Our Vision on Collaborative Conservation

Asilia Africa’s co-founders established the company 10 years ago with the strong desire to make a positive impact in East Africa. Our roots are in the oldest, owner-run safari companies in East Africa and at the time we were seeing evidence of deteriorating conditions in many wildlife and nature areas.

We believed then, as we still do, that tourism can be a powerful engine to improve the conditions for nature, wildlife and the communities in a number of crucial wildlife and nature areas in East Africa.

Bas Hochstenbach, Co-founder & Commercial Director

We believed then, as we still do, that tourism can be a powerful engine to improve the conditions for nature, wildlife and the communities in a number of crucial wildlife and nature areas in East Africa. As a safari operator, we humbly strive to offer each guest an unforgettable wilderness experience. Feedback from past guests suggests that we are on the right track with our ‘pillars’ of the best areas and camp locations, great guiding and a relaxed but still personal and intimate camp atmosphere contributing to remarkable and even at times profound safari experiences.

On top of delivering a responsible tourism product that in itself benefits nature, wildlife and communities, we try to maximise our positive impact in the areas in which we operate through a philosophy of Collaborative Conservation and development. Wherever Asilia operates, we believe we can be an agent of change by creating powerful partnerships with governments and leading conservation and community development focused organisations to create an impact way beyond what a stand-alone safari company could create. Some of the organisations we work with include National Geographic, The Nature Conservancy and the Kenya Wildlife Trust.

In 2014, just before our 10th birthday, Asilia was recognized for its approach as the “Best Worldwide Business in sustainable tourism” at the Tourism for Tomorrow awards – the “Oscars” of the global tourism industry. Whilst this recognition is very encouraging and appreciated, we actually feel that there is so much more we are still hoping to do.

For past guests and your friends planning another safari we encourage you to consider a mix of the best locations in the key National Parks (such as Rekero Camp in the Maasai Mara and Sayari Camp and the seasonal camps in the Serengeti) and a stay at the forefront of conservation: pioneering developments in crucial and fragile natural habitats such as Ruaha National Park, Rubondo Island National Park and the Maasai Mara Conservancies. It is the combination of the proven destinations and the excitement of the pioneering ones that Asilia believes constitute the best safari experience. Importantly, it is also this combination that creates a safari that has a positive impact way beyond safaris that only cover the trodden tourist paths.

I invite you to get in touch if you would like to participate in any way in our Collaborative Conservation effort. Participation does not only mean a financial contribution to a project, though that is always welcomed, but it can include partnerships, special travel opportunities, an exchange of ideas or perhaps an introduction. Please feel very free to email me directly at bas@asiliaafrica.com.

Bas Hochstenbach
Co-founder & Commercial Director

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