Highlights
- Lovely hilltop location
- Superb game drives
- Visits to Lake Magadi
- 12 tented rooms
Start planning your tailor-made trip by calling one of our specialists on 855 686 7694
EnquireSerengeti Pioneer camp is a smart, tented camp perched on a slope in the Moru Kopjes area of the central Serengeti National Park, Tanzania, with superb views across acacia woodland and the open plains. The camp offers solid year-round ‘Big 5’ game viewing with incredible predator sightings, particularly in July-October, when the densities of lion and cheetah are among the highest in Africa. The Great Wildebeest and Zebra Migration passes through in April-May and November-December, providing an amazing spectacle. With such superb wildlife on tap, this area can inevitably become busy; however, the camp’s relatively secluded location offers guests some welcome peace and relaxation amidst a busy safari schedule. The camp can be accessed via the Seronera airstrip, although most guests arrive by road, often in their own private safari vehicles.
Belonging to the Elewana Portfolio, the camp has a luxurious feel. There is a makuti thatched lounge with stunning views and an attractive dining tent, although meals are often served outdoors in the bush. WiFi is available in the lounge and there is a central charging point for devices.
The accommodation is well set-out over a gradual incline and comprises 12 safari tents with quirky design features inspired by the early explorers’ mobile camps of the 1930s. Each tent can be arranged as a double or twin and has an en-suite bathroom with attractive copper basin, flush toilet, and hot solar-heated period-style shower. There is one very spacious family tent with a double en-suite tented room and a twin en-suite room adjoined by a lounge area.
The camp’s activities are naturally centred on superb game-drives. The beautiful Lake Magadi is an accessible drive from the camp and is home to thousands of pink flamingo (seasonal) and a year-round plethora of bird species. The Moru Kopjes, a rocky outcrop with great historical significance to the Maasai people, featuring ancient Maasai paintings on many of the boulders, are also well worth a visit.
Children of all ages are welcome and there is no charge for those under the age of 12 sharing with an adult. Note that the camp is unfenced and animals are free to wander through. While it’s unlikely that animals will approach tents or people, children must remain under parental supervision at all times.
Serengeti Pioneer Camp is a pleasant-sized property with an authentic charm reminiscent of the pioneer days. It is well positioned on the quieter outskirts of a hugely popular game-viewing area. Comfortable accommodation, good service and a rich abundance of wildlife make for a wonderful stay.
Trip was great and all the arrangements were excellent so thank you for all the help!
Drivers and transfers were all good - on time and very good service on each trip.
Accommodation was lovely - Douar Samra was amazing (weather could have been better but lovely regardless). Riad in Marrakesh was also great!
All in all a great trip and we loved the variety of the mountains, Marrakesh and the coast.
Thanks you once again!
Hardeep S reviewing Boutique Marrakech & Atlas Mountains on 15 April 2024
I was also just about to email you to thank you and the team for arranging yet again, another wonderful experience.
Mount Kenya was spectacular and wild - I think I prefer it to Kili in many ways. The entire support team was professional, friendly and all round fantastic in making sure that we were safe, well fed and well looked after. In particular, we would commend Peter the guide as well as Paul one of the porters who doubled-up as his deputy on summit day. Our route was often shrouded in mist and rain that rapidly gathered in the valleys and moorlands, and we were very impressed at how Peter managed to navigate us safely through all of that notwithstanding. In addition, we loved learning about the history of Mount Kenya from him in the evenings. And ofcourse, I was blown away by the lovely birthday surprise at the end complete with balloons and a delicious cake that had journeyed with us from day 1. One thing we might recommend because of the sudden change in weather (it would sometimes get extremely cold and wet) is for the equipment list to be a little bit more detailed in terms of its recommendations e.g. layers to be moisture-wicking, walking boots be waterproof, doubling up on socks to avoid blisters etc.
El Karama is a beautiful conservancy and the lodge a true labour of love. Great hospitality in a relaxed environment. Delicious, fresh food. We enjoyed the drives, even if we didn't see much wildlife as the heavens opened on us for the last two outings. However, since it was very much geared towards families, I am not sure if I would stay again without kids. That said, I think it was perfect for a 3d/2n stay post mountain, and a much better choice than flying to the masai mara given the limited time we had.
Our transits were smooth. Samuel the driver was always on time, drove safely and kept the vehicle clean.
So it was a brilliant experience and one which I certainly will cherish for some time to come. It was great to work with you for a third time, and I certainly hope it won't be the last
Juhae C reviewing Mount Kenya Sirimon Naro Moru Trek on 01 March 2024
Thank you, we had an absolute wonderful time, and everything was well-planned and as described. Carla was crying on the day of our departure from Ants Nest, she didn’t want to go home and for it all to end, and when I asked how much longer she would want to stay, she responded “four weeks”
Lars B reviewing Best of South Africa for Families on 01 March 2024