The Highlands redefines the Ngorongoro experience, raising the bar for low-impact yet high-style camps. Carefully positioned for maximum privacy high on the slopes of Olmoti Crater to the north of the Ngorongoro Crater, The Highlands strikes a perfect balance between a true wilderness experience and a stylish contemporary escape.
The Ngorongoro Crater is an iconic natural wonder of the world. The crater was formed when a large volcano exploded and collapsed on itself two to three million years ago. The enclosed caldera is a thriving ecosystem in itself and home to some of the richest wildlife viewing in Africa, with an estimated 30,000 animals within the crater rim.
Other activities include climbing the Olmoti Crater for outstanding birding opportunities and magnificent views, descending the nearby Empakaai Crater to view the pink flamingoes on the soda lake on the crater floor, or visiting a neighouring village to meet the local Maasai people.
Inspiration for the 6 spacious canvas-and-glass domed suites was drawn from the traditional Masai bomas that dot the landscape. Each suite has floor-to-canvas-ceiling bay windows opening out onto spectacular views which reach all the way to the Serengeti. There is also a wood burning fireplace and plenty of cosy blankets and rugs for warmth in the colder months, and an en-suite bathroom with separate flush toilet and double-headed plumbed shower. Some also have a mezzanine floor where a third bed can be set up.
The main dome of the Family Tent is a standard double suite with a covered walkway leading to a smaller domed suite with twin beds and an en-suite shower room for the children. The Honeymoon dome emphasises privacy, rest and relaxation, with a kingsize bed, en-suite bathroom with a double headed shower, as well as wood burning fire place for warmth in the colder months. In addition, there is a seating area, large elevated deck, and an outdoor hot tub which looks out over the beautiful landscape of Ngorongoro.
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.
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Rates Include
Full Board Package: Crater fees; all meals; all drinks (except champagne, cellar wines, premium brand spirits); NCAA camping fees; a laundry service; Olmoti and Empakaai Crater hikes; and a Masai cultural visit are included. Game drives are taken with your driver-guide.
Game Package: Crater fees; all meals; all drinks (except champagne, cellar wines, premium brand spirits); NCAA camping fees; a laundry service; scheduled game drives with a Highlands guide and lunch on the crater floor; Olmoti and Empakaai Crater hikes; a Masai cultural visit; and transfers to/from Manyara airstrip are included.
Children Policy
Children aged 5 years and older are welcome. Rates available on request. Children aged 16 years and older can visit the Olmoti and Empakaai craters.
Bush Walks / Walking Safaris
Children aged 16 years and older can visit the Olmoti and Empakaai craters. The final decision on whether a guest can join a guided walk to the Olmoti and Empakaai craters remains with the guide and camp manager.
General Information For Guests
Each tented domed suites have en-suite bathrooms with hot running water, showers and flushing toilets, and wood-burning stoves for the cold winter evenings. Two also have a mezzanine for a third bed. There is also Wi-Fi, a hair dryer, safe, electrical outlets, and balcony/deck.
The family tent can accommodate 2 adults and 2 children. The main dome is a standard double with a covered walkway leading to a smaller dome with twin beds and en-suite shower room for the children.
The Honeymoon dome emphasises privacy, rest, and relaxation, with a king-sized bed, en-suite bathroom with a double headed shower, as well as wood burning fire place for warmth in the colder months. In addition, there is a seating area, large elevated deck, and an outdoor hot tub which looks out over the beautiful landscape of Ngorongoro.
The camp consists of a lounge tent, extensive bar, communal dining tent and terrace. Credit cards are accepted.
Room service can be requested.
The Highlands is approximately 4 - 4.5 hours drive from Arusha and 2 -3 hours from Lake Manyara Airstrip, and just over an hour's drive to the entrance gate to the Ngorongoro Crater.
The Highlands offers a range of activities:
Olmoti climb
Starting directly from camp, the Olmoti climb follows an ancient Masai 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. It is about a 2-3 hour round walk from the camp and back again.
Empakaai descent
Descend into the Empakaai crater accompanied by a ranger and walk to the sparkling soda lake on the crater floor, famous for the pink flamingos that congregate on its shores. Because of the camps proximity to Empakaai, it is the only property that gives you the opportunity to make this a half-day excursion.
Community and cultural visits
Spend the afternoon with the local Masai 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.
Bush Walks / Walking Safaris
Children aged 16 years and older can visit the Olmoti and Empakaai craters. The final decision on whether a guest can join a guided walk to the Olmoti and Empakaai craters remains with the guide and camp manager.
