Expeditions · Safari Duel · 2026
Sanctuary Retreats vs Asilia: which East Africa camp brand?
A&K's marquee-spread lodge collection against East Africa's value-luxury specialist. Six dimensions, measured head to head.
By Richard Jasinski · Updated July 2026 · Bars are relative, illustrative ratings — not absolute scores
The verdict, in one line
Asilia wins on value and East-Africa migration depth. Sanctuary Retreats wins on range — gorillas, the Mara, Chobe and a Nile fleet under one A&K-backed brand.
Pick Asilia if…
You want the best value-luxury in Tanzania and Kenya, migration-positioned mobile camps, and a B-Corp with real conservation credentials.
See Asilia prices →Pick Sanctuary if…
You want one A&K-backed brand spanning the Mara, Chobe, Bwindi gorillas and a Nile cruise — marquee locations with big-operator support.
See Sanctuary prices →
Both brands, priced now
Real per-person East-Africa prices from the current catalogue.
Quick answers
Is Asilia or Sanctuary Retreats cheaper?
Asilia — its camps run from roughly $500 per person per night, positioning it as the value-luxury choice, while Sanctuary sits a little higher from about $700.
Which is better for the Great Migration?
Asilia — it's an East Africa specialist with mobile camps (Olakira, Sayari, Ubuntu) that relocate to follow the herds through the Serengeti.
Which offers gorilla trekking?
Sanctuary Retreats, via Gorilla Forest Camp in Bwindi, Uganda. Asilia focuses on Tanzania and Kenya safari rather than gorillas.
Who owns Sanctuary Retreats?
Abercrombie & Kent — it was rebranded "A&K Sanctuary" in January 2025. Asilia is independent and B-Corp certified.
Which has the wider range of trips?
Sanctuary — one brand spans safari camps in five countries plus Nile river cruisers, where Asilia is a focused East-Africa safari specialist.
Can I combine them?
Yes — both operate in Tanzania and Kenya, so an itinerary can mix an Asilia migration camp with a Sanctuary property, arranged through a specialist.
Disclosure. Some links are affiliate links; Uncompromised Travel may earn a commission at no extra cost to you. Bars are relative, illustrative ratings; rates are indicative 2026 ranges per person per night — confirm at booking. Verdicts are independent of commercial relationships.