The Highlands

About THE HIGHLANDS

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 (NCA) is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. 

accommodation

Rooms

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.  

Experiences

Redefining the Ngorongoro experience

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.

Experiences

A typical day on safari at The Highlands

We head out on game drives or walks first thing in the morning or late in the afternoon when temperatures are cooler. Exact times differ slightly with the seasons, but we aim to get you out and about when the animals are at their most active. If you have booked a private vehicle, discuss your own schedule with your guide. 

Start the day with an early-morning wake-up call and a cup of tea or coffee. Enjoy breakfast before you depart for a game drive or walk, or opt to take a picnic with you. By mid-morning, you’ll be back at camp with time to relax and freshen up before lunch. 

It’s siesta time for most of the afternoon. Take the opportunity to relax with a book, visit our library or have a nap. Then it’s on to afternoon tea before you depart for a game drive with sundowners. Round off another perfect day in the bush with drinks by the campfire and dinner with good company. 

Experiences

Game drives

Explore the 300 km² Ngorongoro Crater with our experienced and knowledgeable guides. We’ll pack a picnic lunch to enjoy under a shady tree, so you can make the most of your excursion. We have seven-seater closed vehicles with power points and fridges, so you don’t have to worry about your devices running flat or your drinks getting warm. 

Experiences

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. Due to its location, The Highlands is the only property that can offer a convenient half-day excursion here. 

Experiences

Community and cultural visits

Spend an afternoon with the Maasai in a neighbouring village to learn about their traditional way of life. Visit a market to support local traders or walk with the herders as they bring their cattle back to the boma for the night. Depending on the time of year, guests may also be able to visit a local school. 

Experiences

Asilia Spa

Visit the spa for a relaxing massage after a long flight or a hot day in the bush. If you’d prefer, we can also organise treatments in your suite. 

Experiences

Family safaris

We welcome families with children over 5 years old, with exceptions made based on camp occupancy upon enquiry. The Highlands does not have any programmes specifically for kids, and children under 12 should share a tent with an adult. Please ask your agent about hiring a private vehicle to make your family’s stay more convenient. 

Experiences

Meals and refreshments

Our wholesome meals are made from fresh ingredients from the Karatu area, the closest source of locally grown crops. Meals are served in our dining room, outside on the deck or sometimes out in the bush. If you want to spend more time on game drives, we can pack a picnic breakfast or lunch to enjoy on the go.  

We can cater for most dietary requirements. Please just let us know in advance.