My family and I travelled with you in November, from Nairobi to Oliver’s, The Highlands, and Dunia Camp. Such was the experience, that I felt compelled to write about it, so that others may be inspired to experience the same.
From the moment we arrived in Nairobi, our first point of contact at the airport, Rose, was friendly and helpful, offering a warm welcome and lining us up immediately with our driver. The seamless execution of our trip began there and would not finish until we flew out 15 days later. Everything in between was pure perfection.
Oliver’s Camp
Upon arrival at Kuro Airstrip in Tarangire National Park, we met our incredible guide, Irene, and her apprentice Godwin. I cannot say enough about the two of them – Godwin was reserved and let Irene do much of the talking, but he really shone during the night drive. As for Irene, I have not been so impressed by a guide in my life. I have worked with literally hundreds of guides – from touristic and cultural guides, to mountaineering, skiing, bike, and hiking guides throughout the world. Irene’s deep wildlife knowledge, friendly demeanour, and no-nonsense logistics and abilities were obvious to us from the start. As a woman, I can only imagine the extra hurdles in that profession that she had to go through, but she is obviously as capable as any guide, anywhere. We loved her.
At Oliver’s Camp, Godfrey and his team met us with the first of many “Jambo’s” and made us feel immediately at home. We were so lucky to have the entire side of the camp to ourselves for 3 days, and we were spoiled by the attention. Lizier was our butler, and he took exceptional care of us. It was so inspiring to hear some of his personal experience and growth within Asilia, and you can feel the pride he has for his job, the camp, and the company. He is a wonderful human.
The accommodations were more comfortable than any 5-star hotel in Europe, and while the evening “soundtrack” made for some interesting sleeps, I cannot imagine a more luxurious camp. The pool was especially relaxing after a long morning in the sun. The breakfast terrace, the baobab terrace, and the main lodge were just incredible.
The team prepared a special bush picnic lunch which, in itself was amazing, but it was the singing and dancing that the staff put on for us that was so moving. We were surprised with a cake for our anniversary and my birthday, but it was the staff on this beautiful day that made it all so special. You cannot pretend to have the fun that they had performing, and it was totally infectious.
The Highlands
On to The Highlands, but before we get there, I have to comment about the logistics – I cannot imagine how complicated it is to move guests around by jeeps and small planes, and the paperwork and minute detail that it must involve. And the fact that your guides handle it all, and we just sit there and watch it happen as if it were so simple. It is remarkable. We operate in Switzerland, the most organized and punctual country in the world – and things still go wrong! But your team made it absolutely seamless and painless. Every time. I was SO impressed.
The Highlands was just as amazing. After a short flight from Kuro to Manyara, we were met by our new guide, Kanael, and it was immediately clear that we had a connection with him. We stopped for a picnic lunch on a coffee farm in Karatu, perfectly breaking-up the drive to the crater and offering a welcome opportunity to stretch the legs. Arrival at the camp was so impressive, such a contrast to Tarangire, and an amazing concept with the geodesic domes. In the late afternoon, we walked down to the neighbouring Maasai village, led by Shinoi, a Maasai cultural guide. This village visit and interaction was a thoroughly enjoyable experience, offering a profound and genuine insight into the traditional Maasai way of life.
The crater visit was incredible, and Kanael was a great guide with an amazing knowledge of birds, which pleasantly and unexpectedly became a great interest of ours as well. Obviously, we saw everything that the crater has to offer, and he knew exactly where to look. Upon return to camp, we went for a hike to the Olmoti Crater with Lembris, which was absolutely fantastic; to be able to move our legs after a long day in the jeep was perfect. And, he is a great guide and a great asset to your team, with the Maasai perspective as well.
Back at the lodge, Pascal and his team were every bit as hospitable as the Oliver’s Camp crew. Jackson was especially great, from his bartending skills to his friendly and joking demeanour. They also surprised me by presenting me with a Maasai blanket (and name!), which was a great honour that I will never forget. The camp was every bit as comfortable as Oliver’s, and as luxurious as you could imagine for being at 2800m on the side of a crater. I don’t know how they do it all, from the food to the day-to-day logistics. Your team are superheroes.
Dunia Camp
Last camp – the much-anticipated ladies’ camp of Dunia. We were all very excited about this for months in advance, and it absolutely over-delivered in every aspect. The all-ladies team of Jasintha / “JAS” were just incredible. From the arrival songs to the departure songs, and songs at dinner on our last night, we were so moved to see the fun, joy, and passion that they all have for the place, and their work. Jas is a powerhouse, and she imparts a special kind of empowerment to her team. Deborah took special care of us, and I think she could really become a star for Asilia in the coming years. The food was especially great, with more of a Swahili angle than at the other camps, which was very welcome, and their pastry program was just outstanding. My sister, Liza, is a well-renowned chef in USA, and she was constantly remarking how impressive the food program was across the board – but especially at Dunia.
Our game drives in the Serengeti were amazing – when we thought they could not be any better than what we had already seen, David (our guide and one of the very few males in camp) just kept delivering more incredible experiences. The bush breakfast on the rocks was probably the most memorable meal of our lives, then David spotted a rhino about 2km away, and we set off for a closer look – seeing that rhino up close made the day and the trip for us. David’s knowledge of birds was equal to Kanael’s and made for never a slow moment between big game encounters.
By the time we left for Zanzibar, we felt as if we had made a dozen new best friends. Your teams were so professional, so naturally hospitable, so welcoming to us one and all. I have run out of superlatives to describe just how deeply our first East Africa trip has affected us all, and how impressed we are with Asilia. We were all so blown away by every aspect of our trip, and especially your staff. Your product is so exceptional – from the lodges to the vehicles, the guides, the teams at the lodges, the food – that it almost makes the safari, the location, the place seem secondary. But of course, that is not totally true, because those locations, that country, the wildlife are what makes people want to travel there in the first place. But Asilia is the reason why we will come back. Thank you for a truly life-changing experience.
Jack Shaw and family
Asilia guests, November 2024
