Once in lifetime you have to experience african wild animals. To get guests as deep as possible to nature is the target of Asilia. The company’s name means “authentic” in Swahili, the language of Tanzania. Asilia overlooks 16 camps in Tanzania and Kenya, well known for discovering new areas, getting in first and being pioneers. Others will follow. A perfect example is the Ruaha Nationalpark in central Tanzania. It is the largest national park in Tanzania and got his name from the river Ruaha. Famous for the huge amount of elephants, antelopes, zebras and giraffes. As well being lucky you may spot the very endangered species of wild dogs. Entrance fee per day: $ 20.
Kwihala Camp 45 minutes away from Ruaha Airport the six tents are located deep in the bush, close to the Mwagusi River. Simple but good you won’t miss anything: a comfy beds, running water for sinks and toilets and an entertaining bucket shower. You are allowed 20 liters of water to refresh, more than enough. For breakfast you are normally out in the bush, it is the best time to watch animals. Back to the camp for lunch you will sit under a tree and having a light lunch. Again back to the bush in the late afternoon and finally having a sundowner you will be thrilled to get so near to the amazing creatures. Asilia always has very experienced guides able to find the best spots and still being safe. Kwihala Camp is open from June to mid of March, then starts the rainy season. Price: low season $ 450, high season $ 850.
Serengeti The second biggest in Tanzania is the most famous Nationalpark in Africa because of the yearly migration of animals in searching for new grazing and water. The amazing amount of 1 500 000 wildebeest and 200 000 zebras make their way from the southern part of the Serengeti up to the north, crossing the Grumeti and Mara River, where the crocodiles are waiting. Around 8000 of them are loosing their lives in the water. In the remote eastern corner you will the Camp of Namiri Plains. The whole area was closed for 20 years because giving a safe home to cheetahs now being reopened on July 2014. It is the place to see the big cats as lions, leopards and cheetahs. But also little ones like 100 different species of dung beetles and loads of birds. Entrance fee per day: $ 50
Namiri Plains A good two hours drive from the airport of Seronera you will arrive at Namiri Plains and to keep the environment as untouched as possible there are only six tents hidden under big acacia trees. The interior design is very cosy, wonderful beds and again the bucket shower, the water is heated by solar energy. You can’t get the nature any closer so I won’t forget the night where the buffaloes were grazing around my tent and I could them breathing. The center of the Camp is a comfy lounge with a lot of books and nearby the tent for having dinner. Convenient tasty food and nice house wines. The Camp is open from June to end of March. Price: low season $ 695, high season (July – Sept.) $1060.
Sayari Camp Just a stone’s throw away from the Mara River, famous for the migration, the Sayari Camp is quite luxurious in relation to Namiri Plains or Kwihala. Located in the northern Serengeti, 20 minutes away from Kogatende Airport, 15 tents are built in a kind of balinese style with wooden floors, normal shower, hairdryer and even a bathtub. Behind the lounges you will find a pool and nice boutique with handicraft from Tanzania. The camp is open from June to March. Price: low season $ 695, high season $ 1260.
1 tablespoon olive oil, 1 small red onion, finely chopped , 1 carrot, peeled and finely chopped, 1 large leek finely chopped, 2 garlic cloves, finely chopped, one thumb of ginger finely chopped , 1 large potato, diced, 1L homemade chicken stock, 3 green plantains, peeled and thinly sliced 2 bay leaves, 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin, 1/2 teaspoon curry powder, 1/2 teaspoon coriander powder, 200ml coconut milk , salt and fresh ground black pepper
Directions Heat the olive oil in a saucepan over medium-high heat for 1 minute. Add the onions and cook until they are soft. Add all the remaining vegetables (Not the plantains), ginger and garlic and sauté for a further 5 minutes. Add all the dried spices and allow them to cook for about a minute. Then add the tomato paste and mix to incorporate with the vegetables then add the coconut milk. Add the chicken stock, plantains and bay leaves and bring to a boil, reduce the heat to the lowest setting and cook at a bare simmer, uncovered, until the plantains are very tender, 45 minutes.
Transfer half of the soup to a blender and puree until smooth. Stir the pureed soup back into the pot with the remaining chunky soup and mix well. If the soup is too thick for your taste add more chicken stock. Season with salt and pepper and serve. Traditionally green banana soup is served with minced beef. Feel free to add a little as garnish if desired.All the informations you get from www.asiliaafrica.com
Arusha Coffee Lodge The area around the Kilimanjaro is famous for its coffee plantations. In the Hotel Arusha Coffee Lodge you will stay in the middle of coffee plants in colonial styled bungalows. There is a pool and an excellent restaurant. Located near the center of Arusha, a good hour’s drive to the international airport of Kilimanjaro. www.elewanacollection.com
The trip was organized by Outback Africa www.outback-africa.de. The flights were sponsored by KLM www.klm.com
