Leopard growling, mara naboisho conservancy, kenya, encounter mara camp Leopard growling, mara naboisho conservancy, kenya, encounter mara camp

Providing Some Answers

Planning a safari to East Africa can be a daunting task, especially if this is your first safari experience. We’ve mapped out answers to some of the more commonly asked questions in the below, aiming to provide you with as much information as possible and perhaps answer some questions you had not yet thought of.

Help! I’m planning my first safari. Where do I start?

If you are ready to embark on an unforgettable Asilia Africa adventure, research and dream more about our fantastic safari destinations here. Whether you want to explore the wild beauty of Tanzania, the diverse wildlife of Kenya, or the primate inhabited forests of Uganda, we have the perfect destination for you.

To help you plan your trip, we have some valuable tools for you. You can find your ideal camp here and discover our thrilling experiences. You can also browse our list of exhilarating itineraries here. These can be tailored to your preferences and budget.

We recommend talking to one of our specialist East Africa consultants, who can assist you with your plans. They will arrange your flights, transfers, and any extra activities and excursions you want to include. Please share your safari dreams and ideas with us, and we will create a bespoke and romantic journey you will never forget.

Type of safari

Asilia Africa’s safari experiences are the ultimate adventure if you are a nature and wildlife lover. You can choose from various options that suit your preferences and goals. Whether you want a romantic, family, or active trip, Asilia Africa has something for you. We will ensure you enjoy the beauty and diversity of the African wilderness whether you are travelling alone, with your loved ones as a small group of family and friends, or with your significant other.  

You can combine a much sought-after Big Five safari with a relaxing, romantic, or fun-filled beach getaway in Zanzibar or on the Kenya coast, for a genuinely diverse adventure. 

Our All Asilia offer is designed to encourage further exploration, by removing the cost of internal flights and transfers and providing you with the opportunity to see more. Explore the wildlife, history, and culture of Kenya, Tanzania, and Uganda, and create an unforgettable journey with memories to last a lifetime. Asilia is the best choice for anyone wanting an exciting, immersive, and meaningful safari expedition.

What is included in an Asilia safari?

Embark on a thrilling safari adventure with Asilia Africa and explore our welcoming camps situated in prime locations across East Africa. From the grasslands of Kenya’s Masai Mara, to the ancient baobabs in southern Tanzania’s Ruaha, and the rainforests of Uganda where mountain gorilla dwell within the dense, lush greenery. Our expert local guides will provide insightful information about the environment, making your journey come alive before your eyes. At the same time, you can enjoy unparalleled views of African wildlife, including the Great Wildebeest Migration, the famed Big 5, and endangered mountain gorillas while staying in our award-winning boutique camps.

In addition, daily game drives are included, as well as your selection of the many optional activities on offer, depending on which camp you’re staying in. In the spirit of our warm, friendly and genuine African hospitality, your meals and drinks are included so you can relax and enjoy your safari. Our safari picnics, accompanied by your favourite beverages, are a delight and a highlight for our day-tripping adventurers.

Learn more about what to expect on your first unforgettable safari with us here.

What is there to do on safari?

Our Asilia safari adventures are designed to give you an immersive experience in the wilderness, where you can see the majestic wildlife roaming the savannahs. Whether you want to see the epic spectacle of the Great Migration, experience thrilling encounters with the Big Five, get up-close to a mountain gorilla, or enjoy the diverse beauty of the birds, our safari excursions will leave you breathless and create lasting memories while staying in our award-winning boutique camps.

East Africa offers a range of exciting activities to suit your adventurous spirit, such as climbing Mount Kilimanjaro, hot-air ballooning, walking safaris, cultural interactions, and idyllic and romantic tropical beach relaxation. You can explore the stunning landscapes and enjoy the rich culture of the Maasai people on a walking safari. Or you can soar silently over the savannah plains in a hot-air balloon and witness the breathtaking beauty of East Africa from above.

At Asilia Africa, we believe in responsible tourism and sustainable practices, ensuring the protection of the environment while supporting our local communities. Our camps are designed to blend seamlessly into their natural surroundings, and our staff are passionate about providing warm hospitality and personalised service to ensure your safari is unforgettable.

How does the weather influence a safari?

Going on a safari is an experience to be enjoyed throughout the year. However, it is essential to remember that the time of year you choose to go will be influenced by the prevailing seasonal weather, ultimately determining the cost of your safari adventures. 

During the dry season, the wildlife gathers around the last few remaining watering holes. The vegetation is sparse, making it easier to spot the animals, but the price is usually higher.

Alternatively, lush green vegetation, colourful wildflowers and animals abound during the wet season. The rains herald the birthing season, so an array of cunning predators emerge to prey on vulnerable newborns, and pricing is usually lower.

Regardless of the season you decide to travel, you can be confident knowing that our award-winning camps are well-equipped to handle the East African climate. Along with our warm, kind and genuinely friendly staff, your comfort will always be ensured. Each of our Destination pages features a month-by-month breakdown of what to expect from the weather throughout the year.

Where are Asilia’s camps?

Asilia Africa features safari camps and lodges in Kenya, Tanzania, and Uganda.

We would love to share these beautiful destinations with you, home to sweeping savannahs, ancient volcanoes, and primeval forests and help you explore their natural wonders. You can be assured that in whichever Asilia camp you stay, you will enjoy the most breathtaking wilderness and sensational wildlife encounters, embraced by the warmest and sincerely genuine East African hospitality from our dedicated local teams, who are the heartbeat of Asilia.

Our Kenya destinations can be explored here – Kenya, Masai Mara National Reserve, Mara Naboisho Conservancy, and Ol Pejeta Conservancy.

Tanzania’s vast open plains and the incredible variety of wildlife and experiences can be savoured and explored here – Tanzania , Serengeti National Park, Ngorongoro Conservation Area, Ruaha National Park, Rubondo Island National Park, Nyerere National Park, and Tarangire National Park.

Venture into the depths of the Bwindi Impenetrable Forest in search of mountain gorilla, here – Uganda, Bwindi Impenetrable Forest.

Yes, you can book your safari directly with Asilia.

Booking with us is easy and convenient. Please tell us what you want, and we’ll plan everything for you. We are passionate about East Africa and want to share its wonders. Whether you want to see the incredible migration of millions of wildebeests, discover the breathtaking scenery of the Serengeti, or meet endangered mountain gorilla, we have a safari that suits you.

Our team of expert safari planners will tailor your trip to your needs and preferences, including all your regional flights and surface transfers. Due to the many decades we have been operating our award-winning camps, we have developed a trusted network of regional partners who work with us. With our buying power, we can pass on exclusive deals and offers to give you the best value for your money. Enquire today to start planning your safari with Asilia, and prepare for an unforgettable adventure!

Are all Asilia camps open year-round?

Asilia offers a variety of accommodation styles, from lightweight safari camps that can be moved to follow the herds of the Migration, to beautifully crafted permanent lodges featuring swimming pools and spa facilities. While the structure of the camp may determine the suitability to staying open through the rainy season, there are also accessibility and resupply logistics to consider. All these factors are taken into account when deciding which camps should remain open, and which should close.

Our migration camps in the Serengeti typically close for April and May, and again in November or early December as they avoid the heaviest rains and move location to follow the herds. Access to the parks in southern Tanzania become extremely challenging during the height of the rainy season, which sees our camps in Ruaha and Nyerere closing from mid-March to the start of June. Some of our camps remain open year-round, while others close for just one month to allow our staff a break and the opportunity to attend to annual maintenance.

For further details on opening dates, please consult the individual property pages for specific camp details. If your travel dates are not flexible, drop us a line, and we’ll curate the most idyllic and unforgettable wildlife excursion to match your dreams, timeframe, and needs.

How do I choose which camp to visit?

Choosing an idyllic and tailor-made safari and which of our gorgeous camps to combine will generally depend on a combination of factors. 

Our starting point is to look at with whom you will travel and the type of experience you seek. We offer some camps which you will find perfect for your needs if your adventures include your family or a group of friends, and others better suited to solo travellers, and still others best suited to the romantics. Since we own and operate our boutique camps in Kenya, Tanzania and Uganda, you can combine them, which is easily arranged.

Additional conversations will surround the wildlife safari adventures you have been dreaming of or reading about. We offer a myriad of exciting and unforgettable activities, including the Great Migration to which we can add special activities such as a wondrous and tranquil hot air balloon safari over the savannah plains. If you’re up to the challenge, climb Kilimanjaro, the world’s tallest free-standing mountain and Africa’s highest. This once-in-a-lifetime adventure, of course, requires stamina, fitness and some preparation.

Determine which of our Experiences are your most appealing, or peruse some of our Inspirational Itineraries to get you started with exciting ideas.

We’d love to hear from you so we can create the perfect safari to suit your needs.

How do I choose between Kenya and Tanzania?

If you are planning a trip to East Africa and are wondering whether to choose Kenya or Tanzania, your decision will largely depend on your travel needs and preferences. Both countries feature a variety of incredible safari destinations and are spectacular in their own right. If you have more time, you can easily combine both countries with each other, or with other nearby destinations such as Uganda, Rwanda, and Zanzibar, making for an even more exciting adventure. However, if you have a shorter trip, you must prioritise what you want to see and do to make the most of your time.

To get the best advice tailored to your specific needs, we highly recommend contacting us to chat with an experienced East Africa consultant. Based on the experience you wish to achieve, the time of year you would like to travel, and the amount of time you have at your disposal, we can assist you in planning your ultimate African adventure.

Can I combine my safari with a trip to Zanzibar?

The island of Zanzibar perfectly combines with your wildlife safari, offering a unique blend of adventure, culture, cuisine and historical variety. You can enjoy the romantic and idyllic atmosphere of the island, where the pristine beaches and warm ocean provide an opportunity to experience sensational marine wildlife and engage in various fun-filled water sports.

What is included in the price of my safari?

The overall cost of your safari can vary depending on various factors, including seasonality, additional exciting adventures and activities you may want to include, any special offers that may apply during your travels, and other factors.

Generally, a safari at Asilia’s properties will cost you anything from US$600 per person per night and upwards. Your delightful boutique accommodation costs are all-inclusive, embracing all your delicious meals and local alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages. Your twice-daily game drives in our specially modified vehicles with our expert and personable guides and round-trip transfers from the local airstrips to your camps are also included. Some camps feature additional activities, which may or may not be included, such as walking safaris, night game drives and fly-camping.

For a more accurate estimate, you can contact us, and we can elaborate and assist you further on this topic.

Is it safe to go on safari?

Absolutely. Asilia Africa has operated camps in East Africa for two decades and has maintained an exemplary safety record. Our safety practices and procedures effectively manage emergencies and prevent unsafe camp and bush situations.

Most of our camps are unfenced, allowing our guests to connect with nature fully. To ensure your safety from wildlife, we provide 24-hour Askari security (Maasai night watchmen) who look for animals, escort you when necessary after dark, and help keep the animals away from the camp area through their presence.

Moreover, our camps maintain strict operational safety protocols shared with all our guests upon arrival. In a medical emergency, we have access to a 24-hour on call medical expert, with backup from local offices in our operating countries to ensure you are safe from environmental hazards and unknown medical threats.

Can I bring my children along on safari?

You can! Going on a family safari in Africa can be an enriching experience. Not only will you get to spend quality time with your loved ones surrounded by the vast African landscapes, but you’ll also have the chance to immerse yourselves in unique cultural experiences, witness unforgettable wildlife sightings, and learn more about nature. Being with us on safari also allows you to disconnect from your electronic devices and truly reconnect with your most precious possessions – your family. If you’re travelling with teens, you might be wondering  about things for teens to do in Africa – we’ve got you covered. Switching off from the grid will allow the children to focus on the spectacular sights, sounds, smells, and adventures that await them on the savannah plains of East Africa. For more information on a family safari, please click here.

Please note that all of our camps have a minimum age limit of 5 years, while some activities have a minimum age limit of 12 years. If you have any questions or concerns, please feel free to contact us, and we will be happy to assist you in finding the best camp suitable for smaller children.

What is the Great Wildebeest Migration?

Experience the thrill of a lifetime with the most incredible animal migration in the world – The Great Wildebeest Migration. Witness over two million wildebeest, zebra, and gazelle make their way clockwise across the Serengeti in Tanzania and the Masai Mara in Kenya. The journey is dangerous as they must cross crocodile-infested rivers, evade predators, and face the wrath of natural disasters such as droughts and flooding in a daily struggle for survival.

Asilia Africa offers you a front-row seat to all the migration action, with several camps strategically located along the migration route. For instance, Sayari Camp is near many of the Mara River crossing points in the Northern Serengeti. We also have two mobile camps in the Serengeti that move to two different locations yearly to ensure proximity to the migration’s action. Camps in fixed locations offer additional coverage of the migration route, as well as enhanced amenities such as swimming pools and spa facilities.

Take advantage of this incredible opportunity to witness nature’s most astounding spectacle. Book your trip now and make memories that will last a lifetime.

Which is the best camp for the Great Wildebeest Migration?

Witnessing one of the most awe-inspiring natural wonders of the world, the Great Migration of millions of animals on an epic journey across vast savannah landscapes in search of food and water is a breathtaking adventure. The best place to see this incredible spectacle depends on when you can travel, as the animals constantly move according to the seasons and the rainfall, following the best grazing along the way.

Asilia Africa has the perfect boutique camps to experience this once-in-a-lifetime adventure. You can choose from our permanent camps along the classic migration route, or our mobile camps that move with the animals twice a year to give you the best possible game viewing.

 

What is the best time to see the Great Wildebeest Migration?

The Great Migration is a thrilling experience that can be enjoyed throughout the year. There will be different encounters depending on the location and time of year. Therefore, working closely with your in-house safari expert is a great idea to ensure you plan the perfect migration safari to suit your needs. Of course, the movements of nature are impossible to accurately predict, but these rough guidelines are based on our experience of previous years.

During the first few months of the year, you can expect to see exceptional predator encounters in the southern Serengeti, as this is the calving season for the wildebeest. The newborns are an easy target, making it a prime time for predators and a bonanza for photography enthusiasts.

By June, the herds are usually heading into the central Serengeti, the site of the first river crossing of the wildebeest as they tackle the Grumeti River. They take their chances against the ever-present, patient and hungry crocodiles.

In July, the herds begin to mass in the northern Serengeti where they enjoy the grasslands before plunging down steep embankments into the crocodile infested Mara River. In their confusion, many wildebeest will cross back and forth multiple times, while others will continue northwards into Kenya’s Masai Mara. By September, the big herds have fragmented into smaller groups, spread out across the Masai Mara and both the north and south banks of the Mara River in Tanzania. The last few months of the year bring short rains, causing the wildebeest to follow the rain back to the southern Serengeti, where the animals enjoy nutritious grazing ahead of the next calving season and inevitable predator attacks.

What are the vaccination requirements?

A vital aspect of preparing for your unforgettable adventure in Africa is having all the necessary vaccinations. We’ve covered the vaccinations you might need for your safari on our blog which also includes handy links to the relevant authorities who will always have the most up-to-date information. Vaccine regulations are subject to change and it’s always best to consult your nearest travel clinic about 6-8 weeks before you travel. 

What are the visa requirements?

Kindly consult your relevant embassy for full details of visa requirements. Please indicate clearly that Asilia Africa is the ‘DMC’ (Destination Management Company or your ground handler) and not the address of your first overnight stay.

For addresses and telephone numbers, please visit our Contact Us page and either use Kenya (Nairobi), Tanzania (Arusha) or Uganda (Kampala) information, depending on which country you are visiting.

What are the points of entry to get to your camps?

For International visitors, the following apply:

Kenya:

Jomo Kenyatta International Airport, Nairobi (Airport code – NBO)

Tanzania:

Julius Nyerere International Airport, Dar es Salaam (Airport code – DAR) or Kilimanjaro International Airport (Airport code – JRO)

Uganda:

Entebbe International Airport, Entebbe (Airport code – EBB)

How do I get from the airport to your camps?

Getting around East Africa requires significantly more planning than other destinations. Although road transfers can be arranged, distances may be significant, and roads can be challenging and bumpy. That said, some journeys are worth driving for the scenery and potential wildlife that can be enjoyed along the way. Driving also provides a glimpse into life in rural areas and the road may take you through interesting villages and towns.

So, deciding whether you want to drive to a camp, or opt for the option of a swift flight, is often not as straight-forward as simply considering the time implications of the decision. Our safari experts know their way around the region and can advise which transfers are best to drive or fly, depending on the season and the available time in your itinerary. Should you opt for road transfers, our vehicles are equipped with a fridge stocked with refreshments and snacks to keep you happy until you reach your destination.

What do I pack for my holiday?

You won’t want to forget a few handy items for your safari, such as a hat and sunblock. However, it is essential to note that certain light aircraft transfer flights will have a smaller and stricter luggage limit. Please note all laundry in camp is done by hand and dried outdoors. Therefore, turnaround time is weather-dependent, and we do not wash underwear out of respect for local culture and customs. Washing powder is provided in all our bathrooms should you wish to wash your own.

You can forget about packing shampoo, conditioner, body wash, or lotion since these items are all provided in camp. Aim to pack as light as possible, with the option of layering clothes for the cooler mornings and evenings on safari.

Do you offer multilingual guides or translators?

Yes! To better serve our international guests, we have a pool of in-house guides with additional language skills capable of guiding in Spanish and German. We also work with accredited freelance guides capable of providing French, Italian, and Mandarin. If you prefer to travel with a translator, this service can be arranged on request. Chat to our consultants about the option that is best for you.