Reviews of The Highlands
Wildlife sightings and reviews
25 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 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
"Spectacular scenery at the Highlands"
The accommodation is pretty luxurious and comfortable. The rooms do cool down at night but we didn't find them as cold in the morning as some have commented. The camp is nearly a hour's drive from the Ngorongoro crater entrance so an early start and a full day out with packed lunch is necessary. We expected the crater to be chocker with jeeps but it was relatively quiet.
On the other hand the half day hikes out to Olmoti and Empakai offer something a bit different - an opportunity to stretch your legs, tremendous views and hardly a tourist in sight. A degree of fitness is required though! The Masai village visit is also very interesting as it's quite natural and not a peep show like most tourists see. Asilia are involved with the local community and school. There were only a handful of other guests at the camp during our stay. Lunches were good but dinner (we're vegetarian) was very much a hit and miss affair." See all these reviews: 16n in Tanzania
"The Highlands at Ngorongoro review"
The facilities, including the "guest rooms," were spectacular. The food was a step above the other locations (especially the lunches).
The "activities" here were remarkable. Our day in the crater was amazing! We then hiked into the crater, also very exciting, and visited a Massei village. Just driving through the "countryside" was also so very interesting." See all these reviews: 7n in Tanzania; 4n in Rwanda; 3n in Zanzibar
"The Highlands at Ngorongoro review"
The service was outstanding - everyone on staff was so kind and knowledgeable. We had a great time.
One of the afternoons we walked down to a Masai boma. This was incredibly interesting, but we did feel a little bit uncomfortable navigating negotiations with the Masai when purchasing their handicrafts. We were given the impression before hand that negotiation was customary, but it quickly became apparent that this was not the case. It would have been helpful to be a little more prepared for these interactions.
We loved hiking Olmoti and Empaki craters - this was a nice change of pace from sitting in a safari vehicle." See all these reviews: 11n in Tanzania
Holiday styles & special interests in Tanzania
From birdwatching breaks to walking holidays, find great ideas for your trip in Tanzania.
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
Located not far from the Ngorongoro Conservation Area, Gibb's Farm has comfy rooms, homegrown food and strong community links
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
Opened in 2016, Entamanu Ngorongoro is a small camp high on the Crater rim with views towards the crater and the plains of the Serengeti.
Crater Lodge
The ultra-luxurious Ngorongoro Crater Lodge is perched in a spectacular location on the edge of the Ngorongoro Crater.
Ngorongoro Sopa Lodge
Situated on the eastern rim of the Ngorongoro Crater, with outstanding views, the Sopa Lodge is a somewhat dated, international-style hotel.
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
The large, hotel-like Ngorongoro Serena Safari Lodge sits on the western rim of Ngorongoro Crater and has stunning views of the caldera.
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.
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.
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
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.
