Welcome to Ngorongoro Crater Lodge Ngorongoro Crater Lodge has been called the game lodge at the top of the world. Between the natural riches of the Crater spread out at its feet and the incredible architecture, it’s easy to believe that you have entered a realm of pure fantasy. Nearly three million years old, the ancient caldera shelters one of the most beautiful wildlife havens on earth. Endangered black rhino are protected within its rim, giant tusked elephant wander the forests, male lion stalk the grasslands and flamingo crowd the soda lakes.

The Highlands redefines the Ngorongoro Crater experience. Set on the edge of the mountain forest hugging the Olmoti volcano to the north of Ngorongoro Crater, The Highlands strikes a perfect balance between a true wilderness experience and a high-style, contemporary escape. Experience the highlands of the wild Ngorongoro Conservation Area surrounding the camp, home to leopard, buffalo and elephant. A Ngorongoro Crater safari is jaw-droppingly beautiful. Follow ancient Maasai trails to the summit of the Olmoti crater and visit local communities to catch a glimpse into the traditional Maasai way of life that has defined this corner of East Africa for centuries.

A 5 star colonial lodge situated on a picturesque hill with spectacular views onto Oldeani Mountain and the Ngorongoro Crater Rim. The lodge is elevated with 360 degree views that extend all the way to Lake Eyasi and Lake Manyara. The property is set on 40 acres of pristine lush green gardens and local vegetation with over 130 species of birds.

Cards accepted

Family

5 years and older

Safari

Rooms

Bar

Internet

The Highlands Camp is set in a perfectly private location at the edge of the mountain forest that hugs the Olmoti Volcano, 40 kilometres to the north of the famous Ngorongoro Crater. The highest-altitude property within the Ngorongoro Conservation Area (NCA), the camp has heart-stopping views spanning east and west: take in both sunset and sunrise framed by the Gol Mountains in the northwest, Empakaai Crater in the east and the Olmoti Crater rim to the south. The main feature of the area is the Ngorongoro Crater, an iconic natural wonder of the world. The crater is in fact a caldera, formed when a large volcano exploded and collapsed on itself two to three million years ago. The enclosed caldera is a thriving ecosystem in itself within the greater Serengeti and home to some of the richest wildlife viewing in Africa, with the Big Five and an extraordinary concentration of predators all found in the area.

3-hour drive to Lake Manyara Airport

Hearty gourmet meals are homemade using fresh, organic ingredients and supplies sourced from the Karatu area, just outside Ngorongoro. Please let us know if you have any special dietary requirements – our camp chefs will be happy to cater for your needs.

The Highlands redefines the Ngorongoro experience, raising the bar for low-impact/high-style camps. Carefully positioned for maximum privacy high on the slopes of the Olmoti volcano, our guests enjoy sweeping views all the way to the Serengeti. Inspiration for the eight canvas-and-glass domed suites was drawn from the traditional Maasai bomas that dot the landscape. Warm, intimate and contemporary, this is quite simply the perfect place from which to discover the wild and pristine Crater Highlands. At the heart of the camp is an authentic indoor fireplace designed to emulate the traditional East African campfire experience. Delve into the library or enjoy a drink from the extensive bar and unwind in comfort and style at the end of each rewarding day.

With its exclusive location on the Olmoti volcano, The Highlands offers a range of activities that is simply unheard of in the Ngorongoro Conservation Area. This is the only camp to consider if you wish to do so much more than the classic Ngorongoro descent. Olmoti climb Starting directly from camp, the Olmoti climb follows an ancient Maasai cattle trail through mountain forest, grasslands and rocky outcrops. Make the most of outstanding birding opportunities and the chance to see a vast array of butterfly species. At the top, you are rewarded with a magnificent view of the crater below. Empakaai descent Descend into the Empakaai crater accompanied by an NCA ranger and walk to the sparkling soda lake on the crater floor, famous for the pink flamingo that congregate on its shores. Because of the camp’s proximity to Empakaai, it is the only property that gives you the opportunity to make this a half-day excursion. Community & cultural visits Spend the afternoon with the local Maasai in one of the neighbouring villages to learn about the traditional way of life that has defined this corner of Africa for centuries. School visits may be possible depending on the time of year. Ngorongoro Crater descent Enjoy a game drive in one of the most game-rich areas in the world, the Ngorongoro Crater. Explore the vast 300km2 floor with an experienced guide and stop for lunch in a shady spot under the trees, maximising your time in this unforgettable landscape. Our seven-seater closed vehicles are fitted with power points so you can recharge your devices, as well as a fridge to keep your drinks deliciously frosty.

Accommodation at The Highlands strikes the perfect balance of a wilderness escape and a high-end tented sanctuary with all the creature comforts. Eight elegant domed suites offer king-sized beds with floor-to-canvas-ceiling bay windows opening out to the spectacular views, en-suite bathrooms with hot running water, showers and flushing toilets, and wood-burning stoves for the cold winter evenings.