The Highlands

Serengeti & the North

Rating: Deluxe

highlights

Remote location far from other camps
Take guided hikes and nature walks
Luxury tented suites with wood burning stoves
Big 5 safaris in the Ngorongoro Crater
Spend time in a Maasai village

The Highlands overview

This stylish camp which opened in March 2016, is set part way up Olmoti Volcano north of the Ngorongoro Crater and has superb views. It has just 8 luxury tents ensuring an intimate and exclusive feel. As well as taking Big 5 game drives in the crater you can go for nature walks following traditional Maasai trails to Olmoti crater, learn about the local lion population from a specialist researcher and visit a local village for an insight into present day Maasai life.

The distinctive tents are formed of canvas and glass and have high domed ceilings and full length windows with wonderful views you can enjoy even when you're relaxing in bed. The wood burning stove keeps you snug even on the coolest nights. Bathrooms have hot water showers and flush toilets. The tents' design is inspired by traditional Maasia bomas, succeassfully incorporating modern comforts while ensuring the emphasis is firmly on the beauty of the natural setting.

The main area includes a lounge, library and bar. Food is sourced from local farms, and if you are planning to be away from camp at mealtimes the chef can prepare you a picinic to enjoy on your travels.

Photos of the camp interiors are artistic impressions

details

Open: The Highlands is open all year. High season runs from January to February and again from July to the end of October, green season is April and May and low season March, June and November till mid-December.

Location: The Highlands is on the slopes of Olmoti volcano near the Ngorongoro Crater, with views as far as the Serengeti. There are no other camps or lodges in the vicinity. The nearest airstrip is at Lake Manyara about a 2.5hour drive away.

Rooms: There are 8 walk-in glass and canvas domed suites, including 1 family tent and 1 honeymoon tent. All are en-suite with running hot and cold water, showers and flush toilets. Valuables can be stored in a lockable box. They have solar power and wood burning stoves. Tents are set about 15-20 metres apart.

Activities: Game drives in the Ngorongoro Crater to see the Big 5 and more, and nature walks on Olmoti volcano to see birds, butterflies and varied flora. You can climb to Olmoti crater along an ancient Maasai cattle trail though forest, grassland and over rocky outcrops, which takes 2-3 hours there are back. The camp offers a halfday guided hike to and descent into Enpakaai Crater where there’s a lake frequented by flamingos, and you have chances to see zebra, wildebeest., gazelle and ostrich. You can visit a Maasai homestead, spending time learning about their daily lives, and attend a market. You can book a talk with a local lion researcher to find out about the lives and relationships of lions in the area. Activities tend to take place in the early morning and late afternoon, leaving the middle of the day free for rest and relaxation.

Facilities: The lounge is built round a large fireplace, and there are reference books for you to look through. The bar serves a range of drinks and leads out to the firepit where you can enjoy spectacular sunsets. The camp has solar and generator power. There is a free laundry service.

Dining: Meals are generally eaten communally in camp in the spacious dining area and out on the terrace, positioned for lovely views of the sunrise at breakfast time. Packed meals can be prepared if you are going to be away from camp.

Children: Children aged 5 years and over are welcome. There is one family tent.

Health: This is a malaria area.

Communication: There is Wi-Fi access in guest tents

AMANDA