Travel reviews by Chris from Germany

"Overnight stay"

"This camp is far away from other camps. If you are looking for peace and pure nature (and don't want to encounter any other vehicles) this is the place for you. The journey from the nearest airstrip takes 2-3 hours, depending on which animals can already be seen on the way to the camp. In January, however, not all activities (e.g. boat tour) were possible, as there was rain at night. The previous months were also relatively wet and therefore not everything was accessible. Three nights were therefore just right, otherwise I would recommend 4 or 5 nights.

The staff were, as always, very helpful and attentive. The food (breakfast and dinner) was prepared directly over the fire at the fireplace with a special construction  (you have to see it and I won't explain it in detail here). Camp management seems to be organized differently in 2024 than in 2021 (I am referring to Asilia Camps). It is okay, but currently no improvement (my subjective feeling). Another note: If you expect a large communal table at dinner, you will be disappointed.

The tent is new with a fixed front door. The furnishings seem modern but suitable, and everything necessary is available. The shower and toilet are located to the left and right at the back. There is hot running water. Internet is available, but you have to go to the expedition room. The view is great. The camp is situated on a hill and you have a view of the vast landscape. At night, lions and hyenas could always be heard. Sometimes very close to the camp. No other accommodation is visible and no unpleasant noises have been heard.

Guides are very different in their personalities. You either have a connection with the guide or not. It is therefore difficult to assess, but I have never had problems with guides in this camp price range.

On my game drives, I was often out with two guides. This meant that four eyes made the best possible sightings for me. We also set up camera traps and sometimes moved through deep undergrowth to follow lions, for example. Overall, a very good experience with the guides at Usangu Camp. They have always tried to make the best possible sightings and have also considered a good position for photographing.

Overall, I can't report anything negative and definitely recommend the camp to others.

If you decide to travel to Usangu Camp, you should also consider Jongomero Camp, as you normally land at Jongomero airstrip (which is sometimes closed). Jongomero Camp is only 5 minutes away from this airstrip."

"Jongomero Camp is situated in a remote, quiet location in the southern national park. The camp can be reached in 5 minutes via its own airstrip. If this airstrip is closed due to too much rain, the camp can be reached via road from the main airstrip (Msembe Airstrip). The drive takes about 2 hours (Jongomero Camp is also halfway to the recommended Usangu Camp).

The camp is slightly elevated in relation to the Jongomero River. The main area consists of a lounge and a dining room. The lounge area is furnished with sofas, armchairs, leather stools, coffee tables and carpets. There is also a bar and a small library. The dining area is separated from the lounge area by a corridor. There are individual tables for meals here. Further tables are located near the river and on different levels, slightly away from the main area. The tables are made of wood and could be renewed. They do not quite fit in with the otherwise positive impression of the camp. This also applies in part to the wicker chairs, i.e. the weave is coming loose. There is also a pool set into a raised platform as well as a fitness room (who needs it).

Canvas tents built on raised wooden platforms, each with an additional thatched roof for extra sun protection. Equipped with wooden furniture, double bed, bedside table, small desk and armchair. Electricity is unfortunately a little inconveniently positioned, i.e. to the side of the bed and almost at ground level. The bedside tables also cover the sockets. A private veranda with seating and lounging areas is located in front of the sleeping area. Directly behind the bed is a large en-suite bathroom, which is separated by a canvas wall. There is a double washbasin, a toilet (with a partition to the washbasins) and a large shower. There is hot and cold water and electricity available around the clock.

About the lighting: I personally find it a bit unfortunate, i.e. there are 10 or 11 lamps. They can only be switched on individually and are not very bright (and always on when i´m back).

The staff took good care of my well-being. All wishes were fulfilled without being intrusive. The food was on a par with the selection at other camps. Unfortunately, the preparation and quality was only average.

The guiding was mostly good. Unfortunately, a morning game drive was completely inappropriate. On the main route towards the main air strip, a stop was made at another camp (Asanja Ruaha) in the staff area. The tire pressure on all four tires was topped up there. I did not question this. It was also too late at this point. But I can ask myself whether the Jongomero Camp has no possibility to refill the tire pressure. After this stop, we returned to the main road with a short excursion on a side road. All in all, we drove a lot without really seeing any animals. In any case, the guide could have communicated better in advance.

I would generally recommend the camp to others. However, if you are looking for a camp so far away from most camps, I would prefer Usangu Camp to Jongomero Camp."

"Kichaka is a unique experience. Away from the hustle and bustle, in spectacular accommodation with fantastic views, this is the place where I could spend the rest of my life.

I don't want to waste too many words here. Everything has already been said in other reviews.

Although I like birdwatching and can also do this in my home country, Moli was able to spark a new enthusiasm for it. I have never experienced his knowledge in this concentrated form before. This energy and passion is also transferred to the whole team, and I definitely want to come back.

Eating together at a large table was always an experience. Moli has so many stories to tell and really enjoys doing so. Anyone traveling here will definitely have an experience unlike any other. Moli and his team have created a place that is second to none."

"The camp is wonderfully integrated into the landscape and rocks. The accommodations are connected to the main buildings via wooden walkways and stairs. For me personally, the individual accommodations are a little too close together, i.e. I can see and possibly hear my "neighbor". As I was the only guest at the time of my stay, this was not a problem for me. The facilities generally leave nothing to be desired, but should be at least partially renovated. In my case it was the shower area with fittings and some furniture. Asilia can do better and doesn't necessarily live up to its own standards here.

In the evening, I was often able to watch giraffes directly from my bed. Animals could also be observed again and again during meals. The food at this camp was fantastic. The dinners were indescribably good.

The staff and the guide did everything to make the stay an unforgettable experience. For me personally, they lived up to this claim. As in Usangu Camp, the management has changed compared to previous stays (I felt that way) and is lagging a little behind overall.

On my arrival and the drive to the camp, I was able to spot wild dogs right away. The other game drives were also nice, and I was very satisfied. Overall, the wildlife was very varied. Many smaller animals and birds could also be observed.

I would definitely recommend the camp, even if my expectations of the accommodation were somewhat disappointed (after all the praise in other reviews)."

"Unfortunately, the arrival was partly overshadowed by heavy rain. The almost three-hour journey from the airstrip was therefore not so pleasant. Half of the route is on a kind of highway and is the connection to the dam. On departure, groups of elephants and giraffes kept "blocking" the way on this section of the route. This made up for the otherwise not very inviting main road.

The camp itself is situated on a lake, far away from the hustle and bustle of the airstrip (many day-trippers fly in). There is only Siwandu Camp nearby. This meant that the game drives were totally solitary, i.e. I didn't see any other vehicles, just the varied wildlife.

The spacious tents are tucked away between trees to ensure privacy. The canvas, bamboo and stone-walled tents with stretched canvas roofs blend in beautifully with their natural surroundings. There is an indoor and outdoor shower. In addition to the fan, there is a special cooling system (like an air conditioner) in the bed area to keep you comfortable during the hottest time of the year.

Game drives are not really necessary because from my tent I could see various antelopes, hippos, giraffes, wildebeests, many birds and much more. Some of the antelopes and birds were only 2-5 meters away from the tent. A constantly changing spectacle and never boring.

The highlight was the boat trips in the late afternoon. After the round trips on the lake with lots of crocodiles, hippos and eagles, we went to a small island (Bird Island). This island was completely taken over by a wide variety of birds. Some were breeding and some already had offspring. To make a long story short: The island is a bird paradise. Note: This is due to the time of year!

I have nothing but positive things to say about the service and guiding. The guest comes first and wishes are fulfilled. The food was good but at Usangu and Jabali Camp (also Asilia Camps) the food was better.

I would definitely come back again. However, I would always visit camps at different times of the year to get a better impression of the seasonal wildlife."

"A great and extremely quiet place to start or end your safari (also wonderful just to relax). The house is beautiful and very clean and is located between Kilimanjaro Int. Airport and Arusha Airport. For golfers, a little paradise...for everyone else, too.

The staff makes you feel at home and provides great service. My room was huge, very large bedroom, incredible bath (outdoor shower etc.). The food was completely prepared according to my wishes and very tasty. No wish remains unfulfilled.

I would definitely come again."

"Lemala Mpingo Ridge is located along a hill overlooking the national park. The drive from the airstrip in Tarangire NP is not short, nevertheless this is not a problem, because there is always something to observe. On the last meters to the camp, some slippery rocks have to be overcome, but then a dreamlike camp is reached.


The tents (not comparable with normal safari tents) have been wonderfully fitted into the hilly landscape and are far apart (quiet but partly a few minutes walk from the main building). The tents are very comfortable and still offer a bit of the safari feeling with the luxury of a normal hotel room (e.g. minibar, hairdryer, tea and coffee maker etc.). A perfect combination of luxury and naturalness.


The main building is wonderfully furnished and divided. There are many different areas, so guests can spread out widely. As a single traveler, I almost had a different area to eat. The food is varied, tastes great, and so plentiful that you always eat more than you should.

The entire staff is very friendly and conveys a family atmosphere. All wishes are fulfilled, and I had the feeling that the guest is really welcome here and comes first.

Game viewing is always dependent on luck. I basically expect nothing and always had a special experience on all days. Of course, you want to see elephants in Tarangire NP. They have made themselves a little rare this time. But as I said, there is always something special to discover.

Guiding I can not evaluate representative, because I had my own guide and then a different relationship arises than with different people in a vehicle. In addition, I was almost alone in the park because of Corona. This is also not comparable with "normal times".

To make it short:

Positive: almost everything
Negatives:
Tsetse fly, depending on the season
However, if you like it more pristine, this is not the place for you. But it is a place where this attitude could be changed.

I would definitely come again."

"Lemala Ndutu Mobile Camp is very close to everything the Ndutu area has to offer during migration. For a mobile camp, Lemala Ndutu offers many amenities and the tents are sufficiently comfortable. The large public areas are also well equipped and provide a casual area to relax and overlooking the evening campfire.

This camp is the perfect base for viewing wildlife on their migration. Due to the proximity to the lake, many birds can also be seen. Miles of wildebeest and zebra herds, lion hunting, vultures and hyenas fighting for food, yes there is a lot to see...and more.

The staff was very helpful. As in the other Lemala camps, I just have to be there and everything else was done immediately. If you like this, you will not be disappointed.

My guide Robert has always tried to find the right place to photograph with the right light. In the sighting of lions and cheetahs hunting, he knew in advance where we had to go.

I was completely alone in the camp for one day (on other days, there were only two other guests). Nevertheless, the food was varied, plentiful (too much) and tasted very good to me.

For the Ndutu Area, I can recommend the Camp. For the Mara Area, I prefer a permanent camp."

"Lemala Nanyukie Camp is about one hour from Seronera Airfield. Normally Game Drives goes from this Camp to the Namiri Plains area. I preferred the southern and western area for the Game Drives, because I also visit the Namiri Plains area (Asilia Namiri Plains Camp). The camp is perfectly located to escape the tourist crowds. Of course, this also depends a little on the season.

Guests are well divided among the different and spacious main buildings. There are many places to relax, eat or just have a drink. Basically, I liked the Lemala Mpingo Ridge Camp a little better in the design and maintenance. If you pay attention to details, you will find a few things that you would expect better. These are the things that distinguish a very good camp from an excellent one. However, this is only a snapshot and may be improved. But this is not something why I do not go to the camp.

The staff was very concerned about my well-being. Even though I was completely alone in the camp. What a luxury on this trip (6 camps and three times completely alone and twice only at short term with 2 other guests in the camp).

Food was perfect for me. Basically, however, this is very subjective. Everyone evaluates this differently, but who is not satisfied with it has its own problems (for me). It is certainly not due to the food. Therefore: Thumbs up

Guiding was okay but in the other camps I liked it more. Lemala switch guides between their camps. Basically, I never expect a specific sighting and just then the unexpected happens and the day is perfect.

Highlight: Seeing "Manja" the melanistic serval direct at the car"

"Asilia Namiri Plains camp is located in a remote area of the eastern Serengeti. This area is is a paradise for cheetahs and other predators.

A trip to Namiri offers a rare glimpse into this corner of the Serengeti and allows unforgettable impressions. The rooms are built from the natural limestone found in the area, they are strikingly beautiful, but also play an important role in regulating the temperature inside (you really feel the difference). Also, from the bathroom, you can enjoy full views of the grassland and seasonal riverbed. Large, sliding glass doors give you access to the deck directly from the shower.

Also in this camp a very personal service was offered. One simply feels at home. As before in the Lemala camps I visited, the food was excellent, especially the soups. I don't really eat soups at home, but that was completely different here. Small special: The hot water bottle(s) in bed and in the morning during the game drives. One does not need necessarily was but nevertheless somehow very pleasantly

With my guide Emanuel, I had great animal observations. Of course, this also has to do with luck, because who is at the right place at the right time (when, for example, a leopard falls from a tree - nothing happened, he was a bit playful).


What can I say:
I can highly recommend this camp and I didn't notice anything negative during my stay."

"A great camp in the northern Serengeti with great facilities and large tents with a spacious bedroom and a generous separate bathroom. The tents are far apart and sometimes far from the main building. Overall, however, I liked the Namiri Camp before a little better (this does not refer to the staff. This was also great here).


My arrival at the airfield was already expected and the welcome was very warm. Also in this camp everything was to my complete satisfaction. I felt immediately at home here as well.To make it short: Great staff and camp in an even greater landscape. Just very different from the other parts of the Serengeti. In addition, I was the only guest in the entire northern Serengeti (all other camps were closed). An incomparable stay that will never be repeatable.

Although I did not arrive for the migration, a visit is always worthwhile. Each game drive contained a highlight. I was not looking for a particular animal (I have seen them all before) but spent each day simply in nature with wild animals. From monkeys, to lions, cheetahs, hippos, crocodiles, elephants, etc.

Who spends a few days in this camp can enjoy great food and should not miss the beer tasting. Home-brewed beer in different flavors. I found my favorite... :-)"