Overview of The Highlands Ngorongoro

The Highlands combines a jaw-dropping natural setting on the slopes of the extinct Olmoti volcano with just eight high-tech tents and exciting activities like hiking the Olmoti, and descending not only into world-famous Ngorongoro Crater but also the lesser-known but equally incredible Empakaai Crater.

The en suite tents, which have flush toilets and hot running water, are fronted by celling-to-floor faceted windows that allow you to drink in the surrounding wilderness and Africa’s big sky. As a high-altitude camp, the tents are both warm and stylish, with enclosed fireplaces to ward off the morning and evening chill. There are eight tents, including one for families and another for honeymooners.

In keeping with the exquisite attention to detail paid throughout the design and construction of The Highlands, the open-air breakfast deck has been perfectly positioned to make the most of the view, while the bar and fire pit overlook the sunset.

In addition to classic game drives to and hot-lunch picnics in Ngorongoro Crater, The Highlands offers unusual access to two of the Ngorongoro Conservation Area’s lesser-seen gems. A half-day hike takes you to the birds, butterflies and myriad fern species on an ancient Maasai cattle trail to the Olmoti crater. Game like buffalo, zebra and bushbuck and the occasional elephant can be spied by hikers.

Another memorable journey is a drive to the Empakaai Crater, followed by a hike into the crater floor to see flocks of pink flamingos and the mountainous forest. You will also be able to aspects of traditional Maasai life, as well as catch a glimpse of Oldoinyo Lengai, Tanzania’s most active volcano.

Make a Positive Impact Through Travel

Asilia empowers crucial wilderness areas in East Africa, benefitting people and nature alike. By making bold, and often pioneering, investments into areas that are ecologically and economically vulnerable, Asilia aims to turn these areas into viable conservation economies, benefitting both the local communities as well as the environment. With the help of guests, who contribute a levy of US$ 5 for each night that they stay at an Asilia property, Asilia is able to make a significant positive impact towards their goal of empowering these areas, including the communities and wildlife that call them home.

Highlights & Activities

What's on offer whilst on this itinerary?
  • Incredible setting on Olmoti Crater
  • Game drives in Ngorongoro Crater
  • Hiking in Olmoti and Empakaai Craters
  • High-tech tents with full en suite bathrooms
  • Only eight tents, including honeymoon and family units
4x4 Drives

4x4 Drives

Bird watching

Bird watching

Cultural visits (additional cost)

Cultural visits (additional cost)

Full-day safaris

Full-day safaris

Game drives

Game drives

Guided walks

Guided walks

Hiking

Hiking

Local village visits (additional cost)

Local village visits (additional cost)

Nature drives

Nature drives

Nature walks

Nature walks

Private game-drives (additional cost)

Private game-drives (additional cost)

Private guide (additional cost)

Private guide (additional cost)

Private vehicle with driver (additional cost)

Private vehicle with driver (additional cost)

Specialist guides

Specialist guides

Star gazing

Star gazing

Sundowners

Sundowners

Rooms at The Highlands Ngorongoro

Unwind and relax, in your own private luxury
  • honeymoon_suite_-2

    Honeymoon Suite - Gold

    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 fireplace 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.

    • luxury-suite1

      Suite

      There are eight tents at The Highlands, including one for families and one for honeymooners. Each consists of a three-quarter canvas dome that is completed by a large, floor-to-ceiling faceted window that allows for 180-degree views from inside. Each has an en suite bathroom with a flush toilet and running water, as well as a spacious outdoor deck with a table and chairs.rnrnBecause The Highlands is situated at altitude on the Olmoti Crater, each tent as an enclosed stove for warmth. The du00e9cor is eclectic, with warm wooden panelling juxtaposed with beautiful photographs of Africa, Eames-inspired chairs and cowhide rugs.rnrnThere are four tents with double or twin beds. Two other tents also have twins or doubles, as well as two extra twins on their mezzanine levels to sleep three adults or two adults and two children, with a shared bathroom.

      • family_tent

        Family Suite

        The family room sleeps six in a large dome tent with a mezzanine level and a smaller dome tent across the deck.

        General Facilities

        The Highlands has a comfortable sitting ‘dome’ for when you wish to relax in the company of other guests between game drives or hikes.

        Bar

        Bar

        Curio shop

        Curio shop

        En-suite bathrooms

        En-suite bathrooms

        Fireplace

        Fireplace

        Housekeeping service

        Housekeeping service

        In-room Wi-Fi

        In-room Wi-Fi

        Laundry service

        Laundry service

        Local airstrip transfers

        Local airstrip transfers

        Lounge

        Lounge

        Mess dining tent

        Mess dining tent

        Safe

        Safe

        Solar power

        Solar power

        Dining

        Breakfasts and lunches can be enjoyed at separate tables on the outdoor deck that has unhindered views of the sunrise. Supper is taken in the dining tent at long tables where you can meet other guests and chat to the knowledgeable rangers.

        Toast the sunset with a tipple from the bar, which also has an outdoor deck and sheltered fire pit.

        Expert Opinion

        We know because we go
        Lauren Johansson

        Lauren Johansson

        Africa Safari Expert

        The Highlands has set a whole new standard at the Ngorongoro crater with its majestic views and exclusive location. Immerse yourself in local Masai culture with village visits, get active on nature walks to Olmoti or explore Empakaai crater. With only seven tents you get to enjoy a very personalised experience in a unique setting.

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