The Ngorongoro Conservation Area is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and with good reason: it is a stunning landscape of mountainous forests, grassy plains and swampy marshlands. The Highlands perches at the edge of a forest that encircles Olmoti Volcano. It is the highest property in the area, affording sublime, panoramic vistas. Both sunrise and sunset are visible from camp.
The famous Ngorongoro Crater lies 40 km to the south. The crater, the largest inactive, intact and unflooded caldera in the world, was formed when a volcano exploded and collapsed in on itself 2 to 3 million years ago. It is now one of the best places in Africa for wildlife viewing, with the Big 5 and an extraordinary concentration of predators in the area.
On the northern flank of Olmoti Volcano, we might see buffalo, zebras, hartebeests, bushbucks, leopards and elephants (at certain times of the year), as well as nocturnal animals such as hyenas and porcupines. Empakaai Crater is known for the thousands of flamingos that gather along the shores of its soda lake (a highly alkaline lake).
Set on the lush slopes of Olmoti Volcano, The Highlands has sweeping views right across to theThe 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.
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.
The camp feels remote, but is within easy reach of Ngorongoro, where guests can go on day-long game drives to spot lions, elephants and giraffes, with a midday picnic break under a shady tree. From camp, hike up to the top of Olmoti for staggering views, or take a half-day trip to the soda lake in Empakaai Crater, where thousands of pink flamingos congregate. Guests can also interact with the local community, learning aboutand walk the cattle back to the boma at the end of the day.
At night, gather around a crackling fire with a glass of wine or whiskey before sitting down to a delicious three-course dinner.
Ngorongoro is a year-round safari destination, but we think the best time to visit is May to avoid crowds. July and August are when the Ngorongoro receives the most tourists. There is a fairly big difference in climate between the Ngorongoro Crater and the surrounding Ngorongoro Conservation Area. The crater is much colder than the NCA due to its higher altitude. Allow a drop of around 7°C per 1,000 metres (3.5°F per 1,000 feet). It also rains more around the crater rim and night-time temperatures can dip down to freezing, so pack lots of layers.
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