Why we like this lodge
- The canvas domed suites perched on Olmoti volcano's slopes at 2,710 meters offer breathtaking 180-degree panoramic views of the Ngorongoro Highlands through your suite's floor-to-ceiling glass fronts.
- With only eight domed suites accommodating just 16 guests, this intimate lodge sits 40 minutes away from other camps, ensuring complete privacy and tranquility.
- The all-inclusive experience covers gourmet dining, select beverages, and wonderful activities such as guided crater hikes and Maasai cultural visits.
- Cool highland evenings are transformed into romantic retreats with cozy wood-burning stoves in each tent, creating the perfect ambiance for honeymooners and couples seeking an intimate safari experience.
We think it's worth noting
- Accessing the famous Ngorongoro Crater requires a daily one-hour drive each way, which is longer than crater-rim lodges but gives you exclusive access to highland activities other properties can't offer.
- The high-altitude location means genuinely cool temperatures, especially mornings and evenings, so pack warm layers despite the cozy in-tent heating—this isn't your typical warm-weather safari.
- Children must be at least five years old to stay, and the spectacular crater hikes are restricted to guests over 16, which may limit some family activities.
The Highlands Lodge Photos
Stay at The Highlands Lodge on these trips
The tours below showcase just some of what is possible. Use these itineraries as starting points, or to draw inspiration. Then get in touch, and let our expert team help craft the perfect itinerary for you.
Room Types
Highlands Lodge features 8 luxury domed suites, each inspired by traditional Maasai bomas with striking canvas architecture and floor-to-ceiling glass fronts offering 180-degree panoramic views.
All suites include en-suite bathrooms with double-headed showers, wood-burning fireplaces for cool highland evenings, and spacious outdoor decks. The unique geodesic design creates an intimate atmosphere while maintaining privacy between accommodations.
Options range from standard canvas suites to a family suite with two interconnected domes and a honeymoon suite featuring an outdoor hot tub and elevated deck.
Standard Guest Tent
Located at 2,710 meters above sea level on the slopes of Olmoti volcano, this canvas domed suite is inspired by traditional Maasai bomas and offers panoramic 180-degree views of the Gola Mountains through its floor-to-ceiling glass front.
You can choose between a king-sized or twin bed configuration, and the tent features warm wood panelling with eclectic safari décor.
The en-suite bathroom is fitted with a double-headed shower, and a wood-burning stove provides warmth during cooler evenings at altitude. Your private outdoor deck with table and chairs allows you to fully immerse yourself in the spectacular mountain vistas.
Guest Tent With Mezzanine
This canvas domed suite features an additional mezzanine level, providing flexible sleeping arrangements with double or twin beds on the main level plus two twin beds on the upper mezzanine area.
The large floor-to-ceiling glass panels offer breathtaking 180-degree panoramic views of the surrounding highlands, while the en-suite bathroom includes a shower and flush toilet.
A wood-burning stove ensures comfort during the cool evenings at this elevated location. The outdoor deck provides the perfect space to relax while taking in the magnificent landscape views.
Family Suite
Comprised of two connected domed tents linked by a covered walkway, this accommodation is specifically designed for families with children aged five and above. The main dome features a double bed and mezzanine level, while the separate children's dome contains twin beds with its own en-suite shower, ensuring privacy for all family members.
The shared bathroom facilities and wood-burning stove add to the comfort, while the outdoor deck allows you to enjoy panoramic views of the stunning highlands together. This unique design accommodates up to six people while maintaining the intimate safari experience.
Honeymoon Suite
Designed specifically for couples seeking romance and exclusivity, this enhanced suite features a king-size bed and an elevated outdoor deck with panoramic views of the Ngorongoro landscape.
The highlight is your private outdoor hot tub, perfect for stargazing while soaking in the luxury of this remote location. The en-suite bathroom is fitted with a double-headed shower, and a cozy seating area with wood-burning stove creates the perfect intimate atmosphere. The elevated deck position offers exceptional vistas, making this the ultimate romantic retreat in the Tanzanian highlands.
Room Rates
Standard Canvas Domed Suites
- Per adult sharing: $710 - $1,390 per night
- Single occupancy: Additional 25-50% supplement applies
Guest Tent with Mezzanine
- Per adult sharing: $710 - $1,390 per night
- Single occupancy: Additional 25-50% supplement applies
Family Suite
- Per adult sharing: $710 - $1,390 per night
- Accommodates families with children aged 5 and above
- Children receive discounted rates
Honeymoon Suite
- Per adult sharing: $710 - $1,390 per night
- Enhanced romantic accommodation features
- Single occupancy: Additional 25-50% supplement applies
Rates vary by season: Low Season (April-May), Shoulder Season (June, November-December 19, March), and Peak Season (July-October, December 20-February). Prices are variable and subject to change. Please contact us for the latest rates.
Activities
The camp offers Olmoti Crater Hike, Walking Safaris through the Ngorongoro Highlands, and the spectacular Empakaai Crater Walk. These experiences allow you to explore volcanic landscapes and encounter wildlife on foot in ways that traditional crater-rim lodges simply cannot offer.
You can enjoy Ngorongoro Crater Game Drives to spot the "Big Five" and engage with the local Maasai community through village visits and traditional beadwork classes.
The camp's unique location on the slopes of Olmoti volcano also provides access to exclusive hiking opportunities and panoramic vistas that few other properties in the region can match.
The Highlands Lodge FAQs
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What makes The Highlands Lodge different from other safari camps in the Ngorongoro area?
The Highlands is pretty special - it's one of the most exclusive camps in the region with only 8 canvas domed suites, so you'll never feel crowded. What really sets it apart is the location at 2,710 meters up on the Olmoti volcano slopes, which gives you incredible panoramic views but also means it gets properly cold at night (think wood-burning fireplaces and hot tubs cold).
The suites themselves are inspired by traditional Maasai bomas but with serious luxury touches. You're looking at a much more intimate, boutique experience compared to the larger lodges in the area. With a maximum of just 16 guests total, it feels more like a private house party than a safari lodge.
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Is Wi-Fi available at the lodge?
Yes, there's free Wi-Fi in both the main areas and your suite. Just keep in mind that you're pretty remote up here, so the connection won't be as fast or reliable as what you're used to at home. It's fine for checking emails and staying in touch, but maybe not ideal for video calls or uploading lots of photos.
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What's actually included in the rates and what are the main extras?
Your stay covers pretty much everything you need day-to-day. All meals are included, plus house drinks like beer, wine, soft drinks, and spirits. You'll also get scheduled game drives into Ngorongoro Crater, the Olmoti and Empakaai crater hikes, and walking safaris around the property.
The main extras you'll need to budget for are the conservation area fees and crater descent fees (these go directly to the Ngorongoro Conservation Area Authority), laundry, premium brand drinks, and Maasai cultural visits. When you book with us, we'll let you know exactly what these fees are so there are no surprises.
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Can families with children stay at the lodge?
Children aged 5 and above are welcome, but they can only stay in the Family Suite, which has two connected domes. This works well for families since the kids get their own space while still being close to parents.
There are some activity restrictions though - the crater hikes (Olmoti and Empakaai) are only for guests 16 and older due to the challenging terrain and altitude. But younger kids can still enjoy the walking safaris around the lodge and the crater game drives.
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How do you get to The Highlands Lodge?
Most people fly into Lake Manyara Airstrip, then it's about a 1.5 to 2-hour scenic drive up to the lodge in a 4x4 vehicle. The journey itself is part of the experience as you climb up through different landscapes and ecosystems.
Once you're there, you're perfectly positioned - it's only about an hour down to the Ngorongoro Crater floor for game drives. When you book with us, all the transfers are arranged and included in your package.
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How cold does it actually get at night?
It gets chilly up there at 2,710 meters - think mountain lodge cold rather than typical safari temperatures. That's why every suite has a wood-burning fireplace, and the Honeymoon Suite even has that outdoor hot tub.
You'll definitely want to pack warm clothes including a proper jacket, hat, and gloves. The temperature difference between day and night is pretty dramatic, but that's part of what makes the location so unique. Most guests actually love the cozy evening atmosphere after hot days on safari.
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Is there a minimum stay requirement?
Yes, there's typically a two-night minimum stay. This makes sense given the remote location and the time it takes to get there. Two nights also gives you enough time to really experience everything - at least one full day for crater gaWme drives and maybe one of the crater hikes.
When you book with us, we'll work with you on the timing to make sure you get the most out of your stay.
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What activities can you do from the lodge?
The scheduled game drives into Ngorongoro Crater are the main event - you'll use private open-top 4x4 vehicles with experienced guides. The crater is about an hour away and it's absolutely incredible for wildlife viewing.
Back at the lodge, you can do walking safaris around the property and hike to both Olmoti and Empakaai craters (these hikes are included but only for guests 16+). There are also optional Maasai cultural visits for an additional cost.
Night drives aren't allowed due to park regulations, but with those early morning and late afternoon game drives, you'll have plenty of wildlife action.
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