Zebra and Wildebeest herds...we had staring contests with Cape Buffalo, and hung out with Giraffes and Elephants eating roadside. We saw Baboons, Velvet Monkeys, Impalas and Gazelles up close and personal. It was like nothing I have ever experienced. We saw 30 different kinds of birds and over 25 different animals. Justin not only showed us the animals but he taught us about their ecosystem, behaviors and characteristics, which was fascinating. I learned so much! Whether you are going on your first safari or your next safari, I highly recommend Duma/Alika Africa to plan your adventure...and ask for Justin by name for an unforgettable experience!

    Patty - February 2026

  • We had a wonderful 9 day safari with Duma/Alika Africa Feb 2026. Justin Mushi was our driver and he made the trip so enjoyable. We were a group of 5 adults, all in our 60's from Canada. We stayed in tented camps in Tarangerie, Ngorogoro and both central and south Serengeti. The variety of landscape was interesting and lent us to experience so many different areas, animals and birds. Justin was so integral to our trip. He is very knowledgeable about all animals, birds, and plants. As farmers in canada we appreciated the in-depth knowledge he shared. The food was fantastic and plentiful, the welcoming drink, warm or cool cloths and song were lovely! Hospitality was excellent. Tented camps were terrific with lots of amenities and would be categorized as glamping! Would we come back. YES!

    Roberta - February 2026

  • We spent 3 days in the western and central Serengeti with Justin. The logistics and planning were smooth and easy. Justin and Duma Explorers made sure we were prepared to have the best safari experience possible. Justin was truly a jack of all trades: navigation, logistics, food service, car mechanics and most importantly an expert in the ecosystem and animal patterns and behaviors of the parks. We did not simply speed from one easily known viewing location to another but took our time exploring and learning from Justin which meant we saw some unbelievable sites. Cheetahs hunting, a huge pride of lions, elephants crossing in front of the jeep close enough to touch, beautiful birds and even a tortoise crossing nearby. I am leaving with a camera full of breathtaking footage, a head full of knowledge, and memories that will truly last a lifetime. I cannot recommend Duma Explorers and Justin enough! You won't regret it!

    Jessica - February 2026

  • Our guide Justin was amazing -- he was such a joy to watch as a guide. Truly someone who is doing what he was made for and it is so cool to see. Whether it was leading us to 42 different big cats over the course of our three day trip, predicting animal behavior with uncanny ability, or educating us on the minute details of the Serengeti ecosystem - Justin is the cream of the crop when it comes to Safari guides. We saw a massive heard of elephants up close (borderline spiritual experience), saw 6 male lions (34 lions total!! Including some young ones), TWO leopards, and 6 cheetahs (3 cubs!!), plus more that would too long a list for this review. Every evening Justin cleaned the Land cruiser, so each morning we climbed back into a spotless and comfortable car. He was also just a pleasant person, and by the end of our trip felt like a friend. I would recommend Duma Explorer and specifically request Justin. You will not regret it.

    Mike - February 2026

  • Justin was the most incredible guide! We safaried for 2 days in the central and west Serengeti! I am amazed at all we saw in just 2 days! Justin made sure we saw every animal even though our trip was shorter than usual! We ended up seeing 34 lions, 2 leopards, and 6 cheetahs! INCREDIBLE! Justin spotted the animals in the most difficult places, gave us time to take pictures and enjoy, answered all our questions, had incredible insights into animal behaviors that helped us see animals in action, provided us with water and lunch, and gave us an overall FABULOUS experience!! Would recommend him every time! He went above and beyond in every possible way! Alika made the experience so easy! We didn't have to worry about anything other than being ready in the morning. They provided binoculars, food, water, and all we could need! The safari vehicle was comfortable and clean and easy to ride in. I would highly recommend!

    Leslie - February 2026

  • My family and I did the 9-day customized safari where we visitied Ngorongoro crater, Tarangire, Central Serengeti, and Ndutu. This trip had the perfect balance between relaxation and adventure. We got to see a lot of animals, and our guide, Justin, was great at making sure we were at the right place at the right time. He also did a great job at making sure each day was well planned out and not too tiring, and they progressively got better. Everyone we met was so kind and genuine, and they all made the experience feel even more special. The safaris were unpredictable in the best way, and Justin was extremely knowledgeable on every single animal we saw. Overall, the whole trip was unforgettable, and if you get the chance to do it, you definitely should.

    Akshara - December 2025

  • Once in Arusha, our guide Justin transformed the trip into a true adventure. He was not just humble, funny, deeply knowledgeable about wildlife, birds, and vegetation, but he also went the extra mile, to get us the best experience possible. Every game drive surpassed the last. Just when we thought we saw something amazing, Justin would take us to another incredible sighting, another mission. He was patient and very kind. Alika Africa took care of everything, including balloon safari booking, gate entrance paperwork, all the formality and also packed picnic lunches with delicious food. This whole safari experience was magical. We couldn't have asked for a better itinerary and a better guide. Ask for Justin.

    Sowmya - December 2025

  • Request Justin! This trip was one of the best experiences Ive ever had. Got to see nearly every animal thanks to Justin who was able to spot anything within a 3 mile radius. Learned so much, and viewed some surreal sights like Ngorongoro crater and central Serengeti. Everything was so convenient too, we did not have to worry about a thing for the entire duration of our trip. All we had to do was get in the car and everything else was taken care of including documents, food, permits, etc. Very well organized and would highly recommend Duma explorer to anyone traveling here with Justin as your tour guide.

    Vedant - December 2025

  • We had an amazing experience on our 7 day safari on our honeymoon. Stacy did great on the planning and accommodated our needs very well and our tour guide Justin was incredible! He made sure we saw all the animals and was truly a fun presence to be around for 7 days. We were sad to leave him. Would definitely recommend Duma / Alika if you want a great safari experience. And request Justin!!

    Jennifer - November 2025

  • We had the most amazing trip with Alika Africa and Duma Explorers! Everything ran so smoothly with Stacy's planning and our guide Justin honestly made the whole experience unforgettable. He was super fun, easy to be around, and taught us so much about the animals and Tanzania in general. Justin always made sure we were in the perfect spot to see the wildlife — we got incredible views and photos every single day. He went above and beyond to make sure we were happy and comfortable, and made it a once in a lifetime experience! This trip totally exceeded our expectations. If you're thinking about a safari in Tanzania, definitely ask for Justin, he's the best!

    Casey - October 2025

  • Ok people listen up. This company has the best guide in Africa and he's name is Justin. Make sure you ask for him because we got to see some "ok" ones. He is so professional and took care of us the whole time. We got to see everything we wanted (everything). Justin taught us so many new things and had an answer for every question. On the intellectual aspect he was exactly what we needed. Someone with our mindset, young, family man, and ambitious. He always surprised us and the moment we thought we've seen it all he found us another crazy experience. Make sure you ask for this guy if you want to guarantee your safari experience will be successful and fun. Thank you Justin! Overall the experience was amazing, will definitely use this company again when I come back. Highly recommend!

    October 2025

  • We just returned from the most incredible safari with Duma explorer/Alika Africa, truly a bucket list trip! Everything was perfectly organized: the itinerary, camps, and locations were all spot-on, creating a seamless and unforgettable experience. We were celebrating our 25th wedding anniversary, and the Duma explorer/Alika Africa team made it absolutely magical. Every detail was thoughtfully planned, and the experience felt both personal and special. A huge thank-you to our amazing guide, Justin, who made the journey extraordinary. Passionate about wildlife and the environment, incredibly knowledgeable, and genuinely funny, he brought every moment to life. His enthusiasm and respect for nature were inspiring, and we learned so much while having a great time. If you're planning a safari, look no further, Duma explorer is exceptional, and Justin is simply the best.

    Christopher - October 2025

  • My husband and I chose Duma Explorer/Alika Africa for our first safari because we wanted a smaller operator that is Tanzanian-owned with a commitment to the local communities and conservation efforts. Stacy worked closely with us to create a fantastic itinerary for us that was well within our desired budget. We wanted a mix of luxury glamping and some more rustic adventuring and got just that! Stacy communicated well throughout the process and her knowledge of the properties and the culture were invaluable. The entire trip, which included Tarangire, Ngorongoro Crater, and the Northern Serengeti, went off without a hitch - everything was well orchestrated and the Alika team was always on top of things and in touch with each of the camps we were staying at. I reached out at one point just to confirm an airport pickup out of an abundance of caution and Milkah responded promptly. One of the best parts of our trip was our guide, Justin!

    Jessica - October 2025

  • I cannot give enough praise for the time we had in Tanzania with Duma explorer/Alika Africa and our guide Justin. Every experience was absolutely seamless. My mom and I were able to see and do everything that we had dreamed of. Justin has an incredible passion for wildlife, and is eager to share all of his knowledge during the drives. We saw some amazing sites, and will certainly be back to Tanzania, requesting Justin as our guide, as soon as we can. Asante sana!

    Kristin - September 2025

  • Duma explorer/Alika Africa were recommended to me by a friend. I had wanted to take my daughter on a special trip to Africa and we chose Tanzania. Stacy was an excellent resource for ideas and thoughts about the trip and planning each step perfectly. When we arrived, we were met with amazing staff. We were paired with Justin for our trip, and we could not have had a better guide. He was thoughtful and patient and he answered every question that we had. He was very responsive to all of our needs, and he was always asking what it was that we wanted to do. We relied a lot on his expertise and guidance as he was a very experienced and knowledgeable, guide and driver. Our experience with Justin and all of the camps that we stayed in and their excellent staff will definitely bring us back to Tanzania again. What an amazing trip. I thoroughly recommend Duma Explorer/Alika Africa to anyone who is considering this amazing experience.

    Claudine - September 2025

  • We just finished our safari with Alika Africa and we had the most amazing time. From being picked up at the airport to being dropped off, we felt so taken care of and like we were in the best hands for our first safari experience. Justin was incredible! He made sure we saw everything we wanted to see and more. He is so knowledgeable about the animals and ecosystem- he knew where to go and knew when we should pause because he knew the elephants would cross the road in front of us :) he was very caring, considerate, and attentive and we would highly recommend using him as your guide. Thanks to everyone at Alika for an unforgettable honeymoon!

    Lilli - August 2025

  • Just finished our Duma/Alika Africa 9 day private tour of Tarangarie Park, Ngorongoro Crater and Central and Northern Serengeti with my son and finding it hard to process everything we have experienced. Stunning landscapes, huge skies, extraordinary density of wildlife and exciting nature action. Our guide Justin was incredibly skilful; using his extensive knowledge of animal behaviour to find animals (including rare rhino and leopard cub sightings), secure the best viewing spots and knowing when and where to wait for the action. Quickly noting my son's interest in the birdlife, Justin spotted and identified a huge variety of birds including a pair of eagle owls sharing breakfast. His own fascination with the wildlife shone through, we knew we were witnessing something special when Justin got his phone out to take pictures! Justin's attention to detail was meticulous, checking the camps knew we were veggie and providing a welcome cup of tea after picnic stops. The lodges and camps selected were very comfortable and the meals were delicious. We will be forever grateful for the experience and memories, and for Justin choosing to share his love of African wildlife with us.

    Claire - August 2025

  • We've just finished a stunning tour of Tanzania with Alika Africa visiting the Tarangire national park, Ngorongoro crater and Serengeti! Highlights of the trip include seeing a lioness take down a giraffe, a close encounter with a leopard with her two cubs and watching the Wilderbeat cross the Mara River. All of the camps we stayed at provided fantastic service while minimising their impact on the environment. The staff were incredibly welcoming and the food was always delicious, whether it was a packed lunch while on a game drive or a 3 course meal in the evening. I'd like to give a huge thanks to our guide Justin who always managed to find the best spots to view whatever action was occurring. His knowledge of the wildlife gave depth to the experience as we learned about the animals we were seeing in action.

    James - August 2025

  • We (family of 5 with 3 kids aged 15,14 and 12) went on a 2 week safari and Zanzibar visit with Duma Explorer/Alika Africa. Planning the trip with Stacy was great and easy and she arranged everything including the flights from the Serengeti to Zanzibar. Justin, our tour guide for the 11 days of our safari was excellent. He was very knowledgeable about all the locations we went to and all the animals we saw. His calm, relaxed personality made us feel relaxed and comfortable from our first day with him. He answered all our questions and really helped us understand the Tanzania culture better. Each evening he spent time with us to communicate the activities for the next day. The camps we stayed at were all very comfortable for our family of 5 and we had amazing hosts at each one. We especially enjoyed the Mysigio camp where we were able to stay right next to a Maasai village.

    Michael - July 2025

  • We had an amazing trip! It started with our guide, Justin. WOW! He was absolutely amazing. He took care of us extremely well. He was also incredibly knowledgeable, teaching us all about the different animals and the ecosystem. The vehicle was in great shape. The accommodations and the food was excellent! On the first day we drove into the park, we saw a lion pride eating a kill from that morning. On the last day, driving out of the park, we saw a lioness carrying a cub in her mouth while the other cub followed her. Those were special bookends to our trip. In between, we saw leopards, a cheetah, giraffes, baboons, elephants, gazelles, water buffalo, wildebeests, and so much more. I really could not recommend Duma Explorer more. And I very highly recommend Justin to be your guide. He was amazing!

    Nathan - July 2025

  • Long time world traveler, and first time poster. I literally just returned from a Duma Explorer adventure a few hours ago. Thinking about taking a plunge? Want to try something other than a temporary, trending adventure? Look no further. Contact Stacy with your general idea(s), budget, and timeframe. She's prompt, precise, and will provide you with all options. I was fortunate enough to pair with Justin who's calm, curious, and committed. We cracked jokes about "The Ugly Five", caught the "Big Five" on camera due to his skill and commitment, and relaxed at some of the nicest, non-fenced, camps throughout the bush. I had literal elephant neighbors at one of the camps. The attention to detail was impeccable, the guides were knowledgeable and personable, the food was incredible, and the experience was once in a lifetime. I highly recommend Duma Explorer and specifically requesting Justin as your guide.

    Ryan - July 2025

  • Our 5-day safari through Tarangire, Serengeti, and Ngorongoro was unforgettable—thanks to our guide, Iddy. He made every moment feel tailored just for me and my friend, Dustin. From spotting lions at sunrise to explaining local stories with heart and humor, Iddy brought the experience to life in a way no guidebook ever could. His deep knowledge, sharp eye, and personal touches turned a dream trip into a lifelong memory. If you're going—request Iddy. Truly one of a kind.

    Dominic - July 2025

  • Our safari with Duma Explorer/Alika Africa was truly the trip of a lifetime. We spent 2 nights in Central Serengeti, 2 nights at the Ngorongoro Crater rim, and 2 nights in Tarangire - each place offering something unique. From the moment we arrived, everything was thoughtfully planned—beautiful accommodations (Nyumbani Camp and Lion's Paw were our absolute favorites!), comfortable travel, and a seamless itinerary that allowed us to just relax and take it all in. But what made this experience unforgettable was our guide, Msangi. His 30 years of guiding experience, deep love for Tanzania's wildlife and landscapes, and warm, genuine personality made every day exciting and fun. This trip was worth every penny and I hope one day we can go back for another safari adventure with Duma. Thank you, Stacy and Msangi, for an incredible trip!

    Taylor - July 2025

  • An exceptional experience from start to finish! During the planning process, Stacy listened to our interests and guided us expertly on where to stay and for how long. We did 5 nights safari in Tarangire, Serengeti and Ngorongoro, followed by a 3 day hike from Empakai Crater to Lake Natron (accompanied by a Masai guide) and 2 days at Lake Eyasi, visiting the Hadzabe and Datoga tribes. It was a perfect balance of nature, exercise and culture. We loved every minute of it, not least due to our excellent guide Justin and the fantastic organization by Alika.

    Dorit - July 2025

  • My family and i spent 10 days with alika africa (our guide was justin, a really kind guy), we did 5 days of safari, 3 of hiking, and 2 of meeting various tanzanian tribes. it was a really amazing experience and i feel like we were lucky to see and do everything we did. on the safaris at tarangire, serengeti and ngorongoro, we saw some cool animals like a male lion right beside our jeep, lion cubs, hyenas with a kill, baby giraffes and my favourite - the adorable dik-dik!!

    Lara - July 2025

  • It was amazing! Our guide, Justin, was great and could see animals from miles away. We got to see all the animals we wanted to see including the big 5. All in all was an amazing experience with an amazing guide.

    Killian - July 2025

  • It was an amazing experience! Our guide, Justin, was very friendly and knowledgeable. During the safari we saw many animals, among them lions, leopards and elephants. We went on a 3-day hike with a Masai guide whereby we spent time with the tribe. I would recommend this company to any family/individuals looking to truly experience Tanzania.

    Sophie - July 2025

  • We had an amazing safari with Duma Explorers/Alika Africa. Justin, our guide and driver, was amazing. He was kind, patient, and great with our kids. We found all of the animals, including the wildebeest migration and a lion kill and so, so much more. He even helped us run an errand in Arusha (to mail postcards)! Overall it was just exceptional!

    June 2025

  • The entire safari was wonderful but mostly because of Justin, our guide. Always calm, even when we had to change a tire and always humble (we told him he should brag about finding us 5 rhino but he would never be that way). We had so many fond memories and laughs with him. He has so much knowledge of every animal and knows where to look to find new things. We all were sad to say goodbye to him. Lucky for us when we returned from Zanzibar, we received an unplanned trip back to the airport with the him. If anyone is allowed to request a guide, please request Justin!! Oh, he also taught a lot of Swahili. My Swahili is terrible but not because of his efforts!

    Jennifer - March 2025

  • Our time with Justin was amazing. The BEST guide around. We found the big 5, the ugly 5, most of the small 5 and the cute 5! The stories and memories we have will flow for decades to come. Thank you Justin for making this a trip of a lifetime. We hope to come back soon! Maisha Marefu See all 9 photos

    Gregory - March 2025

  • I don't know where to start with our amazing safari! We traveled as a group of 4 friends, and this is our first safari. We only hoped to see animals and relax. We were shocked at just how much we saw! All of the big 5, giraffes playing, cheetahs & serval cats catching prey, SO MANY lions! Our guide Justin is one of the most brilliant people I've ever met- not only did he know an encyclopedia worth about each animal, he knew it in several languages! When we told the camp staff what we saw each day they all agreed Justin is the 'GOAT'… we 100% agree! We saw FIVE RHINO together. 5!! He found animals everywhere, and had answers for every question we could think of. Not to mention, he is such a fun, humble, and kind person! He fit right in with our group and made us all feel so welcomed. The lodges/camps also had the best staff, and we were so comfortable even in the middle of the bush. The food… all of the food… it was SO GOOD. We all agree this was our best vacation ever, and I can't wait to come back for more adventures (hopefully with Justin as a guide again!!) THANK YOU JUSTIN!!!

    Regina - March 2025

  • They say an African safari is the trip of a lifetime and this did not disappoint. We did the 8 night/9 Day safari in Tanzania and the gorilla trek in Rwanda. Justin picked us up at the airport and took care of our every need the entire week. If we asked to see something ie: a giraffe drinking, Justin made it happen. Justin could spot animals from an amazing distance, he was an encyclopedia of knowledge. I can't say enough about how incredible he made our experience. It is hard to describe in words what it is like to be 5 feet from a male lion, to see wildebeest and zebras migrate, to see rhinos, hippos and so many more that I would run out of space if I listed them. We took the balloon ride, not only were the views breathtaking but we were treated like royalty. The accommodations, from the migration camps to the fancier lodges were filled with amazing people who greeted us with such warmth and took such good care of us. We didn't think it could get better, then we went to Rwanda. Juvenal picked us up at the airport and we began our journey to the jungle to see gorillas. Juvenal made sure we had what we needed and got us where we needed to be, giving us a personal history of Rwanda along the way. Again I am at a loss for words about what it is like to be 5 feet away from a silverback, to see a one year old swing above you or to be in the presence of a gorilla family. If you are thinking about a safari make sure it is a safari/gorilla trek and do it now! As far as Stacy the owner, you don't necessarily feel like your hand is held through the process and you overthink all of it. Then you arrive and every single detail of your trip is perfect, her guides love working for her and it shows in their dedication. She plans your trip of a lifetime, so hand it over sit back and listen to the sounds of the wild.

    Ken - February 2025

  • We just returned from an excellent trip with Duma Explorer/Alika Africa and can't recommend this travel company enough! Our safari through Tarangire National Park, Ngorongoro Crater and the Serengeti was like nothing I'd ever experienced and I still can't get over the amount of different animals we saw. Our guide Justin was so knowledgable about the area and the wildlife. He was also a nice person to spend time with, which is important because you are packed into that jeep for long periods of time traveling around and viewing animals. We felt well taken care of by this travel company and the lodges they booked us into. I usually plan out my own trips, but it was so nice to get Stacy's expertise in laying out our itinerary, not to mention having every pick up/drop off, flight and hotel/camp set up for us. I don't know Tanzania well and I wouldn't have done even close to as good a job on my own. After the safari, we flew to Chumbe Island in Zanzabar, which I highly recommend (stay three

    San Francisco - January 2025

  • I had the most incredible three day safari with Justin! It was just us and a car. We went to Tarangerie and Ngorogoro. He was so knowledgeable and friendly and kind. I saw everything (except cheetah and leopard this time) so I will be back!

    Vera - February 2025

  • We took a ten day custom tour of northern Tanzania, stopping in Tarangire, Lake Manyara, Ngorongoro, and southern and central Serengeti. The tour was impeccably planned, from pickup at the airport to the first rate accommodations both in Arusha and out in the bush. In fact, Duma switched one camp we had booked because they had heard from clients that the camp was subpar. Our guide, Justin, was perfection. Besides his knowledge of the area and how to navigate the rough roads, he could identify any animal, bird, reptile, tree or bush we asked about. But most important, he enjoyed being there and seeing the animals with us. We travel a lot and have never had a guide that was also interested in taking photos of what we were seeing. Tanzania is a wonderful place and I cannot recommend Duma enough for an agency to help plan a trip.

    Bill - February 2025

  • Justin was our expert guide for 6 incredible days in Lake Manyara, Ngorongoro Caldera, and the Serengeti. His knowledge of the wildlife and trails was incredible. His driving was expert and careful, in no way reckless. Yes, we saw migrating wildebeests, zebras, elephants, black rhinos, hippos, cheetahs, baboons, warthogs, impalas, gazelles, velvet monkeys, hyenas, jackals and more! Justin was able to point out 57 varieties of birds, including the lilac breasted roller and the martial eagle, which was thrilling to us as novice birders. His kindness and appreciation of the environment made our highly anticipated trip exceed our dreams.

    Scilly - December 2024

  • We were 4 older women friends reconnecting after many years and it was our expert guide Justin Mushi who made it fantastic for us! Riding in the Land Cruiser with Justin every day was like traveling with a professor with amazing knowledge of the animal kingdom.. plants and trees and insects too. And he was fun and funny, and a great driver. We always felt safe and taken care of. When it was time to leave Justin and Tanzania, we all became teary eyed.

    LuAnn - August 2024

  • Justin was so knowledgeable about the animals and the plants, so happy to share his information, and our group really loved, every part of this. He was considerate, and catered to us every step of the way. The camps were great, the people were all great, but the animals and Justin stood out among everything. Thank you to Duma, Explorer, Africa, Africa, Justin, and everyone else in the Serengeti for this awesome experience.

    — Carol - August 2024

  • Our guide was the incomparable Justin Mushi. His knowledge of the animals, plants , insects and birds was extensive. With patience and humor, Justin was so accommodating and made sure we had a prime location for observing and photographing everything within the parks we toured.

    August 2024

  • Everything was spectacular but it was made so by our wonderful guide, Justin Mushi. On the first day, I was having difficulty getting into the Land Cruiser. We stopped to pick up our lunch boxes and Justin came out carrying an empty milk crate for me to use as a step. Every time I needed to get in or out of the vehicle he ran around so my “step” was there while telling me “pule pule”. I also had trouble getting my seatbelt snapped the first day and lo and behold, on the morning of Day 2 I came out to the Land Cruiser to find a new seatbelt to accommodate me. Justin had taken the time to find a spare piece of seat belt which made my experience much more enjoyable. Justin greeted us each morning with his big smile and asked how our night was. He would go over our day’s itinerary of where we were going and what we hoped to see. I swear he has two sets of eyes as while driving he could still spot an animal lying in the brush. He clearly is very intelligent as he had a wealth of knowledge all in his head and shared interesting information on each animal or plant we saw. What is so special about Justin is his immediate connection with his tour group. We were a group of four seventy year old women who came to be very close to Justin. He joked with us and always gave us the best angle for photos. He was patient with us and let us take our time. We saw every animal that we hoped to see and many more.

    Linda - August 2024

  • Special thanks to our guide Justin for making this trip a memory of a lifetime for us. Never intrusive, always considerate & knowledgeable, Justin tried his very best to show us the best TZN safari has to offer. We've seen multiple wildebeest crossings, sighting of lions feasting, thousands of zebras, elephants, sighting of all the BIG 5. His knowledge of TZN flora & fauna, animals' features & habitats is truly invaluable, helping us to understand & appreciate what we're seeing a lot more. His attention to details & courtesy is commendable. We all feel like Justin has become a family friend after spending 2 weeks on safari together.

    Linh - June 2023

  • Awesome things about Justin: 1. He is cool as a cucumber. You can count on him to drive safely on unpaved roads and stay cool under pressure while everything around him may be chaotic due to the excitement of seeing animals or something breathtaking. Lord knows if it was me behind the wheel, I would be in an accident in no time. 2. He is very considerate and patient. For example, he waited for me and my boyfriend to finish taking pictures and would check in to make sure it was okay to move on to the next thing. Also, he'll try to get you the best angle for pictures, which I really appreciate!! 3. He has a wealth of knowledge about animals, birds, insects -you name it! I LOVED that he had books/maps in his car that you could look through for reference. 4. He knows how to joke around and have fun! 5. Great at spotting animals and utilizing his resources to find you the animals you want to see! Justin really knows the lay of the land due to his experience- we never got lost! 6. Looks out for others. For example, one day when we were on our way to Central Serengeti, there was this truck that broke down. Justin stopped and asked if the truck driver was okay. You could tell that the truck driver was just exhausted and had seen better days. Justin then gave the truck driver his lunch box and the truck driver was so happy and appreciative. This moment really stuck with me and reminded me to not be so self-involved and to take the time to look out for others. I also noticed that all the safari guides look out for each other even if they're not working for the same company (well at least Justin did). It's really nice to see the comradery. On a side note, my boyfriend and I miss eating dinner with Justin! We miss you man! Asante sana for making our first safari such a memorable one!

    Soomin - September 2023

  • Justin is a great guide , driver and spotter with very good knowledge of the area on the Parks and the wild life. Visited Tarangire National park , Serengeti and Ngorongoro Crater. Will definitely recommend Duma Explorer and Justin for your great Wild Life Safari experiences!

    Karthi - September 2022

  • Justin is extremely knowledgeable about the wildlife and nature in Tanzania. I found him to be helpful, courteous and great company. He taught me so much about the animals and nature and went out of his way to make sure I was happy at all times. To see the crossing of the Mara river by the wildebeest and zebra of the Great Migration was a particular highlight. However Justin knew how to seek out other animals and we were lucky to see 5 leopard as well as numerous lion, giraffe, cheetah, hippo and elephant. I'd highly recommend the bespoke trip I did and Duma Explorer/Alika as a company. A mass thank you to Justin for looking after me and helping make this a holiday of a lifetime! Asante!

    July 2023