Reviews of The Highlands
Wildlife sightings and reviews
26 independent comments and wildlife information from our travellers who have visited The Highlands and kindly agreed to share their thoughts. They do not necessarily represent the views of Expert Africa
85% success
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77% success
55% success
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0% success
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"The Highlands review"
The food is superb and service attentive (maybe even a little too attentive at times) - the staff are excellent and very committed to providing an excellent experience. They seemed very concerned at it being cold at night - but it isn't really cold to Northern Europeans!
We did have a slightly strange experience when we first arrived when there seemed to be much confusion over whether we were doing any activities (ie going to Ngorongoro or hiking) - the Expert Africa team were fantastic in sorting that out for us, and I think it was a miscommunication between the Asilia office and the camp in the end. But I'm not sure why the camp made such a big thing of it to us when we first arrived...
One slightly nagging doubt about the approach is that Asilia feels like it might be a little "corporate" - things seemed less relaxed and natural, and perhaps "staged" and "forced" sometimes. Lemala Nanyukie was much more laid back and natural.
Hiking Olmoti and Empakai craters are a must while at The Highlands - and they are not difficult if you have a reasonable level of fitness. A special mention to Lozaro our guide and to Janet who were both superb" See all these reviews: 7n in Tanzania; 6n in Zanzibar
Black Rhino
1 sighting
Buffalo
4 sightings
Eland
1 sighting
Elephant
3 sightings
Hippo
4 sightings
Lion
2 sightings
Spotted Hyena
5 sightings
Wildebeest
7 sightings
Zebra
7 sightings
"The Highlands review"
The drive up to The Highlands is long and bumpy, but as long as you know to expect that it’s not a problem, and the amazing views at the top more than make up for any bumps. We actually found it good fun, and it was really interesting going past the Masai villages, and navigating through people out with their cows and sheep.
The accommodation at The Highlands was beautiful. It was so different from the other camps we stayed at during our trip. We were greeted on arrival with drinks and snacks while everything was explained to us. Our room attendant Jeseka kept the room looking perfect and made sure the fire was lit and everything was cosy in the evening.
The bar is a great place to meet other guests and hear about their experiences. The option to eat together is brilliant idea, and although we did choose to have a quiet meal alone on the first night after the long drive, eating with the other guests on the next night was great fun.
The food was delicious and we were kept entertained by our waiter Eugine, who helped my husband with his Swahili." See all these reviews: 9n in Tanzania; 4n in Zanzibar
Black Rhino
1 sighting
Buffalo
5 sightings
Eland
1 sighting
Elephant
2 sightings
Hippo
5 sightings
Lion
2 sightings
Spotted Hyena
5 sightings
Wildebeest
5 sightings
Zebra
7 sightings
"The Highlands review"
service was excellent as was the food. and our trip into the ngorongoro crater was very special due to our guide. we saw a great variety of animals and birds. a fabulous experience." See all these reviews: 14n in Tanzania
Zebra
Multiple sightings
"The Highlands review"
The staff and guides were friendly and helpful. We enjoyed Kaenel (sp?), our guide. He worked so hard to get us to spots that might hold certain animals as well as make sure we saw the high points of the crater area.
We liked the time spent with the Masai, cultural guide, Peter. He was a lovely person." See all these reviews: 10n in Zambia; 9n in Tanzania; 4n in South Africa; 1n in Kenya
Black Rhino
1 sighting
Buffalo
10 sightings
Eland
Multiple sightings
Elephant
4 sightings
Hippo
10 sightings
Leopard
Multiple sightings
Lion
10 sightings
Spotted Hyena
Multiple sightings
Wildebeest
10 sightings
Zebra
10 sightings
"The Highlands review"
And the road to the action in Ngorongoro is long and painful, meaning earlier starts in the morning." See all these reviews: 11n in Tanzania; 4n in Rwanda
"The Highlands review"
First: It is a very long ride from the airstrip to the camp (2 1/2 hour). The roads are very bad.
Second: We were not lucky and had a lot of rain. It was very cold in the rooms. They had a fireplace, that put the room to a nice temperature, but later on the fire went off in the night, so it was very cold (3 degrees celsius in the morning). Of course they told us, that we can phone someone, to put the fire on again, but we think that it is not very nice to get someone out to our room, just for lighting the fire again.
Third: Some of the staff couldn't speak Englisch very well, so it was sometimes difficult to understand what they said.
Fourth: Our guide was more than a driver. He just took us to the places we wanted to go and then there was not much more he did for us. We made the hiking to the Empakaai and to the waterfalls, but he never went with us. We saw other guides who did so. The drive in the crater was ok.
At least the visit of the Massai village wasn't so nice. It was about 60 Dollars we have to pay for and we stayed there one hour, just walking around a little. At the end there were a lot of women presenting their stuff and we were told before, that we have to bring a little money for buying something. The prices weren't small, one little plate, where you can put your wineglass on, was 10 Dollars." See all these reviews: 21n in Tanzania
The Highlands is situated at approximately 8000 ft above sea level and so it does get cold at night. The camp does its best to keep the rooms warm by providing thick duvets, additional covers and there is a log burner in each room. Guests are provided with firelighters and extra wood, so if they do not want to ask one of the staff to top the fire up, they are able to add fuel to the fire themselves.
The guide should have accompanied these guests on all their activities – including the hike of Empakaai. This has been raised with the guide trainer and lodge manager, who will address this with the guide to ensure he is more actively involved in the all-round guest experience.
With regards to the disappointing Masaai boma visit, The Highlands have commented that they strictly prohibit any souvenir sales in the bomas that their guests visit. The village already benefits significantly from support from the camp and so they should not be trying to sell goods to our guests. They are going to bring this up with the village leaders to reiterate this and prevent it from happening again. If guests would like to buy something then they are able to do so at the 'mamas market' but nothing should be pushed during the boma visit.
"Senior Africa Specialist | East Africa"
Black Rhino
1 sighting
Buffalo
10 sightings
Hippo
5 sightings
Lion
2 sightings
Spotted Hyena
1 sighting
Wildebeest
10 sightings
Zebra
10 sightings
"The Highlands review"
It gets very cold there even with a fire in the room. The staff did there best and even ordered an electric blanket for my husband.
We would have liked the option for longer hikes (around the lake in the crater)." See all these reviews: 11n in Tanzania; 6n in Zanzibar; 1n in Kenya
Buffalo
Multiple sightings
Elephant
Multiple sightings
Hippo
Multiple sightings
Lion
Multiple sightings
Spotted Hyena
Multiple sightings
Wildebeest
Multiple sightings
Zebra
Multiple sightings
"The Highlands review"
It can get cold at night and early morning, so dress up!" See all these reviews: 5n in Tanzania; 3n in Zanzibar
Buffalo
Multiple sightings
Eland
Multiple sightings
Elephant
Multiple sightings
Hippo
Multiple sightings
Lion
Multiple sightings
Spotted Hyena
Multiple sightings
Wildebeest
Multiple sightings
Zebra
Multiple sightings
"The Highlands review"
The staff and service were amazing, the accommodation exceeded our expectations and views were beautiful.
The food was very good and we loved having a drink at the cool bar tent before dinner.
We also enjoyed the educational walk with a Masai guide from the camp to a nearby Masai village. We really felt like part of the family that lived there." See all these reviews: 11n in Tanzania
Buffalo
10 sightings
Elephant
10 sightings
Hippo
10 sightings
Lion
Multiple sightings
Spotted Hyena
Multiple sightings
Wildebeest
10 sightings
Zebra
10 sightings
"The Highlands review"
We enjoyed the separate bar area (very cozy!) and drinks before dinner. Also really appreciated that the chef confirmed the menu for the day and was able to adjust to preferences.
My only issue is it was way too much food every time! Appreciated the variety but two meats and six sides for two people is just too much and felt wasteful.
I really enjoyed the Olmoti hike - the view from the top is just stunning. It is difficult though - steep and there’s hardly a path. Having the Maasai and ranger guides definitely helped!" See all these reviews: 11n in Tanzania
Black Rhino
1 sighting
Buffalo
10 sightings
Elephant
5 sightings
Hippo
4 sightings
Lion
4 sightings
Spotted Hyena
5 sightings
Wild dog
5 sightings
Wildebeest
10 sightings
Zebra
10 sightings
Holiday styles & special interests in Tanzania
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Other lodges in Ngorongoro Crater
Alternative places to stay in this same area.
Plantation Lodge
A relaxed base between Ngorongoro and Lake Manyara, Plantation Lodge has lush grounds and offers good value and high standards.
Gibbs Farm
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Lemala Ngorongoro
Lemala Ngorongoro is a small, comfortable tented camp on the rim of the Ngorongoro Crater with lovely walking in the vicinity.
Entamanu Ngorongoro
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Crater Lodge
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Ngorongoro Sopa Lodge
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Rhino Lodge
Rhino Lodge is a simple, good-value lodge with a great location near the crater rim, in the Ngorongoro Conservation Area.
Farmhouse Lodge
Ngorongoro Farmhouse Lodge is set on a 750-acres working farm. Close to the NCA gate, it makes a great base for exploring the Crater.
Rhotia Valley Ttd. Lodge
Rhotia Valley is a simple lodge with a strong commitment to the local community, including a children's home, which guests may visit.
Ngorongoro Serena
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Bougainvillea Lodge
Bougainvillea Safari Lodge provides an economical base from which to visit Lake Manyara or the Ngorongoro Crater.
The Manor
The Manor is a smart, family-friendly Cape-Dutch-style lodge, offering high-quality service and food in very comfortable surroundings.
Neptune Ngorongoro
Neptune Ngorongoro Luxury Lodge is a smart hilltop lodge with log-style cottages set close to the Ngorongoro Conservation Area.
Wildlife Lodge
Stay at the Ngorongoro Wildlife Lodge while on road safari in Northern Tanzania's spectacular Ngorongoro Crater area.
Crater's Edge
Craters Edge is an intimate luxury property on the north-eastern rim of the Ngorongoro Crater.
Lion's Paw
Located on the eastern rim of the Ngorongoro Crater, this camp has stunning panoramic views down onto the crater floor. A five minute drive to the nearest descent gate allows for early access into the crater, maximising on avoiding the large crowds
Sanctuary Ngorongoro Crater Camp
A small tented camp, located on the eastern side of the Ngorongoro Crater rim, with a five minute drive to crater descent gate.
Ngorongoro Fly-Camp
Explore the remote northern rim of the Ngorongoro Crater on a two-day hike and spend the night in this small fly-camp.
Country Lodge
Country Lodge is conveniently located on the edge of Karatu and provides a comfortable base for exploring Ngorongoro Crater or Lake Manyara.
