The Highlands, Asilia Africa

The Highlands Asilia Africa sits at the side of a forest surrounding the Olmoti volcano. This high-altitude camp has fantastic views – particularly at sunrise and sunset.

The rate includes the following:

• Accommodation.
• All meals.
• All house drinks.
• A limited laundry service.
• Game drives.
• The Olmoti Crater hike.
• The Empakaai Crater hike.
• A Maasai cultural visit.
• Transfers to and from the nearest airstrip are also included.

Amenities include an en suite bathroom with a hot-water shower, flush toilet, lockable safebox, complimentary laundry service, and wood-burning stove (in-room).

Children over five years old are welcome. There are a variety of activities for children, such as game drives and visits to nearby Maasai villages. To visit the Olmoti or Empakaai craters, children must be over 12 years old.

Due to the high altitude, the Ngorongoro region can be cold – sometimes dropping to 6 degrees Celsius.

It is strongly advised to bring some warm clothing, especially for the chilly evenings: a fleece or lightweight jacket, light raincoat, or windproof jacket. Easy-to-wash clothes are advised, as drying can be an issue: long pants/trousers, long sleeve shirts. Layered clothing is the most flexible option.

It is at an altitude of around 7,500 feet (2,286 meters).

Guests will enjoy super views from The Highlands Asilia Africa.

The following can be arranged: game drives, trekking expeditions, and cultural visits.

Yes, you can spend an afternoon in a nearby Maasai village. You will learn about their way of life by visiting a market or helping herd their livestock. You may have the opportunity to visit a local school.

A ‘tipping box’ is available if you want to give a gratuity and any tips received are then shared amongst the camp staff. We advise that you make your contribution at the time of your checkout.

Guests are always advised to drink bottled water at the camp and use the water in the taps for showers and washing. Use bottled water for cleaning your teeth, too. Bottled water is available from the bar and is included in the rate.

The Olmoti Crater climb starts from the camp and follows an old Maasai herding trail, up through trees, across pastures, and over rocky outcrops to reach the summit, where you will enjoy super crater views. Look out for colorful birds and butterflies as you go!

A different trek is to the Empakaai Crater. This is downhill at first, taking you on a descent into the crater, accompanied by an armed NCA ranger to see the soda lake and its population of pink flamingos. The Highlands Asilia Africa is the closest accommodation to the crater, so a half-day excursion is possible.

Game drives are best enjoyed in the early morning or the late afternoon when it is cooler, and the animals become more active.

After a hot drink to accompany your wake-up call, you can have breakfast before departure or take a picnic breakfast out on safari.

You can return to camp, relax before lunch, spend some downtime in the afternoon before tea and depart for your next game drive with sundowners. Drinks around the campfire and a delicious dinner will end a perfect day.

A minimum of two nights is recommended, but if you can stay longer, that’s even better!