Accommodation

The Highlands

“The Highlands redefines the traditional Ngorongoro experience.”

Budget level: High-End

Country

Tanzania

When to Go

All Year

Property Type

Camp Permanent

Location

Northern Tanzania

Kids Min Age

Why we like it

Exclusive location far from other camps in the area
Iconic Ngorongoro Crater experience and game drive easily accessible
Unique activities available directly from camp, including Olmoti nature walks and cultural visit
The only camp from which a half-day visit to Empakaai Crater is possible
Luscious green and vibrant landscapes in direct contrast to the savannah of the Serengeti

The award-winning camp with its eight domed canvas and glass suites is situated on the edge of a forest that skirts Olmoti Volcano. The surrounding Ngorongoro Conservation Area is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Set on the lush slopes of Olmoti Volcano, The Highlands has sweeping views right across to the Serengeti. The eight tents are canvas and perspex domes – a design inspired by traditional Maasai bomas. At the heart of the camp is our library with its indoor fireplace that replaces the typical safari campfire. We gather here each evening to share stories of the day’s wildlife experiences over pre-dinner drinks.

The eight domed suites at The Highlands are made of canvas and glass and are surrounded by lush vegetation with views across the surrounding hills. There is one family tent with room for kids and one special honeymoon tent with a hot tub. Each suite has a king-sized bed facing floor-to-ceiling windows and a deck that curves around the tent. En suite bathrooms have hot running water, showers and flushing toilets. At night, wood-burning stoves keep guests cosy and warm.

The Ngorongoro Conservation Area is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and with good reason: it is a stunning landscape of mountainous forests, grassy plains and swampy marshlands. The Highlands perches at the edge of a forest that encircles Olmoti Volcano. It is the highest property in the area, affording sublime, panoramic vistas. Both sunrise and sunset are visible from camp.

The famous Ngorongoro Crater lies 40 km to the south. The crater, the largest inactive, intact and unflooded caldera in the world, was formed when a volcano exploded and collapsed in on itself 2 to 3 million years ago. It is now one of the best places in Africa for wildlife viewing, with the Big 5 and an extraordinary concentration of predators in the area.

With its exclusive location, The Highlands offers a range of activities that distinguishes it from other properties in the Ngorongoro Conservation Area.

Ngorongoro Crater game drives: Explore the 300 km² Ngorongoro Crater with our experienced and knowledgeable guides.

Olmoti Crater climb: Directly from camp, follow an old Maasai cattle trail through mountain forests, across grasslands and over rocky outcrops. Spot birds and butterflies along the trail. At the top, you’ll be rewarded by a magnificent view of the crater below.

Empakaai Crater climb: Descend into the Empakaai Crater with an NCA ranger and hike to the soda lake, famous for the pink flamingos that congregate around it turning the shores pink.

Community and cultural visits: Spend an afternoon with the Maasai in a neighbouring village to learn about their traditional way of life.