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The Highlands

The Highlands

Ngorongoro Crater, Tanzania

The Highlands

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Located in the heart of the Ngorongoro Highlands, this charming camp is an exciting and luxurious addition to the area around the Ngorongoro Crater. Offering the unique opportunity to explore more of the Ngorongoro Conservation Area than just the eponymous crater, guests at The Highlands can enjoy nature walks around the Olmoti Crater as well as hiking to the floor of the lesser-known Empakaai Crater — activities not possible from other locations around Ngorongoro. You can also enjoy visits to local Maasai villages to learn about rural life here.

The camp has just a handful of canvas domed suites, each with huge windows to take in the views. As nights can be chilly in the highland region, each tent has a wood burning stove along with soft fabrics and throws to keep you warm. In the main lounge, the seating area is based around another huge wood-burner, providing a cozy setting in which to enjoy a drink or two before dinner.

OUR OPINION:

The Highlands is a stylish and comfortable camp that encourages more in-depth exploration of the Ngorongoro Conservation Area and offers a completely different experience in this beautiful wildlife area.

OUR RATING: Deluxe

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Audley Travel Specialist Tom

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Photos of The Highlands

  • Tented suites have great views through the huge windows
    Tented suites have great views through the huge windows
  • View of the Highlands
    View of the Highlands
  • Main Lounge at The Highlands
    Main Lounge at The Highlands
  • Sunrise breakfast at The Highlands
    Sunrise breakfast at The Highlands
  • The Highlands, Ngorongoro, Ngorongoro Highlands
    The Highlands, Ngorongoro, Ngorongoro Highlands
  • The Highlands Guest Tent
    The Highlands Guest Tent

Rooms

With inspiration drawn from traditional Maasai bomas, the unique canvas domed suites are a truly innovative take on the traditional safari tent. There are just a small number of tents in total, including a larger family tent and a honeymoon suite. Each boasts a king-sized bed and en suite bathroom with flush toilet, as well as hot and cold running water. The tents are well spaced to ensure privacy, while the front section of each tent is constructed almost entirely of glass to provide incredible views. Meanwhile, the wood burning stove in each tent offers plenty of warmth for the cooler evenings.

Location

Situated at 2,710 meters above sea level, the camp is perfectly positioned for exploring Tanzania’s Ngorongoro Conservation Area. Set on the slopes of the Olmoti volcano, the Ngorongoro Crater itself is just a short drive away, allowing you to be on the crater floor as the sun rises, beating the crowds. Equally, being a 40-minute drive from any other camp opens up an otherwise inaccessible section of the conservation area.

Food and drink

During your stay you'll enjoy hearty meals made from locally-sourced ingredients and cooked freshly on site. If you're heading off further afield for a day of game driving in the Ngorongoro Crater, generous packed lunches can be supplied, otherwise a hot lunch will be served in camp each day.

Families

The larger family unit can accommodate families with children aged five years and above. While children can enjoy a variety of activities and excursions during their stay, please note that the Olmoti and Empakaai hikes are for over 16s only.

Facilities and activities

Activities from the camp include game drives in the Ngorongoro Crater, guided nature walks around Olmoti and hikes into the heart of the Empakaai Crater. Guests can also enjoy a Maasai cultural experience, visiting a local village to learn about everyday life in the Ngorongoro Highlands.

Tour ideas in Ngorongoro Crater

Our itineraries are there to spark ideas for how you could include a stay at The Highlands as part of your trip. Treat them simply as suggestions, because every aspect of the trip we create for you will be yours to define.

Location & places nearby

Places & hotels on the map

    Alternative places to stay nearby

    Where possible, we like to offer a range of accommodation for each stop of your trip, chosen by our specialists as some of their favorite places to stay. To help you make the right choice, we give each property a rating based on its facilities and service, but we also look for hotels with distinct character or a location that can’t be bettered.

    Experiences while staying here

    The following activities are designed to give you the most authentic experiences of the area where you’re staying. We work with local guides, who use their knowledge and often a resident’s eye to show you the main sights and more out-of-the-way attractions. Our specialists can also suggest outdoor pursuits and activities, such as cooking classes, that will introduce you to the traditions of the area’s inhabitants.

    • Search for Rhino in the Ngorongoro Crater
      Ngorongoro Crater

      Search for Rhino in the Ngorongoro Crater

      Search for Rhino in the Ngorongoro Crater

      The Ngorongoro Crater is home to a large population of resident game and one of the highest concentrations of predators in Africa. It's home to all big game, including rhino, although sightings are not guaranteed.

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    Ngorongoro Crater and nearby places