Stacy Readal
Originally from the USA, I first visited Tanzania in 1998 while at university. I fell in love with Tanzania and the warmth of its people and decided to return as a volunteer after finishing my studies. I volunteered in education and HIV/AIDS prevention for two years in Moshi, a small town on the slopes of Mount Kilimanjaro. After finishing my volunteer job in 2002, I joined with a local partner and started Duma Explorer, a safari and trekking company. I have been running Duma ever since and have had many amazing adventures in Tanzania and beyond!
In 2012, my business partner and I started a second company, Chaka Camps, and we now operate three tented camps in Tanzania's national parks. Our companies have offices in Tanzania, South Africa and the USA.
These days I am based in California with my two daughters. We travel extensively and continue to have many fun adventures all over the world!
What places and activities do you specialize in?
"We arrange safaris in East Africa, gorilla excursions in Rwanda and Uganda, and Mount Kilimanjaro climbs. We operate ethical Kilimanjaro climbs and are are proud Partners for Responsible Travel with Kilimanjaro Porters Assistance Project.
We arrange photographic tours and can tailor the accommodations to suit all different budgets. We offer cultural tours, active adventures and beach vacations to destinations in the Indian Ocean."
How did you get involved in travel?
"I got involved in the travel industry back in 2002 when my business partner and I decided to try our luck starting a safari company. We bought a used Land Rover and began selling safaris to family and friends. We added one vehicle at a time and now we have approximately 25 vehicles split between our two companies and 150 employees to run our offices, camps and trips. It has been exciting watching our companies expand from one vehicle to where they are now!"
Please share a unique travel experience you will never forget.
"I LOVE Victoria Falls. I have been a swimmer my entire life and Victoria Falls amazes me. During the wet season, 10 million liters of water drop 93 meters over the falls every second! During the dry season, the water dries up over most of the falls and it is possible to swim to Devil's Pool, a protected pool perched on the edge of the falls.
My most memorable travel experience thus far was when I swam with my daughter across the Zambezi River to Devil's Pool. We sat in the pool for an hour to work up the courage to peer over the ledge at the drop and rainbow below. As I have a fear of heights, this was scary and exhilarating at the same time. I will never forget this experience and hope to repeat it with my other daughter soon! "
Stacy's favorite itineraries and travel advice
Top itineraries and travel advice
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