The Highlands at Ngorongoro (Ngorongoro Crater) Tanzania
Camp Story
At The Highlands we use state-of-the-art technology to minimise our ecological footprint. This includes a full solar plant and rainwater collection off tents. In addition, our supply runs are minimised to once a month to reduce our carbon emissions, and any unavoidable carbon emissions are offset through Carbon Tanzania. Asilia is the second-largest contributor to this scheme in the country.
For a chance to immerse yourself in the region’s rich cultural heritage, visit a Maasai homestead, enjoy local hospitality and be entertained by traditional dancers. Test your herding skills alongside Maasai herdsmen as you join them to bring the cattle into the boma. As many staff members as possible are hired from the local community. Participating in community visits and visiting local markets are a great way to provide direct benefits to local villagers.
Location:
The Highlands redefines the Ngorongoro Crater experience. 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.
Experience the highlands of the wild Ngorongoro Conservation Area surrounding the camp, home to leopard, buffalo and elephant. A Ngorongoro Crater safari is jaw-droppingly beautiful. Follow ancient Maasai trails to the summit of the Olmoti crater and visit local communities to catch a glimpse into the traditional Maasai way of life that has defined this corner of East Africa for centuries. The famous Ngorongoro Crater is easily accessible from camp, while the setting ensures maximum privacy, a rich adventure and a range of activities not possible elsewhere in Ngorongoro.
Snapshot of The Highlands
Exclusive, remote location in comfort and privacy, far
from other camps
Ngorongoro crater experience and
wildlife game drives easily accessible
A variety of
activities available straight from camp including the Olmoti
climb and more
Perfect for
Active Safari
Classic Safari
Romantic Safari
Accommodation
Accommodation at The Highlands strikes the perfect balance of a wilderness escape and a high-end tented sanctuary with all the creature comforts.
Eight elegant domed suites offer king-sized beds with floor-to-canvas-ceiling bay windows opening out to the spectacular views, en-suite bathrooms with hot running water, showers and flushing toilets, and wood-burning stoves for the cold winter evenings.
Camp Experience
The Highlands redefines the Ngorongoro experience, raising the bar for low-impact/high-style camps. Carefully positioned for maximum privacy high on the slopes of the Olmoti volcano, our guests enjoy sweeping views all the way to the Serengeti. Inspiration for the eight canvas-and-glass domed suites was drawn from the traditional Maasai bomas that dot the landscape. Warm, intimate and contemporary, this is quite simply the perfect place from which to discover the wild and pristine Crater Highlands.
At the heart of the camp is an authentic indoor fireplace designed to emulate the traditional East African campfire experience. Delve into the library or enjoy a drink from the extensive bar and unwind in comfort and style at the end of each rewarding day.
Hearty gourmet meals are homemade using fresh, organic ingredients and supplies sourced from the Karatu area, just outside Ngorongoro (communities in the NCA are not permitted to grow crops as this is a protected area). Packed breakfasts and lunches are an option, as is the incredible experience of a hot lunch enjoyed in the crater. Please let us know if you have any special dietary requirements – our camp chefs will be happy to cater for your needs.
Featured Wildlife
The pristine Ngorongoro Conservation Area is the jewel in Tanzania’s crown for good reason: the greater NCA area contains over 25 000 large animals and a wide range of bird species. At The Highlands itself, wildlife species include:
Lion
Serval (rare)
Leopard
Black rhino
Wildebeest
Golden jackal
Elephant
Thomson’s gazelle
Buffalo
Spotted hyena
Family Safaris
FAMILY SUITABILITY LEVEL
☐ GOOD
✓ BETTER
☐ BEST
Our family unit accommodates families with children aged five and older. The Highlands offers a wide range of exciting activities kids can take part in, including iconic game drives into Ngorongoro Crater and fascinating visits to the local Maasai community. Children aged 16 and older can visit the Olmoti and Empakaai craters.
Activities
With its exclusive location on the Olmoti volcano, The Highlands offers a range of activities that is simply unheard of in the Ngorongoro Conservation Area. This is the only camp to consider if you wish to do so much more than the classic Ngorongoro descent.
Olmoti climb
Starting directly from camp, the Olmoti climb follows an ancient Maasai cattle trail through mountain forest, grasslands and rocky outcrops. Make the most of outstanding birding opportunities and the chance to see a vast array of butterfly species. At the top, you are rewarded with a magnificent view of the crater below.
Empakaai descent
Descend into the Empakaai crater accompanied by an NCA ranger and walk to the sparkling soda lake on the crater floor, famous for the pink flamingo that congregate on its shores. Because of the camp’s proximity to Empakaai, it is the only property that gives you the opportunity to make this a half-day excursion.
Community & cultural visits
Spend the afternoon with the local Maasai in one of the neighbouring villages to learn about the traditional way of life that has defined this corner of Africa for centuries. School visits may be possible depending on the time of year.
Ngorongoro Crater descent
Enjoy a game drive in one of the most game-rich areas in the world, the Ngorongoro Crater. Explore the vast 300km2 floor with an experienced guide and stop for lunch in a shady spot under the trees, maximising your time in this unforgettable landscape. Our seven-seater closed vehicles are fitted with power points so you can recharge your devices, as well as a fridge to keep your drinks deliciously frosty.
Accommodation Rates:- From $590 Per person per night
sharing. Please contact us for a suggested itinerary and
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