Carbon Neutral Safaris in Tanzania

Carbon Neutral has fast become the buzz word in and around any type of travel recently. All the lodges and safari operators we use do their bit in order to reduce their carbon footprint where they can, and then there are others such as Asilia Africa in East Africa, who go the whole hog. Carbon Neutral since 2009 Asilia Africa is one of East Africa's longest-standing safari companies.

Meaning 'genuine' or 'authentic' in Swahili, Asilia has built a reputation for incredible safari experiences and an unwavering commitment to empowering both people and nature alike in the region. Today, Asilia is a fast-growing, leading safari operator, employing nearly 750 people in 17 camps and lodges in Kenya, Tanzania and Zanzibar.

Staying in an Asilia camp is only half the story on an Asilia safari. Asilia recognises that making a Positive Impact and practicing sustainable, responsible tourism is the only way to protect the key wildlife areas where they operate. When guests choose Asilia for their holiday, they support conservation and community development initiatives for both wildlife and people across some of East Africa's crucial wilderness areas. Guests can also enjoy their safari safe in the knowledge that their carbon emission has been kept to an absolute minimum.

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The company continually expands its sustainable operations in the form of solar power systems, solar water boilers, waste management and wastewater management. Every camp is run entirely by solar power and what little unavoidable carbon combustion, from things like the diesel used in their vehicles, is offset through Carbon Tanzania. Thanks to these contributions to Carbon Tanzania approximately 1,425 tonnes of CO2 per year is offset, which is the equivalent of taking about 118 mid-sized cars off the roads per year. As a result, they protected approximately 35 hectares of dryland forest in the Yaeda Valley in 2019.

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Asilia continues to develop practical ways to further reduce their eco-footprint. In 2019 they introduced their first, solar-powered electric vehicle at Ol Pejeta Bush Camp and they hope to add more of these electric vehicles in the future. This saves thousands of litres of diesel a year and completely takes out the use of engine oils and sound pollution. Food is grown where possible to save on transportation and there are plans to start a new tree plantation project which will allow guests to plant a tree during their stay.

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Have a look at an example of how to safari Carbon Neutral with this amazing Asilia walking safari across The Masai Mara Conservancies

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In 2020, Asilia installed the first ever solar-powered microbrewery in the bush. The new brewery makes beer, soft drinks, iced tea, lemonade, and an elderflower tonic on-site, as well as purifying water and producing sparkling water — all using solar power. By producing their own water and other drinks, they have removed the need for purchasing plastic bottles of water and soda cans for camp, not only reducing plastic and other waste but also stopping the need for transportation of these items to camp, reducing carbon emissions further.

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Since 2015 Asilia have been implementing a $5 per person per night conservation fee. These fees, along with kind donations from previous clients, go to their charity Asilia Giving. In the 19/20 season they raised US$338,000 and even during COVID they managed to raise US$250,000, 100% of which was spent on community development and conservation projects throughout Kenya and Tanzania.

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Asilia’s positive impact and sustainability policies direct all units of operations, which are independently audited twice a year. The comprehensive audit reviews energy, water, waste, handling of harmful chemicals, and carbon footprint.

Additionally, Asilia are also audited externally. Responsible Tourism Tanzania (RTTZ) audited 12 of Asilia’s camps in the country for sustainability and awarded them ‘Tree Level’, the highest fully qualified level of sustainability. All of Asilia’s camps in the Mara have been recognised at the highest level of Gold Eco-Rated by Eco Tourism Kenya. As a result of these ratings, all of these camps have been recognised by Fair Trade Tourism as leaders in sustainable African tourism. Asilia Africa remains the only safari company in Africa certified by the Global Impact Investment Rating System (GIIRS). With a Platinum level rating, putting Asilia in the top 10 percent of recognised impact companies worldwide.

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Further Recent Recognition:

World Tourism Awards 2019:

Multi-pronged approach to Making a Positive Impact

Resilient Tourism Business Award in Africa by The Global Travel and Tourism Resilience Council in 2019.

Fair Trade Tourism 2019:

Most committed to responsible tourism.

Responsible Tourism Tanzania 2019:

Best in Female Empowerment and Gender Support Winner 2019 – Dunia

Best in Supporting Conservation Efforts Winner 2019 – Rubondo Island Camp

Best in Climate Action Winner 2019 – Asilia Lodges and Camps

Best in Resource Efficiency 1st Runner Up – Jabali Ridge

Best in Supporting Youth Empowerment and Future Leaders in Conservation 1st Runner Up – Little Oliver’s