Words by Yvonne C Mtengwa

The gentle descent of my Emirates flights into Nairobi marked not merely an arrival, but the beginning of a curated transition into a highly anticipated, first-time experience with Asilia Africa. After the glittering dynamism of Dubai, the immediate embrace of Nairobi’s verdant landscape is always a sophisticated counterpoint for me, and I couldn’t wait to drive through the pulse of the city’s major highway into the city as we headed to our rest stop for the night.

The selected haven for my first evening was Ololo Safari Lodge and Farm, nestled remarkably within the Nairobi National Park, and providing an instantaneous immersion into Africa’s wild soul on the outskirts of Kenya’s capital. Here I discovered how Nairobi National Park is the closest National Park to a city in the world and has the highest population of Black Rhino in the country. After a 6-hour flight and knowing that my departure the next morning towards the airport for a flight into Tanzania would begin before dawn break, I was intent on watching the sun set from Ololo Safari Lodge’s grounds.

Dinner was sumptuous and quick, and I retreated for some much-needed sleep, which lasteda lot shorter than the length of time it had taken me to fall asleep. To awaken to the symphony of unseen birds as the skies began to turn early next morning from a dark blue to purplish hue, felt like a seamless reintroduction to nature’s profound rhythm. Ololo, an undeniably charming oasis, perfectly bridged the chasm between international transit and the epic adventure that lay ahead.

The Kilimanjaro Connection: The Art of Effortless Transition

The following morning heralded a brief, yet exhilarating flight, whisking us from Nairobi’s urban pulse towards Tanzania’s Kilimanjaro International Airport. Even before our wheels met the tarmac, the majestic, snow-dusted peak of Mount Kilimanjaro asserted itself, an iconic silhouette against the vast African canvas. I have been gifted the opportunity to experience the Serengetia good number of times over the past few years, and so the aerial view of Arusha seemed all too familiar, as if I could spot landmarks from above. On this trip however, it was as the pilot alerted us to our estimated touch down time, that the Asilia Africa experience began to unfurl its meticulous tapestry of detail.

Disembarking our commercial flight, we were met by an impeccably presented representative, a personalized welcome sign held aloft right before the immigration terminal. This wasn’t no mere transfer; it was a private meet and greet, a testament to the unparalleled fluidity Asilia Africa champions. Within moments, my luggage was discreetly handled, and I was escorted to a private lounge, where refined refreshments awaited. The entire process was one of exquisite effortlessness, a masterclass in transitioning from the practicalities of travel to the bespoke journey that beckoned.

My passport was collected, with a short call to chat with the immigration officer stationed in the exclusive VIP lounge. I couldn’t help but think to myself, this is how I’d want every transition into the Serengeti to be at the point of entry. Swift and seamlessly curated. Soon, we were boarding a comfortable charter, the Serengeti plains unveiled beneath us like an endless expanse of burnished gold and emerald. The anticipation was not merely palpable; it was a crescendo, each moment building towards the promise of what would be home for the next few nights – Sayari Camp.

Sayari Camp: A Bastion of Bespoke Wilderness Luxury

Our landing on the dusty airstrip was followed by a swift transfer in a safari vehicle, leading us directly to Sayari Camp—a vision of understated opulence perfectly interwoven with its untamed surroundings. Our three days at Sayari transcended a mere safari; they constituted an immersion into a realm where cultivated comfort met the raw majesty of the wild, orchestrated with an artistry unique to a brand of Asilia Africa’s calibre.

The fifteenspacious and luminous tented suites at Sayari Camp redefine the very essence of comfort. One steps onto gleaming mahogany floors, where a king or twin bed, adorned with the finest linens and artfully selected cushions, promises restorative slumber. The luxurious bathrooms are a revelation, featuring both walk-in showers and magnificent free-standing tubs that offer panoramic vistas of the savannah. For an even more intimate connection with the natural world, each suite boasts a private outdoor shower on its deck. This expansive wraparound veranda becomes a personal sanctuary, an ideal perch for leisurely moments with a book or a chilled beverage, all while discerning the movements of passing wildlife.

For those desiring the zenith of exclusivity, two new Retreats, unveiled in 2023, cater to families and groups, providing a singularly private experience. Imagine my excitement upon arrival, where I learned that one had been assigned to me as my sanctuary. Each Retreat is complete with a dedicated chef, a seasoned and highly knowledgeable guide, and a private safari vehicle—a testament to an elevated stratum of flexibility and luxury.

Faces of Sayari: The Soul of a People

The team at Sayari was, quite simply, exemplary. From my guide, whose encyclopaedic knowledge of the resident wildlife was matched only by his infectious zeal, to the discreetly attentive lodge staff, every interaction was steeped in genuine warmth and professionalism. They anticipated my every need before I even articulated it, whether it was a perfectly chilled sundowner after a thrilling game drive or freshly brewed coffee delivered to my tent at dawn. I was spoilt for choice with everything at my beck and call, yet their attentiveness was never intrusive. Chatting about life in the Serengeti and how each of them became part of the Sayari tapestry enrichedmy experience, fostering a sense of being not merely a guest, but rather, a cherished companion on this extraordinary journey.

Culinary Excellence: Farm to Fork at Sayari

And then, there was the dining—an epicurean voyage unto itself. Each meal at Sayari was an event. From gourmet breakfasts savoured overlooking the plains from my wrap around deck, replete with freshly baked pastries and bespoke eggs, to lavish al fresco lunches, and multi-course dinners beneath a velvet canopy of stars, the culinary experience was unequivocally impeccable. I felt pampered by the pristine freshness of the ingredients, the inventive prowess of the chefs, and the thoughtful wine pairings, which eloquently underscored Asilia Africa’s unwavering commitment to excellence. We revelled in exquisite dishes, often showcasing local bounty grown from nearby communities, all while exchanging narratives of the day’s captivating wildlife encounters.

The Art of Serene Contemplation in the Serengeti’s Embrace

Beyond the exhilarating game drives and the sublime gastronomic experiences, Sayari Camp afforded unparalleled opportunities for profound relaxation and introspective contemplation. I truly disconnected here and felt a deepened sense of rest with each passing hour. The main lodge area, with its inviting lounge, curated library, and an infinity pool that appeared to seamlessly merge with the expansive plains, became my occasional cherished sanctuary between adventures.

Ialso spent many hoursbasking in the serenity of the private deck at an exclusive pool area, set aside for Sayati Retreat guests. Afternoons were still, blessing me with opportunity to truly relish the sheer immensity of the Serengeti, coupled with the profound tranquillity that permeated Sayari Camp. Sayari is one such camp that fosters a deep-seated connection with nature and offers an indispensable respite from daily life when in the desert metropolis that is Dubai.

A Profound Appreciation for Curated Luxury

Three whole days at Sayari Camp with Asilia Africa transcended the notion of a mere luxurious safari; they constituted further education for me in the very art of curated experiential travel. From the impeccable intercontinental transitions to the meticulous design of the camp, the unparalleled attentiveness of the team, and the exceptional dining, every facet of the journey bespoke a brand that is committed to going the extraordinary mile.

For my first time at an Asilia Africa camp, and as I moved on into the Masai Mara for what would be the second leg of my 6-day trip across two of East Africa’s most prolific safari destinations, I well appreciated that my experience didn’t merely provide opulent accommodation. Asilia Africa meticulously crafts an immersive narrative, enabling guests to truly connect with the very heart of Africa whilst enveloped in the most sophisticated comfort.

To learn more about Sayari Retreat by Asilia Africa, visit https://www.asiliaafrica.com/camps-lodges/the-retreats-at-sayari-camp/