The Highlands redefines the Ngorongoro experience. Set high on the slopes of Olmoti volcano, with sweeping views all the way to the Serengeti, you can be at the famous Ngorongoro Crater floor at dawn but far from any other camp. Your base is a warm and stylish high altitude camp, inspired by traditional Maasai bomas which dot the surrounding landscape, deliberately positioned deep in this highland wilderness for maximum privacy, richness of adventure and range of activities not possible elsewhere in Ngorongoro.

The Highlands redefines the Ngorongoro experience. Set high on the slopes of Olmoti volcano, with sweeping views all the way to the Serengeti. Your base is a warm and stylish high altitude camp, inspired by traditional Maasai bomas which dot the surrounding landscape, deliberately positioned deep in this highland wilderness for maximum privacy, richness of adventure and range of activities not possible elsewhere in Ngorongoro. The Highlands strikes the perfect balance between a wilderness experience and a stylish tented retreat with all the desired creature comforts.

The seven luxurious tented suites offer king size beds with bay windows so you can enjoy the endless views from the comfort of your bed. Wood burning stoves will keep your domed suite warm throughout the night. The main area has been designed so you can enjoy the camp fire experience, even when it is too cold to go outside. Explore the wild highlands which surround the camp – home to leopard, buffalo and elephant and the Maasai people whose pastoral way of life has remained unchanged for centuries.

Accommodation

Double Tent

The Highlands has 6 large, luxury guest tents with fantastic view. The tents have the option of being twins and doubles. There is a triple room available on request. The tents all feature king-sized beds, en-suite bathrooms with flushable toilet and bucket shower. Hot water is always readily available for guest comfort. Each tent also has a wood burning fire place for warmth in the colder months.

Family Tent

The Highlands features 1 family tent specifically designed to accommodate 2 adults and 2 children. Larger than the usual tents, the emphasis here is on creating enough space to accommodate a family without it feeling cramped. These tents have king-sized, double or single beds available for individual guest needs. There are 2 separate bathrooms with flushable toilets and outdoor shower. Plus wood burning fire place for warmth in the colder months.

Honeymoon Tent

The Honeymoon tent at The Highlands emphasises privacy, rest and relaxation. The tent has a king-sized bed, en-suite bathroom. As well as a seating area, large elevated deck and an outdoor hot tub. The hot tub looks out into the beautiful landscape of Ngorongoro. Plus wood burning fire place for warmth in the colder months.

Activities

The Olmoti Climb

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 (round trip) 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 Empakaai Descent

The stunning but relatively unknown Empakaai Crater lies some 40km 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).

Cultural Activities

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.

The Crater Descent

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 Asilia’s 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.

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