Planning My Safari Vacation:

How do I start planning my safari vacation?
A safari isn't just a holiday you book – it's a dream you create. Consider what a trip to the African wilderness means to you. Is it adventure? Conservation? Connection? Then you can start to consider the camps and areas that best align with your interests.

What is there to do on safari?
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, Asilia safari excursions will leave you breathless and create lasting memories while staying in award-winning boutique camps.

When is the best time of year to go on safari?
East Africa's seasons create distinctly different safari conditions, so the best time depends on what you want to see and experience.

• June to October: This is the most popular time for wildlife viewing. Animals concentrate around permanent water sources as seasonal pools dry up, making animals easier to locate. The Great Migration river crossings in the Maasai Mara typically occur July through September. Expect higher prices and more visitors during these peak months.
• November to December: Animals disperse more widely across the landscape. Wildlife viewing remains good, though sightings can be less predictable. These transitional months offer better value and fewer crowds. The migration begins moving south into Tanzania's Serengeti.
• January to February: The wildebeest calving occurs on the southern Serengeti plains, with roughly 500,000 calves born in a concentrated period. This attracts significant predator activity. Weather is generally dry and pleasant, making this another popular season for visitors.
• March to May: The wettest months bring lower prices, and the fewest tourists. Some roads can become difficult to navigate, and animals spread out across abundant grazing areas. Wildlife viewing is less predictable, but all species remain active. Afternoon storms are common but typically brief.

How long should my safari trip be?
As long as you can possibly manage! Factor in at least one full day on either end for international travel and jet lag recovery. You will want at least three nights in any one camp.

We recommend a safari trip of 5 to 7 days to provide enough time to visit one or two different wildlife areas, staying for 3 or 4 nights in each. You’ll be able to adjust to the rhythm of early morning and late afternoon game drives, and experience different landscapes and see a variety of wildlife.

If you are able to fit in a 10 to 14 day itinerary, this will allow you to combine multiple destinations and experiences – for example, plains game viewing in the Serengeti, gorilla trekking in Rwanda or Uganda, and different ecosystems like woodland and savannah. Most guests find this length provides comprehensive coverage without feeling rushed. The extended timeframe also means you're less affected by a single day of poor weather or quiet game viewing.

Can guests visit multiple parks?
Yes, we recommend you visit 2-3 parks depending on the length of your stay. Here are some itinerary ideas to inspire your next stay.

How far in advance should I book my safari?
 Safari lodges often have limited rooms, so we recommend booking 12 months in advance.

How does Asilia manage safety on property and during experiences?
Asilia maintains comprehensive safety and risk management standards. Guest receive a full safety briefing on arrival.

Logistics & Transportation:

What happens once I have made my booking?
The hands-on Asilia team will reach out to discuss your stay with you. From transfers to activities, Asilia’s team of experts will guide you and can assist creating your dream itinerary.

How do I get from the airport to Asilia camps?
Getting around East Africa requires significantly more planning than other destinations. 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.

Can I combine my safari trip with a visit to Zanzibar?
Zanzibar is a great addition to any safari trip if you have extra time. We recommend adding it to the beginning or end of the itinerary to ensure smooth connections. Any property in Tanzania can connect onto Zanzibar, including properties in the Serengeti, though, due to their proximity, properties in Nyerere National Park and Ruaha National Park have the shortest flight times. The Asilia team can support you for logistics, pricing, and transfers post booking.

Inclusions & Amenities:

What is included in the price of my stay?
All properties include full board accommodation, house alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks, shared game drives, transfer to and from the nearest airstrip for example. Once you book your stay, the Asilia team will reach out to discuss your stay and desired itinerary. Private safari experiences are booked separately and not included in the price of your stay. Full list of inclusions is available when booking your stay.

Do all camps have Wi-Fi?
Yes, all camps have Wi-Fi.

Do all camps have electricity?
Yes, all camps have electricity.

Is there air conditioning?
Given comfortable overnight temperatures, air conditioning is not provided at most properties. Roho ya does have air conditioning as this camp is located at sea-level. Fans are provided in rooms at select properties, including, Olivers, Namiri, Sayari, Usangu, Jabali.

Do all rooms have ensuite bathrooms?
Yes, all rooms have ensuite bathrooms.

Can I book a private safari or exclusive-use vehicle?
Yes, a private vehicle can be booked for an additional charge.

Do camps offer spa treatments or wellness experiences?
Naboisho, Highlands, Namiri Plains, Sayari, Rubondo, Jabali have spa facilities, and services can be booked at an additional cost.

Do you offer multi-lingual guides? 
Camp guides offer their services in English only. Asilia consultants may be able to assist with language guides upon request.

Are childcare services available?
No, there are no dedicated childcare services on-property.

Policies:

Are children allowed?
Yes, the minimum age is five years old at most camps and some activities have a minimum age of twelve years old. Families are very welcome, but Asilia camps operate in remote wilderness areas with wildlife present in and around the properties. Children must remain under direct parental supervision at all times. Check the individual property site for details on specific campsites.

Are pets allowed?
No, pets are not allowed.

Are there quiet hours?
It is advised to keep levels of noise to a minimum during night hours.

Planning:

What are the visa requirements?
Kindly consult your relevant embassy for full details of visa requirements.

What are the vaccine requirements?
Kindly consult your medical professional for guidelines and recommendations.