Highlights
- Superb elevated location, fabulous views
- Game drives, nature walks
- Cultural visits
- Asilia Portfolio
Start planning your tailor-made trip by calling one of our specialists on 0203 291 2907
EnquireThe luxurious Highlands Camp, newly opened in July 2016, is set in a private, forested area within the Ngorongoro Conservation Area, Tanzania. This high-altitude, tented camp belongs to the high-end Asilia portfolio and nestles against the Olmoti Volcano, with spectacular views of the surrounding area. The Ngorongoro Crater, just 40km away, is home to a vast array of animals from lion, leopard and serval, to black rhino, elephant, buffalo, wildebeest and a plethora of birds. The camp is located some 2 ½ hour’s drive from the Manyara airstrip; do be prepared for a bumpy ride as you approach camp since the road’s surface is somewhat uneven, as might be expected in a location as wonderfully remote as this.
The property’s unique design is distinctly contemporary, yet inspired by the traditional Maasai Boma. All tents are dome-shaped and sumptuously furnished. The attractive main area houses a welcoming indoor fireplace with comfortable seating, a library and a bar. There is 24-hour solar power with back-up generator.
The range of activities on offer is unrivalled in this area. The Olmoti nature walk starts directly from camp and follows an ancient Maasai cattle trail, climbing through grasslands and rocky outcrops with fabulous, rewarding views at the top. A half-day excursion is also possible to the nearby Empakaai Crater, famed for its soda lake and pink flamingos, and cultural visits to nearby Maasai communities are a must. Game drives in the Ngorongoro Crater are a true highlight, and the camp’s excellent location makes for a relatively short 45-minute drive to the crater floor.
The accommodation comprises 8 stunning glass-and-canvas domed suites, including a honeymoon suite (complete with hot tub), a family suite, and 2 triple rooms (available on request). Each suite has an en-suite bathroom with hot running water, shower and flushing toilet and there is a good distance between tents to ensure privacy. Note that the rooms are located downhill from the main areas so sturdy footwear in the evenings is imperative. Although rooms are certainly cosy, each with an in-room wood-burning stove, do bring warm clothing since it can get chilly and weather at this altitude is inevitably unpredictable.
Children of 5 years and up are welcome. The family tent accommodates 2 adults and 2 children very comfortably and has 2 separate bathrooms with flushable toilet and outdoor shower. Unusually for this area, there is a good range of activities for children, including game drives and community visits, although trips to the Olmoti and Empakaai Craters are not suitable for children under 16.
The Highlands Camp offers a true wilderness experience coupled with a cosy, indulgent feel. Newly opened and luxurious, there is a price tag to match but the camp’s spectacular location and superb range of activities make for a wonderful stay.
We had such a good holiday. You did a fantastic job!
The house in Marrakesh was ridiculous. We effectively had it to ourselves. The accommodation was borderline palatial.
I actually think that the time we had in Marrakesh was sufficient. We could potentially have done a day by a pool but I think we’d done enough souk-ing by the end of Day Two.
The hotel in the mountains was a shade more rustic than I was expecting, but all great fun. Stunning views. The guide / mule / cook team were excellent and our guide (Hassan) tailored the treks to our capabilities well. He was superb, and really made an effort with the kids. The second and third day of trekking were particularly good. Such an adventure for the kids.
All the logistics worked seamlessly. Every aspect went like clockwork. Top marks. The advice on tipping was also much appreciated (I hate thinking that I’m getting mugged off or am potentially not giving enough…).
From my seven-year-old son:
I thought it was GREAT. The food was amazing and the culture was very interesting. My favourite bit was scrambling up rocks in the Atlas Mountains.
In retrospect, I’d probably do the trip in reverse. Flopping on the roof terrace after the rigours of the mountains would have been even more satisfying.
Henry O
reviewing Boutique Marrakech & Atlas Mountains
on 05 June 2025
We had an extraordinary time. It was magical and we couldn't hav asked or hoped for more. Thank you both so much for all of your time and assistance.
Emma M
reviewing Best of Botswana for Families
on 18 November 2024
We had an amazing experience - absolutely loved it.
Mohamed and Said were great and very patient especially with me going downhill - was quite nervous about the scree slopes and paths.Will be a trip we remember forever
Maritta B
reviewing Atlas Valleys & Villages Trek - Value
on 11 November 2024