The Asilia Edit, our collection of set departure, small group tours, currently features four carefully curated safari itineraries. Each Edition of The Asilia Edit encourages total immersion into the experience of the journey and is enriched with thoughtful extras to further elevate the unique safari offering.
With four different options to choose from, there may be some uncertainty around which Edition is best suited to you, or what it is that sets each Edition apart from the others. In this series of blogs, we will unpack each Edition, providing insight into the experience, the regions and camps it covers, and what can be expected from the itinerary.
The Classic Edition
Why is it Classic?
Northern Tanzania is home to some of East Africa’s most iconic safari destinations. The rolling grasslands of Serengeti National Park, the natural beauty of the Ngorongoro Conservation Area, and the wilderness adventure of Tarangire National Park. The Classic Edition has been crafted to incorporate these destinations and the remarkable experiences they offer, into one easily accessible itinerary that offers the classic Northern Tanzania safari experience. It is Classic in that it covers Tanzania’s most sought-after destinations, whilst remaining timeless in its appeal.
Who is this best for?
This is the East Africa that lives in imaginations – vast herds moving across golden grasslands, ancient craters holding concentrated wildlife spectacles, endless plains where predators claim territories beyond horizons. For a first-time traveller to Tanzania, The Classic Edition covers the locations considered “must see”, while the accommodation choices make the itinerary timeless and appealing to experienced safari goers alike. Incorporating the most game-rich environments in Tanzania, this itinerary will consistently perform for wildlife and photography enthusiasts.
What to expect from the experience?
The Classic Edition sets off at a high pace, capitalising on the array of activities available from both Oliver’s Camp and The Highlands, filling the days with rich experiences. At Namiri Plains, the luxurious appeal of the camp dominates, and the pace begins to relax amidst spa treatments, hot air balloon safaris, and poolside siestas.
Unpacking The Classic Edition
The Classic Edition incorporates the iconic wildlife parks of Northern Tanzania, known for consistently delivering exceptional game viewing on a year-round basis.
Arusha: Rivertrees Country Inn
The town of Arusha is the natural gateway to Northern Tanzania, offering daily flights to the surrounding national parks. It is a 90-minute drive from Kilimanjaro International Airport, where a variety of international carriers arrive and depart daily. Rivertrees Country Inn provides comfortable and welcoming accommodation in the leafy and lush outskirts of Arusha.
Tarangire National Park: Oliver’s Camp
Situated in the far south of Tarangire, away from the busy areas closer to the park gate, Oliver’s Camp offers an immersive wilderness experience. Amongst this landscape of baobab trees and large herds of elephants, enjoy game drives, walking safaris, and night drives along the waterline of the Silale Swamp. The permanent water supply offered by the swamp, makes it a hive of activity throughout the year, attracting herds of elephant and water buffalo, plains game, and predators. Birding in Tarangire is phenomenal, especially during the season of short rains from November to January.
Ngorongoro Conservation Area: The Highlands
The Highlands, located on the northern slopes of Olmoti Volcano, offers a unique experience within the Ngorongoro Conservation Area. Instead of focussing on the Ngorongoro Crater, the emphasis here falls firmly on exploration by foot of the surrounding highlands, hiking into the depths of the Empakaai Crater, or up the ancient cattle path to the rim of Olmoti Crater and down to the waterfall on its inner slopes. The cultural element offered through visits to the neighbouring Maasai village provides a genuine and authentic look into the lifestyle of one of East Africa’s oldest tribes.
Game drives descend into the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Ngorongoro Crater for the remarkable experience of game viewing on a crater floor, surrounded by the towering walls of the unbroken caldera. It’s a unique wildlife experience, something everyone travelling to Tanzania needs to experience at least once, offering the opportunity to view rhino, lions, hyena, and a variety of plains game. Due to the confined nature of the crater floor, combined with the relatively flat landscape, you will encounter several other safari vehicles, and it can feel busy during the high season months, but it is an experience not to be missed, and one that repeat safari goers return for time and time again. At the end of your game drive, leave the crowds far behind and retreat to the near solitude of the Ngorongoro highlands where the Asilia Spa and barrel sauna await you.
Serengeti National Park: Namiri Plains
The Serengeti needs little introduction. Famous for the annual migration of wildebeest and the dramatic river crossings, it is a destination that has been the subject of countless wildlife documentaries. Namiri Plains sits in the eastern corner of the park, a quieter destination in terms of traveller numbers, but a spectacular environment for lions and cheetah.
This is big cat country. Open grasslands dotted with granite kopjes and termite mounds, used by these cats to scout the surrounding area for game. The surrounding landscape provides the classic Serengeti views of “endless plains”, explored through a variety of activities including game drives and a hot air balloon safari. Between activities, soak up the luxury of Namiri Plains, enjoying a complimentary spa treatment, views from the swimming pool, and your private outdoor bathtub.
What does The Classic Edition Include?
Game Drives
Game drives are the staple ingredient of a safari experience, and the locations of Tarangire, Ngorongoro, and the Serengeti offer a diverse variety of landscape and dominant wildlife.
Walking Safari and Night Game Drive
Tarangire National Park provides the opportunity for two safari experiences that should not be missed. A walking safari and a night game drive. A walking safari offers a closer connection to the wilderness and echoes the classic experience of a traditional East Africa safari. Tarangire is the only national park in northern Tanzania where a night game drive can be enjoyed. The experience provides a unique opportunity to track seldom spotted nocturnal wildlife, like porcupines, aardvarks, and bush babies, alongside elusive genet and civet cats. Beyond the wildlife, being in the complete darkness of the wilderness at night, beneath the canopy of stars, makes it an extraordinary experience.
Hiking in Ancient Volcanoes
The unparalleled location of The Highlands allows for easy access to the natural beauty of the Olmoti and Empakaai craters. The scenic hikes follow paths through highland vegetation to crater lakes and vigorous waterfalls, offering stunning vistas in landscapes enjoyed by few others and creating a unique and diverse Ngorongoro experience.
Maasai Cultural Excursion from The Highlands
Our closest neighbour to The Highlands is a small Maasai community. Located within walking distance from the camp, this cultural experience offers an authentic glimpse into the traditional Maasai culture and way of life. This is a respectful and considered experience, providing an additional layer of depth and understanding to your East Africa experience.
Namiri Spa
Enjoy a 30-minute spa treatment of your choice at the Namiri Plains spa, perfect for easing tired muscles or releasing some shoulder tension.
An evening with the Serengeti Cheetah Project
The Serengeti Cheetah Project has been studying and documenting cheetah across the Serengeti since 1975. As Namiri Plains was the first tourism operator in this eastern corner of the Serengeti, we have worked closely with the Cheetah Project since day one of our camp opening. This curated experience offers the unique opportunity to engage with a conservation partner and learn more about the important work being performed in the area.
Hot air balloon safari in the Serengeti National Park
This bucket-list experience provides a unique view of the Serengeti landscape. Whether soaring to heights to enjoy dramatic sights, or gliding silently over wildlife, a hot air balloon safari is an unforgettable experience.
Positive Impact
Your stay with Asilia directly contributes to the conservation of wildlife and key wilderness areas in East Africa. Each night spent in an Asilia camp generates US$20 for conservation initiatives – US$10 from the guest, and a further US$10 matched by NawiriGroup, while park fees contribute to the employment of rangers and ongoing anti-poaching initiatives. At The Highlands, the neighbouring Maasai community benefits from employment opportunities and revenue generation through the Maasai Cultural Excursion. From Namiri Plains, learn about cheetah research and conservation from a member of the Serengeti Cheetah Project through an intimate evening presentation and discussion held in camp.
The Classic Edition has been carefully crafted to include the key elements of a Northern Tanzania safari, allowing for an immersive and rewarding wildlife experience. Despite following a well-used itinerary structure for this popular region, the location of Asilia’s camps allows The Classic Edition to retain an uncanny level of exclusivity, managing to consistently escape the feeling of walking a well-trodden path.
If you are looking for Tanzania’s quintessential safari experience, The Classic Edition is for you.
