Set on the edge of the mountain forest hugging the Olmoti volcano to the north of Ngorongoro Crater, The Highlands strikes a perfect balance between a true wilderness experience and a high-style, contemporary escape.
Day 1: Arusha to Ngorongoro Crater
Make you way to the airport in Dar es Salaam for your flight from Dar es Salaam to Kilimanjaro.
Transfer from Kilimanjaro Airport to Arusha.
Depart for Ngorongoro Crater, where you arrive in time for lunch. This afternoon, enjoy an adventure hike at the Olmoti Crater.
Dinner is served followed by overnight at Asilia The Highlands
Day 2: Ngorongoro Crater
After breakfast, descend into the crater for full day game viewing with picnic lunch. Here you can see a spectacular concentration of wildlife, including the big five. Drive across the dense forest and near the soda lake and enjoy viewing a variety of bird life. Ascend to the lodge from the 2000ft. deep crater. Return to your lodge for dinner and overnight.
Dinner is served followed by overnight at Asilia The Highlands
Day 3: Ngorongoro Crater to Arusha
Depart for Arusha with an optional stop over at the Cultural Heritage center souvenir shop and art gallery. On a clear day you will see Mt. Meru standing tall over the city of Arusha.
Arrive at the Arusha Coffee Lodge where you will enjoy a meal in the lush green gardens. After lunch you may have some time to visit Shanga, an uplifting local community social enterprise which employs people with disabilities to create unique handmade gifts.
Transfer from Arusha to Kilimanjaro Airport for your flight back to Dar es Salaam.
What is included in the tour
- Return flight Dar - Kilimanjaro - Dar
- Return airport transfers in Arusha
- Ground transportation in 4x4 vehicle on safari with pop-up roof
- Game drives & private safari experience
- Accommodation including all meals starting with lunch on arrival day and ending with lunch on departure day
- All park fees, government taxes and service charges
- Services of an experienced English-speaking driver-guide
What is NOT included in the tour
- Laundry
- Tips and gratuities
- Drinks (soft or hard)
- Any items of a personal nature
The Highlands Ngorongoro
The Highlands redefines the Ngorongoro experience. Set high on the slopes of Olmoti volcano, with views all the way to the Serengeti, you can be at the famous Ngorongoro Crater floor at dawn yet far from any
other camp. This warm and stylish high altitude camp, deliberately positioned deep in this highland wilderness for maximum privacy, offers a richness of adventure and range of activities not possible elsewhere in Ngorongoro.
The Highlands strikes the perfect balance between a wilderness experience and a stylish tented retreat with all the desired creature comforts. The seven luxurious tented suites offer king size beds with bay windows so you can enjoy the endless views from the comfort of your bed. Wood burning stoves will keep your domed suite warm throughout the night. The main area has been designed so you can enjoy the camp fire experience, even when it is too cold to go outside. The heart of the camp is built around an inside fire place,the perfect place to unwind at the end of the day exploring.
The Highlands' views span both east and west, offering both sunset and sunrise views. From camp you are able to see the Gol Mountains in the North West, Empakaai in the East and the Olmoti crater rim to the
South. The northern flank of the Olmoti offers good wildlife viewing possibilities including Buffalo, Zebra, Porcupine, Hartebeest, Bushbuck, Hyena, Leopards and Elephant (seasonally). The Olmoti climb as well as
visits to the rural Maasai villages are possible by foot, directly from camp making The Highlands an excellent starting position to get a full Ngorongoro experience, not limited to just the crater.
Safari Vehicles:
Your safari experience will involve many exciting days viewing wildlife. As such, we pay utmost importance to the quality and comfort of your safari vehicle. Our safari vehicles are all converted into custom-built safari cars, with a pop-up roof to enable visitors to view wildlife better. All vehicles are fitted with thickly-cushioned individual seats. All 4x4 Safari Land Cruisers carry between 5 and 7 persons, and everyone is guaranteed a window seat. All safari vehicles have two-way radio communication equipment fitted to keep in contact with our offices. An electric fridge, an inverter system for charging your cameras, phones, and iPads, a pair of binoculars and reference books on mammals, birds, flora, and fauna are all standard equipment in each safari vehicle.
Our Driver-Guides:
When you book with Takims you are assured driver-guides who are extensively trained, qualified and experienced. Their knowledge spans over virtually everything you will encounter on safari - the wildlife, flora and fauna, the birdlife, the people and the local culture. Each driver-guide undergoes a rigorous and
mandatory training program, and their experience over the years means they are a wealth of information at all times.
Olmoti Crater Hike:
The Olmoti crater climb follows an ancient Maasai cattle trail up a gentle ascent through mountain forest, grassland and rocky outcrops. The 2-3 hour walk (roundtrip) offers outstanding birding, a large array of butterflies and is a botanist’s dream, with varying vegetation and a variety of splendid fern species. At the summit, guests are treated to a stunning view of the Olmoti crater.
Practical Information:
- Duration: 2 – 3 hours (roundtrip)
- Can be done after a visit to the crater or on day of arrival if in camp before 3pm
- Suitable for most fitness levels although it is at a relatively high altitude of around 3,000 meters (guests do not have to be serious mountain climbers to participate)
Please note that the hike follows a wild route which is home to buffalo, zebra, bushbuck, leopard and hyena, and has occasional elephant passing through. You will be accompanied by a park ranger at all times.
