Asilia Retreats
Serengeti National Park, Tanzania
The Retreats at Sayari and Namiri Plains deliver an elevated level of exclusivity and flexibility, creating a personal space for families, groups of friends, privately guided groups, or VIPs.
ASILIA Retreats
The Asilia Retreats deliver an elevated level of exclusivity and flexibility, creating a personal space for a family or group of friends. Complete with a private guide and vehicle, host, and dedicated chef, the Retreats have been designed to offer a unique safari experience.
Each Retreat consists of two en suite bedrooms, a lounge and dining area, and a sprawling veranda leading to a private firepit – perfect for soaking up the expansive views across these iconic Serengeti locations. Between the two Retreats is a shared environment featuring a lounge and dining area, and a swimming pool reserved for the exclusive use of Retreat guests. The shared dining area will only be used when both Retreats have been booked by the same party, but the lounge and swimming pool can be enjoyed by Retreat guests at any time.
About the retreats at Sayari
The Retreats at Sayari are based in the north of Serengeti National Park, with a prime location to witness thousands of wildebeest crash across the Mara River as part of their Great Migration.
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Open: June to March
Closed: April to May -
Closest airstrip: Kogatende, 20-minutes drive from camp
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Families: children aged five and older
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June to October
About the retreats at Namiri plains
Before Namiri Plains was built, these grasslands were closed for 20 years to allow the cheetah population to restore. The nearest other camps are over an hour’s drive away so you can experience the vast plains all to yourself.
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Open: Year round
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Seronera, 2-hour drive from camp
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Families: children aged five and older
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November to June
Featured Offer
Accommodation
Accommodation & Amenities
The layout of the Retreats varies slightly, in accordance with the design differences between Sayari and Namiri camps, but the concept and experience across them is very similar.
Each Retreat consists of two full size bedrooms, each opening onto a wrap-around deck with views across the plains. A lounge and dining area sits between the two rooms within the Retreat, also opening onto the large deck to create an indoor-outdoor living feel.
Keeping with the style of Sayari Camp, the en suite bathrooms within the Sayari Retreats will each feature a free-standing bathtub with both an indoor and outdoor shower. Similarly, the Namiri Plains Retreats will mirror the en suite offerings of the main camp with a large indoor shower and an outdoor bathtub, positioned for privacy on either side of the deck.
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2 Retreats per camp
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En-suite bathrooms
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Private guide and vehicle
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Private chef
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Hot-water showers and bath
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Flushing toilets
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Private decked veranda
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Semi-private swimming pool
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In-room safe
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Complimentary laundry service
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Solar and generator power
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In-room power outlets
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WiFi
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Spa
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Microbrewery (Sayari)
accommodation
Rooms
Stylish and spacious, each room has been carefully furnished and features views overlooking the Serengeti plains. Sliding doors running the width of the room open out onto the expansive deck, complete with sun loungers and tables and chairs. Off the front of the veranda, steps lead down to the grass and your private firepit for evening sundowners.
Experiences
Exclusivity and flexibility
The Retreats have been carefully designed to offer a seamless transition between indoor and outdoor living. Large sliding doors create an open environment with uninterrupted views of the Serengeti plains. The lounge and dining areas flow onto the expansive deck, providing a variety of comfortable and relaxing spaces in which to unwind between activities and soak up the atmosphere of these extraordinary locations.
A shared environment situated between the two Retreats at both Sayari and Namiri offers additional breakaway space for relaxation. A comfortably furnished lounge opens onto a deck leading to a swimming pool reserved exclusively for the use of Retreat guests. In the event that both Retreats are booked by a single group, meals will be served in this dining space which is capable of seating the full party.
Experiences
A typical day on safari at Asilia Retreats
Each evening, your private guide will meet you by the fire to discuss a plan for the following day. With a dedicated private vehicle, you have complete flexibility to structure your day however you wish. The cool mornings and late afternoons are when wildlife is typically more active, making this the ideal time for walking safaris and game drives. Breakfast can be taken early on the veranda of your Retreat, or a picnic breakfast can be enjoyed on the plains during your morning game drive. A picnic lunch can also be taken for those wishing to experience a full day game drive. Early afternoons, while the midday heat is still high, are ideal for poolside lounging or enjoying a massage in the camp spa. As sunset approaches, sundowners in the bush or at the fire present the perfect way to salute the day, before sitting down to a delicious dinner prepared by your private chef.
Experiences
Game drives
The flexibility of a private vehicle and guide allows you full control over how your day is structured. Spend a morning, an afternoon, or a full day exploring the open plains.
Experiences
Walking safaris
One of the most exciting ways to explore the Serengeti is on foot. Closer to the ground, the smaller ecosystems, tracks, and animals come to the forefront of the experience. Observing big game whilst on foot provides an entirely different, and thrilling, perspective on game viewing.
Experiences
Asilia Spa
Our wellness offerings are specially developed to enhance the well-being of both your body and mind, including massages and treatments that are based on the natural healing methods of local traditions. Join us for a rejuvenating experience at the Asilia Spa for a little bit of extra indulgence and pampering. Please note that spa treatments are charged at an additional cost.
Experiences
Family safaris
We welcome families with children over 5 years old. The Retreats offer the perfect private space for families to absorb the experience together, with the flexibility of a dedicated chef to prepare special kiddies meals, and a private vehicle to enjoy game drives without worrying about disturbing other guests.
When to go
What to expect during the year
The Serengeti is a year-round destination, with great wildlife-viewing opportunities during both the dry and wet seasons. Most tourists arrive in July and August for the famous wildebeest migration herds in the northern Serengeti that can usually be seen until October. With relatively dry conditions and less crowds, January, February, September and October are great months to travel.
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January - March
Why travel at this time
There’s a break in the rains over January and February, before the long rains begin towards the end of March. The migratory birds are in the region and photographic conditions are perfect, with lush grasses and clear skies. There are fewer tourists in the north at this time.
Climate
The average high temperature is 27°C/81°F and the average low is around 15°C/59°F. Expect some showers in January and February. The long rains begin in March.
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Low temp: 15°C / 59°F
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High temp: 27°C / 81°F
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Rainfall: 135mm / 5.3in
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April - June
Why travel at this time
Sayari is closed throughout April and May, but Namiri Plains remains open. June is dry and a good time to travel, just before peak season. This is when the wildebeest herds begin moving into the north.
Climate
June is the start of the dry season. The average high is 25°C/77°F and the low is 14°C/57°F.
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Low temp: 14°C / 57°F
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High Temp: 25°C / 77°F
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Rainfall: 30mm / 1.2in
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July - September
Why travel at this time
This is the dry season and a wonderful time to travel as the conditions are perfect for spotting wildlife. The wildebeest herds gather at the Mara River, crossing back and forth throughout these months. Competition between predators increases and watering holes become a hive of activity.
Climate
The high temperatures of the dry season ranges from 24°C/75°F in July to 26°C/79°F in September. The low dip to around 13°C/55°F.
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Low temp: 13°C / 55°F
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High temp: 25°C / 77°F
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Rainfall: 23mm / 0.9in
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October - December
Why travel at this time
The Serengeti crowds begin to thin out from early October as the wildebeest herds show signs of starting to head southward. There are some final river crossings in the northern Serengeti, before the herds fill the plains surrounding Namiri on their journey south. The short rains replenish the landscape and the migratory birds begin to arrive from Europe and Asia.
Climate
The short rains start around late October or November and last for roughly a month. The most rainfall usually occurs in December. The maximum temperature is around 27°C/81°F and the average low is 15°C/59°F.
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Low temp: 15°C / 59°F
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High temp: 27°C / 81°F
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Rainfall: 43mm / 1.7in
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Rates
The Retreat at Sayari
Below, choose your travel dates for an estimated accommodation cost per person sharing.
Additional information
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Rate includes
Full-board accommodation, house drinks, private game drive vehicle and guide, private chef, limited laundry service, walking safaris, transfers to and from nearest airstrip
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Rate excludes
Park and concession fees, transfers other than to/from nearest airstrip, flights and airport taxes, gratuities and items of a personal nature
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Budget factors
Special offers may apply. Contact us for the best available rates. Last minute offers and long-stay rates may apply.
Rates and Seasonality
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Peak season - Sayari Retreat : 01 Jul 2023 - 30 Sep 2023 Rate: US$7500
What to expect
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Best viewing of the Migration and river crossings
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Good for predators
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Higher tourist volumes
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Low Temp: 13°C / 55°F
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High Temp: 25°C / 77°F
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Rainfall: 23mm / 0.9in
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High season - Sayari Retreat: 01 Oct 2023 - 31 Oct 2023 Rate: US$7250
What to expect
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Great game viewing with fewer crowds
Good for walking
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Low Temp: 15°C / 59°F
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High Temp: 26°C / 79°F
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Rainfall: 109mm / 4.3in
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Low season - Sayari Retreat: 01 Nov 2023 - 19 Dec 2023 Rate: US$3400
What to expect
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Few vehicles around
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Great game viewing
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Plentiful big cat sightings
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Good time for walking
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Good chance to see black rhino
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Low Temp: 15°C / 59°F
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High Temp: 27°C / 81°F
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Rainfall: 43mm / 1.7in
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High season - Sayari Retreat: 20 Dec 2024 - 05 Jan 2025 Rate: US$7250
What to expect
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Great game viewing with fewer crowds
Good for walking
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Low Temp: 15°C / 59°F
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High Temp: 26°C / 79°F
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Rainfall: 109mm / 4.3in
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Green season - Sayari Retreat : 06 Jan 2025 - 31 Mar 2025 Rate: US$3000
What to expect
- Lower visitor numbers
- Good resident wildlife
- Increasing chance of afternoon showers
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Low Temp: 15°C / 59°F
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High Temp: 27°C / 81°F
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Rainfall: 135mm / 5.3in
Rates
The Retreat at Namiri Plains
Below, choose your travel dates for an estimated accommodation cost per person sharing.
Additional information
-
Rate includes
Full-board accommodation, house drinks, private game vehicle and guide, private chef, limited laundry service, walking safaris (pre-booking essential) and transfers to and from nearest airstrip
-
Rate excludes
Park and concession fees, transfers other than to/from nearest airstrip, flights and airport taxes, gratuities and items of a personal nature
-
Budget factors
Special offers may apply. Contact us for the best available rates. Last minute offers and long-stay rates may apply.
Rates and Seasonality
-
Peak season - Namiri Plains Retreat : 01 Jul 2023 - 31 Oct 2023 Rate: US$7500
What to expect
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Best viewing of the Migration and river crossings
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Good for predators
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Higher tourist volumes
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Low Temp: 13°C / 55°F
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High Temp: 25°C / 77°F
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Rainfall: 23mm / 0.9in
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Low season - Namiri Plains Retreat : 01 Nov 2023 - 19 Dec 2023 Rate: US$4400
What to expect
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Few vehicles around
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Great game viewing
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Plentiful big cat sightings
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Good time for walking
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Good chance to see black rhino
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Low Temp: 15°C / 59°F
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High Temp: 27°C / 81°F
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Rainfall: 43mm / 1.7in
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Peak season - Namiri Plains Retreat : 20 Dec 2024 - 05 Jan 2025 Rate: US$7500
What to expect
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Great game viewing with fewer crowds
Good for walking
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Low Temp: 15°C / 59°F
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High Temp: 26°C / 79°F
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Rainfall: 109mm / 4.3in
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High season - Namiri Plains Retreat : 06 Jan 2025 - 28 Feb 2025 Rate: US$7250
What to expect
- Lower visitor numbers
- Good resident wildlife
- Increasing chance of afternoon showers
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Low Temp: 15°C / 59°F
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High Temp: 27°C / 81°F
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Rainfall: 135mm / 5.3in
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Low season - Namiri Plains Retreat : 01 Mar 2025 - 31 Mar 2025 Rate: US$4400
What to expect
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Few vehicles around
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Great game viewing
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Plentiful big cat sightings
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Good time for walking
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Good chance to see black rhino
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Low Temp: 15°C / 59°F
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High Temp: 27°C / 81°F
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Rainfall: 43mm / 1.7in
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Green season - Namiri Plains Retreat : 01 Apr 2025 - 31 May 2025 Rate: US$2550
What to expect
- Lower visitor numbers
- Good resident wildlife
- Increasing chance of afternoon showers
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Low Temp: 15°C / 59°F
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High Temp: 27°C / 81°F
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Rainfall: 135mm / 5.3in
WILDLIFE
Serengeti National Park wildlife
Besides the herds, there’s a healthy population of predators, including lions and leopards. When the European migrant birds arrive, the number of bird species swells to 500, many of which can be spotted on game drives or walking safaris.
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Lion
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Cheetah
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Leopard
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Zebra
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Klipspringer
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Nile Crocodile
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Oribi
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Elephant
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Spotted Hyena
eBook Guide to the Great Migration
Learn everything you need to know about planning the ultimate Great Migration Safari in our eBook guide. Inside the guide you'll find: a month-by-month summary; a detailed map of how the migration moves; a selection of the best places to stay on safari; and expert tips for an unforgettable safari.
Camps & Lodges
You may also like...
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Sayari Camp
The award-winning Sayari Camp is based in the north of Serengeti National Park, with a prime location to witness thousands of wildebeest crash across the Mara River as part of their Great Migration.
Sayari Camp -
Namiri Plains
Completely refurbished and upgraded in 2019, Namiri Plains is in Tanzania’s eastern Serengeti. This remote camp is also a conservation initiative, protecting an area crucial to cheetah and other big cats.
Namiri Plains
