Highlands Camp at Ngorongoro Conservation Area, is one of the most spectacular safari camps in the mountain forest that embraces the Olmotiv volcano. The Ngorongoro Conservation Area is known for its archaeological and geological significance, its rich wildlife and beautiful scenery. The area includes the famous crater, Olduvai Gorge – one of the world’s most famous paleoanthropological sites, the vast plains, forests and mountains that stretch all the way to the Serengeti. This protected area of 8,000 km2 is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and the crater has been voted one of the Seven Natural Wonders of Africa.
Climb to the top of the Olmoti Crater directly from the camp, visit local communities to get a glimpse of the traditional Maasai lifestyle, or simply explore the surroundings, home to leopard, buffalo and elephant.
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Ecorating: 3.5
This product meets our requirements for Ecorating, a product that is good for humans and the environment.
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This product meets our requirements for Ecorating, a product that is good for humans and the environment.
Sample Itinerary
With its exclusive location on the Olmoti Volcano, Highlands offers a range of activities that are completely unique in the Ngorongoro Conservation Area. This is the only camp that offers so much more than the classic Ngorongoro safari.
Olmoti climbing
Starting directly from the camp, the Olmoti climb follows an ancient Maasai cattle track through montane forest, grasslands and rocky cliffs. Make the most of outstanding birding opportunities and the chance to see a wide variety of butterfly species. At the top you are rewarded with a magnificent view of the crater below.
Empakaai descent
Descend into Empakaai Crater with an NCA ranger and hike to the sparkling soda lake on the crater floor, famous for the pink flamingos that gather on its shores. Due to the camp’s proximity to Empakaai, it is the camp that allows you to make this a half-day trip.
Enjoy a safari in one of the most animal-dense areas in the world, the Ngorongoro Crater. Explore the vast floor of 300 km2 with an experienced guide and enjoy lunch in a shady spot under the trees to maximize your time in this unforgettable landscape.
Experience the highlands of the wild Ngorongoro Conservation Area that surrounds the camp. Leopard, buffalo and elephant live here.
Here you can also have the chance to see rhinoceros. A powerful meeting!
Spend the afternoon with local Maasai in one of the nearby 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.
There are eight cozy tent domes on the slopes of the volcano, all with a side of clear plastic, so you can lie in bed and gaze at the starry sky or wake up to the rays of the morning sun. This is a modern interpretation of the safari experience.
Trip details
Eco rating: 3.5
Season: All year round
Airport: Arusha (ARK)
Included: Full board, all house beverages (except champagne), scheduled safaris, Olmoti Crater trek, Empakaai Crater trek, Maasai cultural visit, hot lunch on Ngorongoro Crater floor (subject to availability), transfer to/from Manyara Airstrip, Laundry service, private transfers, domestic flights
Not included: Champagne, cellar wines, premium spirits, cocktails & mocktails, activities and excursions not mentioned in the “included” section, travel insurance, visas, vaccinations.
Good to know about Tanzania
Travel Etiquette: To show respect for religion and culture in Zanzibar, we recommend covering your shoulders and knees when visiting Stone Town. When you’re on the beach or on a boat, bikinis and swimsuits work great.
Visa: Swedish travelers need a visa to visit Tanzania and Zanzibar. This can be arranged at the airport on arrival for a fee of USD 50, or in advance through the Tanzanian Embassy in Sweden in Stockholm.
Time Zone: GMT + 3
Pack: Sunglasses, sun hat, sunscreen and a small flashlight.
Local Currency: Tanzanian Shilling
Mobile network: Internet access available
Water: Buy bottled water, make sure the bottles end up in the trash.
Safety: Tanzania and Zanzibar is considered a safe place for tourists.
Ecorating: 3.5
This product meets our requirements for Ecorating, a product that is good for humans and the environment.
Does my trip make a difference?
Read more
This product meets our requirements for Ecorating, a product that is good for humans and the environment.
These camps and lodges are run by an organization that is one of the pioneers in the industry. Here we are fortunate to be able to welcome guests to some of the most special places on earth. Places of amazing nature that are teeming with wildlife and full of cultural significance. These areas are of exceptional value to all of us living on this planet, now and in the future. With our presence and through your visit, you can make a lasting positive impact on nature and local industries alike. By generating revenue, we increase opportunities for people to thrive and support efforts that preserve and ultimately expand pristine habitats. Our goal is to make a real difference with everything we work on.
We pride ourselves on taking a pioneering approach: setting up camps and lodges in areas where tourism has little foothold and making long-term commitments to these places to thrive. Ultimately, bringing sustainable tourism to new areas can transform them into viable and lasting conservation-based economies, with perpetual revenue for both its people and wildlife protection.
Whether we already have a presence or are exploring opportunities to enter new countries, the key to making an impact is knowing where the biggest challenges lie. It starts with assessing the governance and management set-up, identifying gaps, and establishing what the best course of action is to address the problems encountered.
We take a joint approach, working together with local communities, authorities, voluntary organizations and other businesses to achieve the best possible long-term results for the areas in which we are committed to. These partnerships allow us to identify where we can make the greatest contribution and impact.
This organization supports 14 different schools in the vicinity of each camp.
It supports conservation projects such as: Mara Cheetah project, Mara Lion project, Serengeti cheetah and lion project, The African people & wildlife fund, Ruaha carnivore project.
Other projects it supports are: Children concern foundation orphanage, Koiyaki guiding school, Mara Naboisho conservancy.
Various local projects are also supported at each camp. It is certified and has received awards from a number of recognized sustainable tourism organizations.
Each camp is run in a sustainable and ecological way to minimize the CO2 footprint.
