Choosing a safari in Kenya or Tanzania is exciting, but with so many operators, it can be overwhelming. East Africa Wild and Asilia Africa are two popular options, each offering luxury and authentic safari experiences but they differ in style, focus, and approach.
This article breaks down the differences, helping you decide which operator is better suited to your safari preferences.
Why Choosing the Right Safari Operator Matters
A safari isn’t just a vacation — it’s a once-in-a-lifetime adventure. The company you choose determines:
- The wildlife experiences you get
- The quality and comfort of lodges or camps
- How immersive and authentic your journey feels
- How smooth and stress-free the logistics are
Both East Africa Wild and Asilia Africa have strong reputations, but they cater to slightly different travelers. Understanding these differences ensures your safari matches your expectations.
East Africa Wild — Overview
East Africa Wild is a boutique safari operator specializing in tailor-made, authentic, and sustainable safaris across Kenya, Tanzania, Uganda, and Rwanda.
Key Features
- Fully personalized itineraries tailored to your interests
- Small-group or private safaris
- Handpicked lodges and camps with a focus on comfort
- Deep local knowledge and experienced guides
- Strong commitment to sustainability and community engagement
Ideal For: Travelers who want flexibility, authentic local experiences, and bespoke itineraries.
Asilia Africa — Overview
Asilia Africa is a well-known luxury safari operator focusing on eco-friendly and mobile safari camps, particularly in Kenya and Tanzania.
Key Features
- High-end mobile and permanent camps
- Follows wildlife migrations (especially the Great Migration)
- Emphasis on sustainable operations and conservation initiatives
- Unique safari designs blending luxury with low-impact tourism
Ideal For: Travelers seeking a luxury, conservation-focused safari with opportunities to follow wildlife closely, especially during migration seasons.
East Africa Wild vs Asilia Africa — Detailed Comparison
1) Personalization
- East Africa Wild: Offers fully customized itineraries based on interests, pace, and budget.
- Asilia Africa: Offers some flexibility, but itineraries are generally designed around their camp network and migration routes.
Winner: East Africa Wild better for highly personalized trips.
2) Authenticity & Local Expertise
- East Africa Wild: Small groups, local guides, and insider knowledge make the safari feel authentic.
- Asilia Africa: Strong emphasis on eco-tourism and wildlife, but experiences are tied to camp schedules rather than fully bespoke planning.
Winner: East Africa Wild more hands-on, local immersion.
3) Safari Quality & Comfort
- East Africa Wild: Boutique lodges and luxury camps, comfortable yet intimate.
- Asilia Africa: High-end mobile and permanent camps, excellent for luxury travelers who want proximity to wildlife.
Winner: Tie — depends on whether you prioritize tailored comfort (East Africa Wild) or luxury in remote locations (Asilia Africa).
4) Sustainability & Conservation
- East Africa Wild: Partners with conservancies, supports local communities, and promotes low-impact travel.
- Asilia Africa: Industry leader in sustainable tourism, with eco-lodges, renewable energy use, and strong conservation initiatives.
Winner: Tie both prioritize ethical and sustainable tourism.
5) Wildlife & Migration Opportunities
- East Africa Wild: Routes can be customized to catch wildlife events, but dependent on client choices and flexibility.
- Asilia Africa: Mobile camps are designed to follow the Great Migration, offering unique wildlife viewing opportunities.
Winner: Asilia Africa ideal for migration-focused safaris.
Pros & Cons Summary Table
| Feature | East Africa Wild | Asilia Africa |
|---|---|---|
| Personalization | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Authenticity | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Comfort & Luxury | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Sustainability | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Migration-focused Safaris | ⭐⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Small-group / private options | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐⭐ |
| Best for first-time travelers | Yes | Medium |
Who Should Choose East Africa Wild?
Choose East Africa Wild if you want:
- Highly personalized safari itineraries
- Private or small-group experiences
- Handpicked lodges and comfort
- Authentic cultural and wildlife interactions
- Flexibility in destinations and schedule
Best For: Families, first-time safari travelers, couples, and travelers seeking a flexible, intimate experience.
Who Should Choose Asilia Africa?
Choose Asilia Africa if you want:
- Luxury safari camps with mobile options
- To follow wildlife migration closely
- Immersive, eco-conscious safari experiences
- High-end services and remote locations
Best For: Wildlife enthusiasts, photographers, repeat safari-goers, and travelers seeking a luxurious, conservation-focused adventure.
Conclusion
Both East Africa Wild and Asilia Africa provide exceptional safari experiences — but the right choice depends on your priorities:
- East Africa Wild excels in personalization, local authenticity, and flexibility.
- Asilia Africa excels in luxury, migration tracking, and conservation-focused camps.
For first-time travelers or those wanting a fully customized, intimate safari, East Africa Wild is the clear choice.
For wildlife enthusiasts chasing the Great Migration or a high-end luxury safari experience, Asilia Africa may be perfect.
FAQs
Q1: Can I combine East Africa Wild and Asilia Africa camps in one safari?
Yes, with careful planning, you can mix operators, but it may require extra coordination for logistics and transfers.
Q2: Which operator is better for families?
East Africa Wild — smaller groups, private vehicles, and flexible itineraries make it more family-friendly.
Q3: Which operator is better for seeing the Great Migration?
Asilia Africa — their mobile camps follow migration patterns, offering prime viewing opportunities.
Q4: Are both operators eco-friendly?
Yes, both prioritize sustainability, but Asilia Africa is particularly known for its mobile eco-lodges and conservation initiatives.
Q5: Can I customize my safari itinerary?
Yes, but East Africa Wild offers more customization options than Asilia Africa.
