By building brilliant bespoke itineraries and avoiding standard tour circuits, the guys at Asilia - who we have been using and recommending wholeheartedly since 2005 - are experts at creating the perfect safari experience in the world-famous parks of northern Tanzania, particularly Serengeti. They know their accommodation, their transport and their wildlife faultlessly, and their driver-guides are second to none (we've travelled with them several times, just to make sure).
They also happen to co-own some of the best camps in the country, including Olivers in Tarangire, Sayari and Dunia in the Serengeti, all of which helps with getting availability and tip-top service. But perhaps their trump card, and the thing which allows you to escape the safari crowds in authentic bush fashion, is their luxury mobile camp Olakira in the Serengeti. This moves with the season, giving you the flexibility to follow the wildlife action in complete comfort, and with minimal driving. Of course they can book other lodges to fit your itinerary, including Plantation Lodge in the Ngorongoro, which we love.
And it's not just about game-viewing. Fancy your chances spotting lion from a great height? Brilliant balloon safaris can be arranged over the Serengeti, followed by a champagne breakfast. If you're an adventurous sort, then you might want to 'star camp' - literally sleep under the stars. You can also walk, canoe, climb Kilimanjaro - just ask. Round it all off with some post-safari beach bliss on Zanzibar.
Why we chose this partner
- An emphasis on getting away from the well-beaten safari trail, with a private guide/driver for maximum flexibility
- We love their mobile and semi-permanent tented camps, but they're happy to book lodges and hotels too
- They use customised Toyota Landcruisers with spacious seating (only 5-7 per vehicle), extra large windows and pop-up roofs for optimum game viewing and photography
- Their ground-breaking Dunia Camp is run entirely by women - and it now frequently tops the Tripadvisor listings for service
- Although they're based in Arusha and specialise in the northerly parks, they can also arrange excellent safaris in the south and west
Please be aware
- The focus on small luxury camps and top quality guides/vehicles makes this a premium safari product, with commensurate pricing (typically USD800-1000 pppn) - though this does include all meals, drinks, game drives, private transfers (including internal flights) and the often hefty park fees: pretty much everything, in fact
- Naturally, we can only personally endorse the lodges featured on our website; if the proposed itinerary includes other accommodation, please make sure that you are happy with it before confirming
Best time to go
Tanzania has a tropical climate with hot temperatures and high humidity, especially nearer the coast. The higher you are - and much of the interior is at altitude - the lower the temperature, particularly at night. On the coast be prepared for showers at any time.
From June to September (dry season), the weather is less hot and less humid, but still warm. It's a good time for game viewing and ideal for walking safaris, as animals start to congregate around shrinking water sources. Temperatures become increasingly hot through October, with heavy concentrations of game around lakes and rivers.
From November to May (rainy season), things get increasingly wet and sticky, with April and May having the heaviest rainfall. This is the 'green season' with lush vegetation, full rivers and lakes, and abundant birdlife and wild flowers, as well as baby animals.
From June to September (dry season), the weather is less hot and less humid, but still warm. It's a good time for game viewing and ideal for walking safaris, as animals start to congregate around shrinking water sources. Temperatures become increasingly hot through October, with heavy concentrations of game around lakes and rivers.
From November to May (rainy season), things get increasingly wet and sticky, with April and May having the heaviest rainfall. This is the 'green season' with lush vegetation, full rivers and lakes, and abundant birdlife and wild flowers, as well as baby animals.
Our top tips
One of the things we love about Asilia is their genuine eco- and social commitment; through their US$5 conservation charge, they support long-term sustainable projects, including reforestation, local sports/school facilities, and training women guides and camp managers.
Pack light, especially if your itinerary includes light aircraft transfers - some of which have a weight limit of 15kg in a soft bag. Bring layers (a mixture of long and short sleeves, in neutral colours), a thick fleece/jumper and light waterproof jacket (it is cold on the early morning game drives), sturdy shoes for game walks, flipflops for round the camp, a wide brimmed hat to protect you from the sun, good sunglasses (the African sun is bright!), a head torch, plug adaptors and charging equipment (camps and vehicles usually have one or two charging points), a good pair of binoculars, and a kikoy or kanga (can be bought locally) to be used as a scarf, towel etc.
Pack light, especially if your itinerary includes light aircraft transfers - some of which have a weight limit of 15kg in a soft bag. Bring layers (a mixture of long and short sleeves, in neutral colours), a thick fleece/jumper and light waterproof jacket (it is cold on the early morning game drives), sturdy shoes for game walks, flipflops for round the camp, a wide brimmed hat to protect you from the sun, good sunglasses (the African sun is bright!), a head torch, plug adaptors and charging equipment (camps and vehicles usually have one or two charging points), a good pair of binoculars, and a kikoy or kanga (can be bought locally) to be used as a scarf, towel etc.
Location
Safaris start and end at at Kilimanjaro International Airport near Arusha - served by some international flights as well as frequent hopper flights from Dar es Salaam - or in Arusha itself if you prefer.
An Asilia agent will meet you at the airport, and introduce you to your guide/driver, who will take to your first lodge. He will be your main point of contact for the rest of your trip.
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