Amid the roar of lions and the symphony of Serengeti birds, a passionate song is heard from the women of the African Dunya camp. This is the first all-female safari camp, and Tanzanian women’s laughter and courage beckons. They give up their traditional way of life, leaving home for months, working in the dangerous jungle, living independently, raising a family, and providing guests with unique experiences. Dunia, which opened in 2016 with an all-female staff and was briefly closed during the pandemic, has successfully returned to welcome guests.
Set in the central Serengeti woodland, this eight-unit luxury safari camp – complete with four-poster beds, bathrooms, in-room Wi-Fi, and gourmet food – employs only women, from chefs and guides to managers and butlers. Some are mothers and wives, while others are young and single. Most importantly, they are fearless. Working in the bush is not easy, but the angels of Dunia, as they call themselves, make it look effortless. They share a strong determination and sisterhood that binds them together in the wilds of Africa. They hope other women will follow suit, giving guests a unique safari experience.
Brave the wild
The central Serengeti is famous for its rhinos, leopards, lions, and wildebeest. The fear of encountering wild animals is ever-present in Dunia and similar semi-permanent camps. Located in a national park, the building has no fences and long stretches of savannah grass surround each guest’s tent. But the women of Dunia see beauty, not danger. Doris Moshi, 26, started as an intern and became a waitress at Dunia this year. “It’s amazing to be so close to nature and animals,” she said. “Everyone is dying to be here, and I feel lucky.”
Like the rest of the staff, Doris works eight weeks in a row and takes two weeks off to visit family. She uses this time to encourage other women to work in the jungle. “I go out and tell them you can see wildlife and mingle with guests from different countries. You can learn a lot.”
Form a sisterhood
Women in the hunting industry face many challenges. Chief among them is homesickness, says Siyaeli (Elly) Moshi, Dunia’s manager. “Of course, we’re remote. Everything is far away from everyone. Most of us are mothers. We left our children at home and missed our families, “she said. Because she’s not alone in feeling this way, Dunia’s women have formed a sisterhood, and she sees them as her second family. “We shared a lot and had a lot of fun together. We’re close. We are a team, “Siyaeli said.
Doris (no relation) agrees. “We are sisters; we are relatives. We’re the only people we can hang out with. When I am in trouble, they always come to me if I need anything.”
The closeness between them and the joy of working at the Serengeti is palpable. From the moment guests arrive until the last wave of tutaonana baadaye(Swahili for “goodbye for now”), they become part of the Dunia family. Women sat around campfires, tables, and doorways, singing and dancing to celebrate comings and goings, milestones, and life. To be accepted and rewarded for their contributions, to have a spring in their step, and to have a sense of pride, one can’t help but feel happy.
Provide a world-class safari experience
Serengeti National Park is one of the most dramatic and wildlife-rich places on Earth. During the drive, visitors to Dunia can witness everything from great migrations to lions, hippos, elephants, and a multitude of amazing birds in the scenic Moroukopes and Ceronera regions. For an unforgettable trip to Serengeti Safari Park, it is important to have a knowledgeable and passionate guide.
In the past, guiding was considered a man’s job because the work involved:
- Working long hours.
- Navigating muddy roads.
- Changing tires.
- Protecting guests in case of encounters with wild animals.
However, Grace Mateba is only 26 years old. She is already considered one of the top tour guides in Asia and Africa. “A good guide needs to be confident, compassionate, patient, and knowledgeable,” says Matemba, with a broad smile and eyes scanning the leopard’s tail hanging from the tree canopy.
Thanks to companies like Afrolia, women can work as waiters, tour guides, cooks, and managers and excel at their jobs.
Before coming to work at Dunia, Matemba recalled that she couldn’t even drive her own car during her freelance days. “When I got to Acilia because they like to empower women, they taught me everything: how to jack up a vehicle, change a tire, and deal with anything we might encounter. I’m going alone now, “she said.
A carefree holiday
Before your car arrives at Dunia, you can hear the entire crew dancing and drumming to their welcome song, “Jambo Jambo.” This cheerful melody invites guests to have a hakuna matata experience with no worries during their stay. The camp is in a peaceful corner of the Serengeti, in an open woodland area with expansive jungle views. Each spacious tent includes a bathroom with a hot shower, in-room Wi-Fi, a secure desk, and a luxurious bed. In addition, it has a large balcony where you can enjoy the view.
Guests can experience two game drives or a full-day drive on the endless plains every day. You can enjoy a delicious breakfast and lunch at the camp or in the jungle. On the night before dinner, everyone gathers around the campfire to drink and watch “jungle TV.” The entertainment is roaring flames, impressive sunsets, and cheerful songs and dances by Dunia women.
Choose the right safari company and travel agency
Founded in 2004, Aria Africa is an East African company with 95% of its employees coming from the continent. It operates environmentally friendly solar-powered camps and huts in Kenya and Tanzania. The all-women camp concept was made possible to help women feel more confident and comfortable living for months in the jungle miles from home. The company provides upward mobility and opportunity for all employees. When you book a safari with Asilia, rest assured that your money is worth it.
