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 sundowner 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 ensuite and a twin ensuite 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.
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. This experience must be booked in advance, so please make sure you request it when booking 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 Serengeti Pioneer Camp is on the Elewana SkySafari Tanzania Classic itinerary
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 on a full-board basis (meals and accommodation) or the game package. This is ideal for guests flying into the camp as all game drives are included. See below for more details.
Safari Tents Indicative Rates in US$
Full Board
Game Package
High Season: 4th January to 28th February 2023, 1st June until 31st October 2023, 20th December 2023 to 3rd January 2024
Per person sharing
$791
$951
Single room
$1,187
$1,430
Triple room
$1,776
$2,137
Family tent
$3,951
$4,757
Green Season: 1st April to 31st May 2023
Per person sharing
$672
$824
Single room
$1,009
$1,238
Triple room
$1,510
$1,851
Family tent
$3,359
$4,119
Mid Season: 1st to 31st March 2023 and 1st November until 19th December 2023
Per person sharing
$548
$698
Single room
$823
$1,050
Triple room
$1,231
$1,569
Family tent
$2,738
$3,490
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.
Rates Include/Exclude and Child Policy
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 sundowners, and transfers to and from designated airstrips.
Family Safaris at Serengeti Pioneer Camp
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
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.
Serengeti Pioneer Camp Accommodation Special Offers
Elewana Circuit Discount
Stay longer at any combination of Elewana Collection properties and get great discounts: 6+ nights: 10% 9+ nights: 15% 12+ nights: 20% These include: Tarangire Treetops, The Manor at Ngorongoro, Serengeti Migration Camp, Serengeti Pioneer Camp, Kilindi Zanzibar in Tanzania OR: Loisaba Tented Camp, Loisaba Star Beds, Loisaba Lodo Springs, Lewa Safari Camp, Kifaru House Lewa, Sand River Mara, Elephant Pepper Camp, Tortilis Camp Amboseli, Elsa’s Kopje or AfroChic, Diani Beach in Kenya.
Double Circuit Discount on 6 or 9 nights so 20% and 30% discount! Book by 20th March 2023 For travel from 7th March – 31st May & 1st November – 15th December 2023
Advance Purchase Special Offer
Stay 4+ nights and save 10%, stay 7+ nights and save 15%, stay 10+ nights and save 20% Applicable when combining one or more properties, excluding Arusha Coffee Lodge. Cannot be combined with any other special offer. Bookings must be made a minimum of 90 days prior to arrival. All bookings must be paid in full upon booking confirmation. Subject to availability and blackout dates apply* Terms & Conditions apply. Valid until 31st December 2023. *Black out dates: 1st July – 31st October and 20th December – 5th January
Returning Guests get an additional 5% discount on their accommodation at any Elewana property! Valid until 30th June 2023 Can combine with other offers.
Ultimate Exclusivity
Stay 4 nights and get complimentary private vehicle and guide (worth min. $2000)
Offer valid between: 1st March – 31st May, 1st November – 15th December 2023
