About this hotel
General information
The Highlands is an intimate Asilia Africa camp on the forested northern slopes of the extinct Olmoti volcano, inside the Ngorongoro Conservation Area. It sits higher than any other camp in the region: eight geodesic domes of canvas and clear perspex are raised above the forest floor, and the view runs across Maasai grazing land to the Gol Mountains and the south-eastern plains of the Serengeti. With no other camps nearby, the setting feels remote and quiet.
The camp is open all year and takes children from the age of five. Beyond game drives in the Ngorongoro Crater, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, guests come for the walks up Olmoti and down to the soda lake in Empakaai Crater, and for time with the neighbouring Maasai community. Stays include full board, house drinks (premium wines and champagne aside), scheduled game drives and both crater hikes.
Location
The camp lies on the northern slopes of Olmoti in the Ngorongoro Conservation Area, about an hour’s drive from the Ngorongoro Crater. The road in follows the quieter north-eastern side of the crater rim, where fewer lodges and vehicles use the descent road to the floor. The nearest airstrip is at Lake Manyara, a three-hour drive away, and transfers between the airstrip and camp are included. Kilimanjaro International Airport is the recommended international gateway.
Spa
The Asilia Spa occupies its own domes, with a treatment tent offering massages, body scrubs, manicures and pedicures. Alongside is a barrel sauna, booked for private use, which makes a welcome contrast to the cool highland air.
Sports & leisure
Days combine game drives with walking in the highlands:
- game drives into the Ngorongoro Crater with an Asilia guide in custom-built 4×4 vehicles, setting off early with a picnic lunch on the crater floor; lion, leopard, elephant, buffalo, zebra, hyena and the rare black rhino live here, and flamingos gather on the lakes;
- the Olmoti hike with a conservation-area ranger, following an old Maasai cattle trail to the summit (1–2 hours return), with the option of descending into the crater to a waterfall (12 years and over);
- the Empakaai walk, from the rim down through mountain forest to a soda lake lined with thousands of pink flamingos, a little over an hour’s drive from camp (12 years and over; a three-night stay is recommended for it);
- late-afternoon time with the neighbouring Maasai community, on foot or by vehicle, with a member of staff and a Maasai guide who interprets and explains traditional greetings and signs of respect for elders;
- birding in the montane forest, and evenings by the fire with a sundowner.
Restaurants & bars
Life centres on the lounge dome, with its fireplace, and the bar, where guests gather after a hike or before dinner. Breakfast and lunch are often served outdoors with views over the forest and mountains, and crater days bring a picnic on the floor. The kitchen works with fresh produce from the Karatu area, and dietary requirements are met when shared in advance.
Rooms
Eight canvas-and-perspex domed suites stand in the forest, looking out over rolling hills to distant volcanic peaks; among them are an interconnected family suite and a honeymoon suite with an outdoor hot tub.
Each suite has an en suite bathroom with a hot shower and flushing toilet, a wood-burning stove, Wi-Fi and solar and generator power; a limited laundry service is included.
Family Suite
An interconnected suite designed for parents travelling with children.
Photos are for illustrative purposes only. Actual room layout, furnishings, décor, views and amenities may differ from those shown and may vary between rooms of the same category. Hotel and room descriptions are based on information provided by the property and are believed to be accurate at the time of publication, but are not guaranteed. The hotel may renovate or change its rooms, facilities, restaurants and services at any time without notice. The final details of your stay are confirmed at the time of booking. See our Terms of Use.