4 Day Acclimatization Safari US$1,893.-pp

Go on safari whilst acclimatizing to the altitude prior your Mt. Kilimanjaro climb. The Highlands Camp is a high altitude retreat located at a dizzying 2,710m/8891′ and ideal for your acclimatization whilst safaring in Ngorongoro Crater and going on hikes on the craters surrounding your camp. Accommodation style: Standard

ACCOMODATION STYLE: Luxury

PRICE

US$1,893.- April 5 to May 31, 2016
US$2,484.- March, June, Nov 1 to Dec 19, 2016
US$2,713.- July 1 to Oct 31, 2016, Dec 20 – Dec 31, 2016

Price per person, double occupancy.

BEST TIME TO GO  Year Round

HIGHLIGHTS

  • Safari whilst acclimatizing for your Mt. Kilimanjaro climb
  • Ngorongoro Crater Safari and remote, uncrowded Olomoti and Empakaai Crater
  • Cultural Massai Boma Visit
  • Walking Safari

ITINERARY MAP

Use the route map below to explore the destinations & accommodation on this tour

 

FULL DAY BY DAY ITINERARY

Day 1: Fly to Lake Manyara and drive to Ngorongoro Highlands

Arrive at Kilimanjaro airport and be met by our representative who will assist with your transfer for your short flight to Lake Manyara. Upon the arrival at Lake Manyara airstrip your guide will be awaiting you for your transfer to The Highland Camp. Settle in at your camp in the afternoon.

Day 2: Ngorongoro Crater Safari and Olmoti Walk

Guests will begin the 40 minute journey from The Highlands to the Ngorongoro Crater in the early morning, following the rising sun to the crater gate. The drive offers the opportunity to spot zebra interspersed with the Maasai cattle herds and on a clear day, a magnificent view of the Ngorongoro Crater. The fertile grasslands soon turn to beautiful mountain forest as the descent from the rim begins, and guests will spend the morning exploring the vast 300km square crater floor with the opportunity to spot the “Big 5” and the many roaming predators. Lunch will be served in our private picnic spot and guests have the choice to continue their exploration of the crater in the afternoon or venture back to camp for a peaceful sundowner.

  • The crater is home to one of the largest wildlife densities in the world, offering guests the chance to see the Big 5 and numerous predators and large mammals.

In the afternoon, starting directly from The Highlands Camp, 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. The hike follows a wild route which is home to buffalo, zebra, bushbuck, leopard and hyena, and has occasional elephant passing through.

Day 3: Empakaai Crater Descent and Masaai Village Visit

The stunning but relatively unknown Empakaai Crater lies some 40km/25 miles north-east of it’s famous neighbour, the Ngorongoro Crater. From The Highlands camp, the drive to the crater takes roughly 1 hour and 15 minutes through the beautiful Bulbul Depression and offers the chance to see a variety of animals. On arrival at Empakaai, guests will be treated to splendid views of the Empakaai Crater as well as a glimpse of the Oldoinyo Lengai, Tanzania’s most active volcano. Here guests will join an NCA ranger and begin the 30-45 minute descent into the crater through thick, mountainous forest. Once on the crater floor, the lake offers superb birding and the chance to see the famous flamingos. The walk back to the vehicle on the crater rim will take around 1 hour and 30 minutes, with the chance to see big game (buffalo, hyena and elephant).

Opportunities to spot zebra, gazelle, ostrich, wildebeest and the occasional cheetah during the drive from The Highlands to Empakaai.

The multitude of flamingoes that form a salmon-pink band around the lakeshore are an extraordinary sight. Guests will have the opportunity to watch them parade en masse, feed and most remarkably, fly. (NB: numbers of flamingoes do fluctuate throughout the year)

The caldera (collapsed volcano) itself is a remarkable sight for guests to enjoy. Dramatic cliffs encircle the salt lake some 300m/900’ below, and with colours ranging from sparkling turquoise to pewter depending on the time of day and the mood of the cloudscape, it truly is a unmissable sight and highlight of any trip. The lake is 6km/3.7miles in diamter and takes around 4 hours to walk around.

After your Crater visit guests will have the opportunity to join one of our Maasai staff members on a visit to a local community in a nearby village. Many of our staff members are drawn from the surrounding communities and are always eager to share their experiences, providing a richer understanding of the culture that defines this corner of East Africa. Guests will be invited to a Maasai boma to gain an insight into the traditional cattle-herding practices and school visits will also be available depending on the time of year. Walking time to the village is around 30 minutes (driving is also available). Your visit will be coinciding later in the evening (5-6p) when cattle are being brought in, an excellent and unusual photo opportunity not to be missed.

Day 4: Depart The Highlands for Lake Manyara

Set off with packed lunch for Lake Manyara airstrip today where you will catch your plane flight to Arusha.

Included: Full board accommodation, all drinks except champagne, cellar wines and premium spirits, game drives and activities as listed, flights Kilimanjaro – Lake Manyara – Arusha, transfers, park fees, laundry.

Excluded:  Airport fees and taxes, visa

Note: Private tour starts at Kilimanjaro airport and ends at Arusha airport. Available form March 1, 2016 only as this is a new camp.