The Highlands, Ngorongoro — Hotel in Arusha

The hotel was a pleasant surprise. I booked through Asilia because they were the most responsive, willing to work with my dates, and also the most reasonably priced. One thing that I was not expecting was the long drive from the airstrip to the hotel. As I was there during rainy season it was especially difficult to navigate. I also had just arrived from the US via 4 flights so I was pretty exhausted and was dozing along the way. I thought I would pass out when I arrived but the service was beyond that I opted to stay up as long as possible to get a good night sleep. The bartender was good though it was a little hard to know if it was self serve or not when he wasn’t there. They saw me having a drink and brought out lots of snacks without me saying anything. I felt bad because I didn’t eat them all. Dinner was also a lot of food. Our trip to the crater was bumpy - took about an hour to get to the gate and a little longer to get back to the hotel because of the rain and the roads. The vehicle had little details that were appreciated like a reusable water bottle, a hot water bag for the morning, bug spray, chargers, and hand sanitizer and tissues. There are also binoculars and I saw a hat too. I had breakfast and lunch at the crater - it was warm when sent but by the time we ate it was room temperature. They also offered beer and soft drinks, but I am sure if you tell them the night before they can send wine or your preferred beverage. They didn’t ask and I didn’t think to tell them - though they did send Coke Zero which was just fine. The temperature was a bit chilly and I didn’t know how to manage my fireplace but I had them show me in the morning so I didn’t need to bother anyone. I didn’t find the room to be too hot like some others. Rooms with higher numbers are further away - so if you want something closer to the main area request a room. I had one of the furthest rooms and I did get a little bit winded on the way up but nothing crazy. It could be difficult for others I can imagine. All in all good stay for the price and the service. All you have to do is ask and the staff will accommodate you...

It saddens me to leave this review because we were having a great experience at this camp until we realized that one of their staff members stole from us.

We were picked up by our safari guide from Lake Manyara airport and headed directly to do the Olmoti Crater hike. Upon arrival, our safari guide went to arrange for a ranger to hike with us while we got out of the car to stretch our legs. There was no one around so we walked 10m (~32ft) from the car to take some photos. A few minutes later, a group of hikers who were also staying at Asilia got back and our safari guide started briefing us about the hike, with our backs turned to the car. I had a hunch, so I turned around and saw a Maasai man rummaging through our car. I gave him the benefit of the doubt, thinking he probably knew our safari guide and was just getting soda from the back cooler. I kept watching him and he also kept glancing back at me while seemingly zipping and unzipping his own backpack. When he was finished, our safari guide introduced him as Shenoy and he would be our walking guide along with the ranger. Our safari guide would stay behind to watch car. We went on the beautiful hike and when we returned, our safari guide actually informed us that Shenoy works for Asilia and he would be riding back to the camp with us. He rode in the back seat along with all our bags.

It wasn’t until we checked into our tent that I noticed my backpack had all of the zippers partially opened. It seemed as though my backpack was rummaged through in a rush.

It really is unfortunate because our safari guide was extraordinarily talented. His passion for wildlife and photography was inspiring. I don’t believe he was involved, but you never know. This incident seemed too much like a routine. We also overheard a guest one night say that their nightly rate was over $2000 USD. I can assure you that this camp is not worth that amount and for what we got and how we were treated, there’s something seriously wrong here with this company. After this experience, we will not be staying with Asilia anywhere in the...

This is a remarkable place. Unlike any other hotel/lodge. With only 8 guest rooms their attention to detail is incredible. On arrival we were greeted by the staff singing and clapping. We sat in the stunning lobby/ lounge for check in. The chef came out to tell us about the evening menu. They went over our schedule : what time we wanted dinner , wake up call , break fast, departure . Our “igloo” was magnificent with a spectacular view. It was quite warm when we arrived so they brought us a fan. When the sun drops it cools off quickly! We enjoyed a drink in the tented bar. The manager David and assistant Abel sat and chatted with us and we felt like we were talking with old friends. Dinner was served family style and was the best of our entire trip. When we returned to our room there was a fire lit and hot water bottles (bush babies) in the bed! So warm and cozy. You can use the Walkie talkie to request more wood in the fire during the night. When we woke at 5 for our early departure the room was cold but the bed was toasty! I only wished we had more time at this phenomenal property. It was a very long ride for us from Serengeti but honestly it was so...