Best of Asilia and Crater

Approximately one kilometer from Arumeru Lodge, the Usa rainforest is home to natural springs which provide highly valuable drinking water for the entire region. This forest can be discovered through an easy walk, with a ranger. Even though human settlements are close, the forest is home to a large biodiversity and guests can usually enjoy close encounters with wildlife such as colobus monkeys, velvet and blue monkeys as well as a good number of bird species.

Since villagers are constantly collecting firewood the forest is under threat of deforestation.
Arumeru supports the protection and conservation of the Usa forest by donating 50% of the tour fees to secure the salary of the rangers. Since 2011 our guests can join the tree planting project by planting an indigenous tree seedling which is then grown at the lodge.

It takes about 30 minutes by foot from the lodge to traditional Usa village. Arumeru has established partnerships with the village council and supports orphans through the Usa River Children Center by donating 5 $ for each guest staying at the lodge.

The village dispensary and the local anti-malaria program have been supported and Arumeru provides financial help to the rehabilitation center for handicapped children.

All three facilities can be visited during the village wal

Near Arumeru lodge, in Nkoaranga, a group of 25 families produce high-quality organic coffee: it takes about 3 hours to find out all about this very inspiring project. The project is based on a new coffee variety that can be grown without pesticides. "Wild Tracks" purchases the beans at a fair trade price and roasts them in a small roasting factory. Then, Arumeru purchases this coffee which is served at the lodge and sold in our gift shop.

Only 15 km (30 minutes' drive on a rough uphill road) from Arumeru lodge, the Agape women's group is dedicated to farming on the slopes of Mount Meru. The visit includes a farm lunch and a 2 hour hiking tour to the top of Lemala hill from where guests can enjoy stunning views over Mt Kilimanjaro and Mt Meru.

In Tengeru, our neighboring village, lake Duluti is a small crater lake surrounded by rain forest vegetation. A lovely trail circles around the lake and this easy walking itinerary can be done within 1.5 to 2 hours. Guests are accompanied by a ranger who explains the abundant wildlife.

With a reputation for fantastic guiding, Oliver’s game drives take you to the heart of the action every time. Drives are offered twice daily in the cooler mornings and evenings. Most of our game drives make are in an open game-viewing vehicle – this lets you sit at different levels and gives everyone a ‘window’ seat. Our open vehicles have power points where you can recharge your devices, and are fitted with fridges to keep your drinks deliciously frosty. We do also have a closed game-viewing vehicle that may be used if available which is fitted with a cooler box for chilled beverages. Private vehicles are available at an additional cost. (Note that families with children under 12 must book a private game-viewing vehicle.)

There’s also the opportunity to see some of Tanzania’s famous ‘nightlife’, with unforgettable night drives permitted within Tarangire.

Walking is the absolute speciality of Oliver's Camp. The privilege of walking in these natural areas gives you an exhilarating feeling of adventure. Although you'll usually get close to large mammals such as elephant, giraffe, buffalo or even lion, walking safaris are very safe. The experienced guides at Oliver's Camp and an armed national park ranger will accompany you on every walk. Walking safaris can take an hour or a whole morning or afternoon.

You’ll find Oliver’s Camp in the remote south-eastern reaches of the Tarangire National Park. It’s perfect for families with a longing for adventure. Oliver’s Camp can accommodate a family of up to 4 with children 5 years and over. Your family will stay in a comfortable tent with en suite facilities and an outside bucket shower. Game viewing at Oliver’s is excellent and includes game drives (night and day) and walking safaris in the company of superb guides.

Experience the best game viewing activity from a bird's view. (additional cost)

Enjoy a game drive in one of the most game-rich areas in the world, the Ngorongoro Crater. Explore the vast 300km2 floor with an experienced guide and stop for lunch in a shady spot under the trees, maximising your time in this unforgettable landscape. Our seven-seater closed vehicles are fitted with power points so you’re able to charge your devices, as well as a fridge to keep your drinks deliciously frosty.

The Olmoti climb follows an ancient Maasai cattle trail through mountain forest, grasslands and rocky outcrops. Make the most of outstanding birding opportunities and the chance to see a vast array of butterfly species. At the top, you are rewarded with a magnificent view of the crater below.

Descend into the Empakaai crater accompanied by an NCA ranger and walk to the sparkling soda lake on the crater floor, famous for the pink flamingo that congregate on its shores. Because of the camp’s proximity to Empakaai, it is the only property that gives you the opportunity to make this a half-day excursion.

Guests will have the opportunity to join a Maasai staff member on a visit to a local community. Many of our staff members are drawn from the surrounding communities and are always eager to share their experiences, providing a richer understanding of the culture that defines this corner of East Africa. Guests will be invited to a Maasai boma to gain an insight into the traditional cattle-herding practices and school visits will also be available depending on the time of year.

Game drives at Dunia can be tailored to suit your requirements. Choose to rise with the birds and head out on an early morning game drive, return to camp for a light lunch and then head out again in the afternoon or embrace a full day in the bush, supplied with a delicious packed breakfast or picnic lunch to maximize game viewing time. Please discuss your preferences with your guide or manager.

There’s just something about soaring aloft in a hot-air balloon over the plains of the Serengeti. You will take to the skies in the early morning as the sun’s first rays peek over the plains, and after an hour or two, you’ll come back down to earth for a champagne picnic in the bush. Truly a once-in-a-lifetime experience. Please note that there is an additional charge for this activity.

Dunia welcomes children from 5 years of age and older. We guarantee a private safari vehicle to families of 4 or more during the low season, but during high season families with children under 12 are obliged to use a private game-viewing vehicle at extra cost. Our bush guides have a wealth of insightful experience and they will captivate you and your children with bush-wise facts, wildlife know-how, games, local customs, and incredible stories of life in the wilderness.

Our expert field guides offer daily game excursions in modern, open-sided vehicles to get you up close to the myriad of wildlife species that call this wilderness home. All vehicles have power points where you can recharge your devices and are fitted with fridges to keep your drinks deliciously frosty.

The thrill of experiencing the African plains on foot is immeasurable – the sights, sounds, and smells of the bush tantalise your senses and reveal one of the most intimate ways to understand and become one with nature. Walking with the wildlife of the area and getting closer means you can truly appreciate their beauty. You’ll be walking at a comfortable pace and have the time to absorb all there is to see and learn; memories that will stay with you for a lifetime.

Visit nearby Merenga village to learn about the Kuria tribe, their culture, traditions and way of life. You can also stop off at the community vegetable gardens, mentored and sponsored by Asilia, to collect fresh produce for your evening meal. Please note that cultural and community visits are at an additional cost.

Few experiences compare with gliding serenely over the vast plains of the Serengeti in a hot-air balloon with teeming wildlife below. (at an additional cost)

Calling all passionate photographers! Join us for a photographic safari experience in our specialised photography vehicles. The vehicles have drop-down sides for photographers to capture low, eye-level photographs. Beanbags, foam camera rests, power points, fridges and 360º swivel seats promise to make your wildlife photography experience a dream!