Elewana Serengeti Pioneer Camp has a wonderfully secluded location, originally chosen by world-renowned researcher and filmmaker, Alan Root. It overlooks the Moru Kopjes in central Southern Serengeti. It has good access to the wildebeest migration for most of the year, particularly in the calving season. Areas of special interest are the Moru Kopjes with their prehistoric paintings and musical rocks. And Lake Magadi, which is home to flocks of flamingos.
Paying homage to the mobile camps of the 1930s, but with all the modern-day amenities of a luxury camp. Serengeti Pioneer Camp’s ‘zero footprint’ and close proximity to nature combines to make an unmistakably distinctive and truly individual offering.
With the ‘Big Five’ and the annual migration being the constant highlights of any visit to the Serengeti, the introduction of Serengeti Pioneer Camp helps to sate the desires of even the most expectant of safari travelers. Moreover; with the combination of both Serengeti Pioneer Camp and the award-winning Serengeti Migration Camp to the north, it will now be possible to cover over 90% of the Serengeti from both of these two camps. Thus maximizing the game-viewing opportunities, and increasing game-viewing time.
A dining tent hosts the Camp’s guests for both breakfast and dinner. Whilst luncheons are taken either in the Camp or in the bush during what will no doubt be yet another enthralling day in the Serengeti. The views from the bar and lounge are spectacular, providing the most memorable and convenient safari sun downer location. A swimming pool tops it all off.
Serengeti Pioneer Camp comprises 12 x tented suites, designed to evoke the very best of an era long gone but certainly not forgotten. One of these is an incredibly spacious family tent comprised of a double en suite and a twin en suite adjoined by a sitting room area. The safari tents are 38m2 and can sleep up to 3 x adults. While the family tent is 75m2 and can accommodate up to 6 adults!
Tent InteriorFamily tent
All of the tents have en-suite facilities including a flushing toilet, vanity basin, and steaming hot solar-heated showers. Each tent has a personal room attendant to look after guests’ needs. Ensconced among the natural bush, the tented suites offer a truly back-to-nature feel.
Family Safaris at Serengeti Pioneer Camp ↓
Children’s Activities
Guided camp nature walks – short walks looking at the trees, flowers, grasses, insects, birds and bird calls, mammals, tracks, and droppings. Bush Masai training – learn Masai traditions, the use of some plants and trees, and stories of the bush. Animal Safari Bingo – a game to take out on game drives, to identify the animals and tick off your cards. Swimming pool Flexible meal times and a children’s menu are available.
Children 5 years and over are welcome at Serengeti Pioneer Camp.
Child Policy
Rate
Children aged 12-17 in their own room
75% of the Adult Sharing Rate
Child(ren) aged 12-17 sharing with 1 adult
50% of the Adult Sharing Rate
Child aged 12-17 sharing with 2 adults
Triple rate applies
Child(ren) under 12 sharing with adult(s)
Child(ren) free of charge
Serengeti Pioneer Camp Activities
Serengeti, Lake Magadi, and the surrounding area attractions ↓
Game drives in custom 4×4 vehicles
From January to March the migration is making its way through the southern route of the annual migration journey. In the months of January to February calving occurs, and some 400,000 wildebeest calves are born in a period of just a few weeks. This event attracts various predators, particularly lions. Serengeti Pioneer Camp is located close enough to enjoy a full-day game drive to view this natural phenomenon, and then return to camp in its quiet private corner of the Serengeti.
Safari game drive
Walking Safaris
Accompanied by a qualified safari guide, a bush walk provides the ideal opportunity to experience the undisturbed sights, sounds, and smells of the bush. Tracking the footprints and markings of the wildlife that call this incredible part of the world home.
Bush picnics at a private picnic site
Serengeti Pioneer Camp has special permission from the park authorities to use a private picnic site. This is perfectly located on top of a hill offering stunning views over the Serengeti plains. That can be enjoyed in total privacy. Pre-booking is necessary.
Moru Kopjes
A rocky outcrop with historical significance, several of the boulders display ancient Masai paintings. An important and unique feature of the kopjes is Ngong rock. A geological phenomenon, musical sounds are produced when the rock is hit with smaller rocks. Ngong rock has been used as a communication tool for local Masai for centuries. As well as its historical significance, Moru Kopje also acts as a natural reservoir for water. Thus attracting much wildlife for most of the year. It is a particular favorite for big cats, and one can often view a majestic lion basking in the sun on the rocks.
Lions sleeping on rock
Lake Magadi
A large soda lake accessible from camp, Lake Magadi is seasonally home to a few hundred flamingos. Their pink masses a marvel to behold. Also called also spelled Lake Magad.
Lake Magadi
Cheetah Conservation
The camp unofficially supports the Serengeti Cheetah Project, with the managers hosting talks for the guests on the latest cheetah research in the area. Guests are provided brochures for identifying the cheetah individuals in the area and encouraged to help by reporting sightings.
Balloon Safaris
Arrange for the timeless and inimitable Serengeti Balloon Safari. This is the experience of a lifetime and another must-do. We’ll book this in advance for you when you book your safari to Serengeti Pioneer Camp.
How To Get To Serengeti Pioneer Camp
Seronera airstrip is a 1-hour flight from Arusha airport and a 50-minute drive from camp. A number of scheduled flights depart from Arusha and other Tanzanian airstrips on a daily basis. Private charters from anywhere
Best time to visit Serengeti Pioneer Camp
The wet months in the Southern Serengeti are from November to May, with March & April having the heaviest rains. Of course, January to March is the calving season so this is a wonderful time to visit Serengeti Pioneer Camp. Generally, the days are warm, with no humidity and cool nights.
As the altitude of the camp is over 4000ft, malaria can be considered extremely low-risk at Serengeti Pioneer Camp. For your peace of mind, tents are sealed against mosquitoes at night.
Need to know info before you go
The camp is 100% solar powered with a backup generator. Power in tents for lighting and charging facilities in the main area are available 24hrs a day. All game vehicles have inverters for charging batteries on game drives. Wi-Fi internet is available in public areas.
Rates at Serengeti Pioneer Camp are either are either on a full-board basis or game package rate.
The Full Board (FB) Rates
Full board rates include accommodation, all meals (breakfast, lunch, and dinner), soft drinks, beer, house wines, selected spirits, teas, coffees, refreshments (on the property), and laundry services.
The Game Package (GP) Rates
Game package rates include the full-board package, PLUS Scheduled and shared day and night game drives, guided walking safari, bush sun downers, and transfers to and from designated airstrips.
Serengeti Pioneer Camp Safari Tents Indicative Rates in US$
Full Board
Game Package
High Season: 4th January to 29th February 2024, 1st June until 31st October 2024, 20th December 2024 to 3rd January 2025
Per person sharing
$831
$1,028
Single room
$1,247
$1,545
Triple room
$1,865
$2,308
Family tent
$4,149
$5,138
Green Season: 1st April to 31st May 2024
Per person sharing
$576
$734
Single room
$865
$1,103
Triple room
$1,293
$1,648
Family tent
$2,875
$3,665
Mid Season: 1st to 31st March 2024 and 1st November until 19th December 2024
Per person sharing
$706
$866
Single room
$1,060
$1,300
Triple room
$1,586
$1,944
Family tent
$3,527
$4,325
All rates are in U.S. Dollars and include the service charges, VAT, and Tourism Development Levy. The rates exclude applicable park/camping fees, champagne, private cellar wines, and premium spirits.
Serengeti Pioneer Camp Accommodation Special Offers and Packages
Serengeti Pioneer Camp is part of the Elewana Collection. A collection of luxury boutique lodges, camps and hotels in iconic locations across Kenya and Tanzania. Stay longer at any combination of these properties and get great discounts in 2024: 6+ nights: 10% 9+ nights: 15% 12+ nights: 20%
Valid in mid and low season at Arusha Coffee Lodge until 31st May 2024* but all year at all other Elewana properties.
*1st November 2023 until 19th December 2024 and 4th January to 31st May 2024.
Get an extra 5% discount when you return to any Elewana property. Plus a 20% discount on Spa treatments*. *Spa services not available in Masai Mara and Serengeti
andBeyond Grumeti Serengeti River Lodge; western reaches of the Serengeti is ideally positioned for dramatic migration river crossings. Best rates and offers
