Reviews of The Highlands
Wildlife sightings and reviews
18 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

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"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
"The Highlands review"
The camp is nicely located away from the crowds, and therefore ideal for those looking for more than just the normal Ngorongoro safari. The camp offers various cultural activities (suspended during Covid), as well as highly recommended guided hikes to the Empakaai and Olomoti crater.
The staff was very friendly and food was very good too.
Compared to other Asilia properties visited, the Covid 19 protocol was probably handled a little less strictly." See all these reviews: 12n in Tanzania

Zebra
Multiple sightings
"The Highlands review"
The best part of the visit was the hike up to the mini caldera with a Masai warrior, guide from the Highlands and Asilia guide. Lovely hike and beautiful views.
The worst part of the visit was the journey to and fro Highlands. It took about two and half hours from the airport. The first half was fine but after the viewing area for the Ngorongoro Crater we turned off onto an extremely bumpy, dusty track that wound it's way round the caldera and then eventually up to Highlands. While Highlands was lovely we did not feel it was worth the journey." See all these reviews: 8n in Tanzania

Buffalo
10 sightings

Eland
10 sightings

Elephant
6 sightings

Hippo
10 sightings

Lion
Multiple sightings

Spotted Hyena
4 sightings

Wildebeest
10 sightings

Zebra
10 sightings
"The Highlands review"
The accommodation was fabulous I was in a honeymoon suite with spa. Very spoilt by all including a fire going all night and a hotwater bottle inn my bed.
Very cosy considering I was on my own!!
The surprise lunch amongst the zebras was beautifully cooked by the chef and myself and two other guests loved it.
A big Thank you to all at The Highlands for a wonderful experience." See all these reviews: 8n in Tanzania; 1n in Kenya
"Amazing time at the Highlands"
To points others have raised - the ride is not for the faint of heart and is quite bumpy. However, we managed it without problem." See all these reviews: 6n in Tanzania

Zebra
3 sightings
"Modern tent accommodation of high standard"
Pleasant staff and good food and drink. Quite long transfers but interesting countryside.
Long drive to crater for game drive but it gave opportunity to see Masai villages en route." See all these reviews: 9n in Tanzania; 5n in Zanzibar; 1n in Kenya

Black Rhino
1 sighting

Buffalo
Multiple sightings

Elephant
Multiple sightings

Hippo
Multiple sightings

Lion
Multiple sightings

Spotted Hyena
Multiple sightings

Wild dog
1 sighting

Zebra
Multiple sightings
"The Highlands review"
all our programming for activities was done and performed
staff very good. Peti very nice and our guide Simon excellent. Even William, the guide for the hikings very good
the lunch at ngorongoro reserve awsome" See all these reviews: 5n in Tanzania; 3n in Zanzibar

Buffalo
10 sightings

Eland
10 sightings

Elephant
2 sightings

Hippo
10 sightings

Lion
2 sightings

Spotted Hyena
5 sightings

Wild dog
2 sightings

Wildebeest
10 sightings

Zebra
10 sightings
"Magic in the mountains"
Good deck to enjoy afternoon sun.
Again excellent food and wine.
We enjoyed the visit to the Maasai village plus the two walks, first to Empakaai Crater Hike, (large lake), then to Olmatic Crater, where we walked to a waterfall.
It was so good to walk after all the safaris. Still the bumpy roads to get there." See all these reviews: 12n in Tanzania; 7n in Zanzibar; 5n in Rwanda
"Bumby ride, excellent views"
Excellent location, wonderful food.
Some minor issues with malfunctioning hot water pump, hard to light the open fire. Quite steep on the slopes so hard work if you're Senior (or out of shape) walking back up to the restaurant.
Masai interaction was very interesting but perhaps a bit "forced" and touristy, a more casual approach with smaller groups might promote more interaction. But still very memorable.
The guide we had here (Festo) wasn't as knowledgeable as the guides in Little Olivers and frankly perhaps a bit junior for a 5 star resort. Nice guy but didn't seem to have as deep of a network with the guides on the radio, leaving him out of the loop of the spotting chatter on the radio. I had to go and fetch him in the workers office 10min after our agreed morning departure, not very impressive.
Lovely to see so many locals and Masai enrolled in the workforce, a detail we found particularly nice with Asilia (same was true for little olivers).
Overall a lovely stay in a spectacular location but a lot of jeep hours stacked up at the end." See all these reviews: 7n in Tanzania; 3n in Zanzibar
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