The Camp

Location: Ngorongoro Crater, Tanzania
Number of Rooms: 8

The Highlands, perched at the edge of the Olmoti Crater against a dense mountain forest, completely redefines the Ngorongoro Crater experience with its unique and isolated location and contemporary taste. Inspired by local Maasai bomas, the eight canvas and glass dome-shaped suites mix traditional and modern materials in a pristine wilderness setting. The geometric domes feature stylish interiors with warm wood tones, plush bedding, striking artwork if the Maasai people, and a floor to ceiling glass bay window for the ultimate postcard view. Each suite is equipped with an en suite bathroom complete with plumbed facilities and hot running water. A wood burning stove in each bedroom staves off the chill that is typical to the camp's high altitude location. A family unit sleeps children ages five and older. The central lounge houses a circular seating bank surrounding a roaring fire, a spacious dining room features long, family-style tables, and a relaxed bar provides cozy sofas and chairs for a pre- or post-dinner refreshment.

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Facilities & Amenities

• En suite bathroom with shower
• Shampoo and soap
• Fireplace
• 220v charging outlets in room
• In-room safe
• Wi-Fi in room
• Laundry included
• Local drinks included (house alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks)
• Credit cards accepted (Visa and MasterCard)
• No air conditioning (not needed), hair dryer, telephone or cellular coverage (intermittent)

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Wildlife Viewing & Activities

The Highlands has unique access to the Olmoti and Empakaai craters to the northeast of the well-known Ngorongoro Crater. Ancient Maasai cattle trails can be traced through the mountain forest right from camp to the highest points overlooking the Olmoti Crater, and a half-day excursion including a walk to the shimmering soda lake of Empakaai Crater, which is known for congregations of pink flamingoes lining its shores, is possible from The Highlands while not typically accessible from other accommodations in the area. A full-day wildlife drive in the Ngorongoro Crater, including a picnic lunch, is still a highlight during your stay. The floor of the Ngorongoro Crater spans over 115 square miles and is home to some 25,000 large animals, including lion, cheetah, black rhinoceros, elephant, Burchell's zebra, spotted hyena, Egyptian geese and so much more. Maasai village and school visits can add to your cultural immersion while staying at The Highlands.

The below chart helps to illustrate major wildlife sightings often experienced in the Ngorongoro Crater. Seasonally, flamingos may be seen on the lake, and there is always a high concentration of antelopes and predators. Other typical sightings may include gazelles, warthog, ostrich and a number of other mammals, birds and reptiles. Exact sightings will depend on seasonality and wildlife movements.

Climate