Ngorongoro Crater

The Highlands

Overview

Domes with a view

The Highlands' eight unique geodesic suites are inspired by the traditional Maasai bomas you’ll see peppering the landscape.

From up here, you’re spoilt with views all the way to the Serengeti. The camp is private, warm and contemporary, and the ideal place to call home while you’re experiencing the wildlife and culture of the Ngorongoro Conservation Area.

At the centre of the camp, the indoor fireplace has been built to replicate a traditional East African campfire experience. When you’re not sitting in front of the crackling flames, curl up with a book in the library, or settle in for a glass or two in the whisky dome at the end of a busy day.

A UNESCO World Heritage Site, this breathtaking landscape is made up of grassy plains, marshlands and forests. You may spot buffalos, zebras, elephants, leopards, hartebeests and bushbucks on the northern flank of Olmoti volcano, and hyenas and porcupines after dark. Head to Empakaai Crater to witness the spectacle of thousands of flamingoes on the shores of its soda lake.

Facts

At a glance

  • Six large guest tents, family and honeymoon tents

  • Dining tent

  • Spa

  • Whisky bar and library

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Experiences

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    General activities

    Spend your days going on game drives, birding, hiking, discovering the local culture and art, enjoying nature, star gazing and sitting down to gourmet meals.

  • Green landscapes of the Ngorongoro Crater.

    Ngorongoro Crater descent

    The Ngorongoro Crater is one of the most game-rich places in the world and you’ll get to explore the vast floor together with an experienced guide. Find a shady spot to stop for lunch and enjoy chilled beverages along the way. The closed vehicles have power points so you’ll be able to keep your devices charged.

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    Olmoti climb

    Follow an ancient Maasai cattle trail as it snakes through a mountain forest, across grasslands and around rocky outcrops. This climb is the perfect way to admire the rich birdlife in the area as well as marvel at a large number of butterfly species. From the top you’ll get to take in stunning views of the crater below.

Community & Culture

The Highlands is fully committed to engaging with the local communities and supports the Maasai village of Ochaniomelok in a variety of ways. Before the camp got involved, the village was isolated and poverty made life difficult. People had to walk 30km just to access water, and so the road that was built to reach the lodge directly benefitted the locals. Many of the staff employed at the camp come from the village and not only do their wages directly improve their living standards, but they receive valuable hospitality training. The community is consulted on the activities at camp, and you will be welcomed into their village.

The camp has also partnered with the Kamitei Foundation to support the village’s primary school. They are currently raising funds to build an additional rainwater collection system.

What makes us different

Why Niarra

Niarra Travel is a forward-thinking travel company headquartered in London born out of a passion to do things differently.

In Swahili, a Bantu language spoken by millions in Eastern, Central and Southern Africa, the name Niara means "with utmost purpose" and our team are united by a passion for exploration and a belief that the right kind of travel can make the world a better place.

Our Travel Researchers are here to create incredible trips with a positive impact for you.

  • Unforgettable experiences

    Creating your trip is entirely collaborative and our Travel Researchers are here for every step.

  • Positive impact

    Curated sustainable experiences and accommodation that maximize the benefits to local people and place.

  • Fairness and transparency

    An open, competitive pricing structure that ensures more money goes to where it's needed in the destination.

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