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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Standard Canvas Domed Suites
Guest Tent with Mezzanine
Family Suite
Honeymoon Suite
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.
Atop the rim of an ancient caldera, Ngorongoro Crater Lodge is one of Tanzania's best lodges. Overlooking the stunning Ngorongoro Conservation Area, the lodge is the perfect base …
Perched on Ngorongoro Crater's remote northwestern rim, this exclusive safari lodge offers unparalleled views of both the crater floor and Serengeti plains. You'll enjoy early …
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 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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
So you can book with confidence knowing you're in safe hands.
Planning a trip to East Africa is complicated. Brilliant makes it easy. Our team have spent decades in the region so we can help you find the right trip - and we don't charge a fee.
We have exclusive access to the best value-for-money camps and lodges at rates you won't get anywhere else.
Melissa and team ready for safari
Every year, we help hundreds of travellers explore East Africa.
Our team can help you find the trip to match your dreams, budget, and appetite for adventure.
We'll spend some time listening to your aspirations, then discuss the kind of experience that might suit you.
Next we'll discuss the options, shortlist the best trips for you and present you our impartial recommendations.
We'll place a 24 hour hold on your preferred option - without obligation - whilst we talk through the details.
Whatever your budget, group size, length of stay, preferred activity or appetite for adventure, we can help.
