Loliondo Camp is in the Loliondo Concession, a large unfenced area of Maasai commmunity land which immediately borders the north-eastern boundary of the Serengeti and is close to the south-eastern side of the Masai Mara. This is a place of outstanding natural beauty with a landscape of differing habitats: from sweeping grassy plains to rolling wooded hills, acacia-lined watercourses and dramatic granite kopjes.
Loliondo Camp is set at the base of a granite monolith that shades the camp from the elements and feeds a waterhole frequented by game. As this is a completely private area, it is a superb place to really experience Africa - totally removed from any other tourism.
The classic tented accommodation is luxurious and spacious, with en-suite facilities (a washbasin, towels, a jug of water for washing and mineral water for drinking) and solar power lighting, and is fully and tastefully furnished, with safari chairs, tables, and comfortable beds with 6” mattresses and linen. The tents are spread out throughout the kopje area, with the dining tent at the base of the main kopje rock.
The permanent camp crew takes a great pride in providing a first class service with excellent and varied menus, usually served in the dramatically situated dining tent, where there is waiter service for breakfast, lunch and romantic, candle-lit dinners. Breakfasts and lunches can also be arranged in the bush. There are multiple sundowner locations throughout the camp, and a camp fire –a wonderful location for stargazing and listening to the sounds of the African night.
Resident game is plentiful in the area, drawn during the dry seasons by the nearby waterhole and increasing in the spring and (especially) the autumn, when the Migration can be expected to pass through the Concession on its way to/from the Mara area.
Activities and excursions allow guests to experience the Maasai culture and the wildlife and plantlife in this region.
A family stay at Loliondo Camp offers a chance for children and adolescents to spend time with their Maasai counterparts and learn how young life is lived in Africa, while those fascinated by the plants and trees can enjoy enthno-botanical guided walks with local Maasai. The camp also offers the opportunity for cultural interaction with, and tours of, the village of Oloipiri, which is in part supported by the camp. This includes visiting the Ushanga Women’s Group (Ushanga means “beadwork”), who are supported through donations made by Kirurumu Tented Lodges & Camps, the organisation that owns Loliondo. Guests can also visit Waso market when the town is ablaze with the red of the Maasai Moran bringing their cattle to market.
The plentiful game can be spotted on day, half-day or night game drives or walking safaris (from one hour to a full day), and fly camping for up to four days can be arranged.
Although totally private, Loliondo Camp is easily accessible by air and road, being 80 minutes scheduled flight from Arusha (to Kleins Camp), then around one hour’s drive (depending on game). Loliondo camp is an ideal end to a northern circuit safari, and with easy charter options can be combined with many other places, such as West Kilimanjaro or even options further south.
The concession is closed during most of July and August.
Fair Trade / Responsible Travel
Oloipiri village is central to this private concession and comprises a number of bomas (or kraals) and a small population of about two thousand people spread over about 400km2 of country. The agreement between the village and the private enterprise benefits both parties, whilst helping to manage and preserve the Conservation Area. Concession fees and a significant proportion of any client income is given to the Oloipiri Village Community Fund, which is transparently managed and used to finance development projects identified by the elders, such as clean water supply, medical facilities and a school. In addition, the project aims to prevent poaching, charcoal burning and tree felling in the area, as well as promoting the sales of handicrafts made by women in the village.
Local Maasai guides are trained to lead guests on walks, treks and cultural tours within the concession. The guides are also using their own donkeys as pack animals for walking safaris and treks, both of which are offered in Loliondo, as are vehicle-supported walks.
