Ngorongoro, Tanzania· Northern Circuit
Nearest park
Ngorongoro Conservation Area
Rating
4.7 (298)
From
$800/ night
The Highlands Ngorongoro, an Asilia Africa property, is a pioneering eco-luxury camp that reimagines the African safari tent through bold architectural innovation. Perched on the northern slopes of the Olmoti Crater at an elevation of 2,800 meters, the camp's eight striking geodesic dome tents are a world apart from any traditional safari accommodation — their angular forms inspired by the volcanic peaks and rolling highland grasslands that surround them. Each dome is a cocoon of warmth and comfort in the cool mountain air, featuring king-size beds with heated blankets, thick woolen rugs, wood-burning stoves, and panoramic windows that frame views of the volcanic highlands and the distant Serengeti plains below. The innovative design minimizes environmental impact while maximizing guest comfort, with each dome's triangulated panels creating a surprisingly spacious and acoustically peaceful interior. The communal lounge and dining dome is a convivial space where guests gather around a central fireplace, sharing stories over craft cocktails and locally sourced meals. The chef draws inspiration from the highland landscape, using foraged herbs, highland honey, and produce from nearby farming communities. The wine list emphasizes sustainable producers from South Africa and beyond. The camp's highland location provides access to experiences unavailable elsewhere in the Ngorongoro region. Guided treks to the rim of Olmoti Crater reveal a hidden waterfall cascading into the caldera below. Empakaai Crater, with its flamingo-dotted lake framed by steep forest-clad walls, is accessible on a challenging but rewarding full-day hike. The camp also offers cultural immersion with the local Maasai community, whose cattle graze the surrounding highlands, and serves as an excellent base for descending into the Ngorongoro Crater at dawn.
Unique geodesic dome architecture
Olmoti Crater rim trekking
Empakaai Crater hiking
Wood-burning stoves in each dome
Eco-conscious design and operations
Highland Maasai cultural immersion
Heated beds at 2,800m elevation
WiFi in main area
Lounge with fireplace
Restaurant
Bar
Laundry service
Airport transfers
Hot water bottles
Wood-burning stove
Complimentary rain jackets
Charging stations
The camp offers full-board dining featuring highland-inspired cuisine. Warm breakfasts include freshly baked bread and highland honey. Packed lunches sustain guests on crater and trekking excursions. Dinners are communal events around the fireplace with seasonal menus highlighting locally sourced ingredients and hot soups to ward off the mountain chill.
Activities include Ngorongoro Crater game drives, guided hikes to Olmoti and Empakaai craters, Maasai village visits and cattle herding experiences, mountain biking along highland trails, birding walks in montane forest, and stargazing at altitude with minimal light pollution.
The Ngorongoro highlands are home to buffalo herds, eland, bushbuck, and leopard in the montane forests. The nearby crater floor hosts the Big Five including endangered black rhino. The area is a critical corridor for elephants moving between the crater and Serengeti. Over 200 bird species inhabit the highland forests, including Schalow's turaco and mountain buzzard.
The highlands are cool year-round, with the best trekking conditions from June to October during the dry season. The green season (November–May) brings lush vegetation and excellent birding. Ngorongoro Crater game drives are exceptional throughout the year, with fewer visitors during the shoulder months of April and November.
