Reviews of Klein's Camp
Wildlife sightings and reviews
12 independent comments and wildlife information from our travellers who have visited Klein's Camp and kindly agreed to share their thoughts. They do not necessarily represent the views of Expert Africa
Wildlife sightings by our travellers
Starting in Oct-2018, 2 of our travellers have recorded their wildlife sightings at Klein's Camp.
Lion
100% success
Leopard
100% success
Cheetah
0% success
Wild dog
0% success
Buffalo
100% success
Ava
NYC
"Hands down the most special holiday of my life"
4 nights Arrived 24 Oct 2023
"Hands down the most special holiday of my life and the finest property I've ever had the joy of staying at. Every aspect of our stay at Klein's was absolutely perfect. The lodge itself is spectacular, situated atop a hill with sweeping views of the concession. It is intimate, beautifully appointed and ultra luxurious.
However, it was the warmth and competency of the staff and service that took the experience to a whole other level. Our guide and tracker Karipoi and Lebo spent hours every day, sometimes 10-12 hours a day, driving us around the Serengeti and letting us in on the secrets of the savanna. They had SO much knowledge on animals and birds and were excellent at spotting elusive wildlife (leopard! lion cubs!). At the start of the trip they asked about our individual animal sighting preferences and customized each drive to try and track down what we hoped to see, always with a smile on their faces. Karipoi also regaled us with wonderful stories from his tracking career over drinks by the fireplace in the 'living room'.
Our butler Reuben was so kind and gentle and adept at anticipating our every need. He was especially attentive to the preferences of my two nieces and they grew to adore him. He also organized the most wonderful surprise bonfire sundowner on our last day complete with a traditional Masaai performance. Elias the chef cooked up incredible meals every day - we were surprised by the variety and freshness of every single dish given how remote the lodge is. His Tanga prawns, pork chops, and beef onion kebabs were a highlight, as was the feast he packed for us for picnicking on the banks of the Mara river. The little lunch bags he packed for us on the day of our departure was a pleasant little surprise. Our Masaai warrior nighttime escorts were so lovely. And of course the manager Ivan who brought it all together by overseeing such a stellar group of staff and telling us some great stories! I honestly cannot think of a single misstep in the service from start to finish. It was perfect.
The hospitality at Klein's far exceeded our wildest expectations. It is truly the jewel of the remote northern Serengeti. I will carry the memories of this place and this trip with me forever. I cannot wait to return to Klein's Camp and to Africa to explore other &Beyond properties. Bravo Klein's and keep up the excellent work!" See all these reviews: 4n in Tanzania; 2n in Zanzibar
However, it was the warmth and competency of the staff and service that took the experience to a whole other level. Our guide and tracker Karipoi and Lebo spent hours every day, sometimes 10-12 hours a day, driving us around the Serengeti and letting us in on the secrets of the savanna. They had SO much knowledge on animals and birds and were excellent at spotting elusive wildlife (leopard! lion cubs!). At the start of the trip they asked about our individual animal sighting preferences and customized each drive to try and track down what we hoped to see, always with a smile on their faces. Karipoi also regaled us with wonderful stories from his tracking career over drinks by the fireplace in the 'living room'.
Our butler Reuben was so kind and gentle and adept at anticipating our every need. He was especially attentive to the preferences of my two nieces and they grew to adore him. He also organized the most wonderful surprise bonfire sundowner on our last day complete with a traditional Masaai performance. Elias the chef cooked up incredible meals every day - we were surprised by the variety and freshness of every single dish given how remote the lodge is. His Tanga prawns, pork chops, and beef onion kebabs were a highlight, as was the feast he packed for us for picnicking on the banks of the Mara river. The little lunch bags he packed for us on the day of our departure was a pleasant little surprise. Our Masaai warrior nighttime escorts were so lovely. And of course the manager Ivan who brought it all together by overseeing such a stellar group of staff and telling us some great stories! I honestly cannot think of a single misstep in the service from start to finish. It was perfect.
The hospitality at Klein's far exceeded our wildest expectations. It is truly the jewel of the remote northern Serengeti. I will carry the memories of this place and this trip with me forever. I cannot wait to return to Klein's Camp and to Africa to explore other &Beyond properties. Bravo Klein's and keep up the excellent work!" See all these reviews: 4n in Tanzania; 2n in Zanzibar
Experience Report
Overall Rating:
Excellent
Location:
Excellent
Service:
Excellent
Activities:
Excellent
Rooms:
Excellent
Food:
Excellent
Facilities:
Excellent
Sightings Report
Buffalo
Multiple sightings
Eland
Multiple sightings
Elephant
Multiple sightings
Giraffe
Multiple sightings
Hippo
Multiple sightings
Leopard
Multiple sightings
Lion
Multiple sightings
Oryx
Multiple sightings
Roan antelope
Multiple sightings
Spotted Hyena
Multiple sightings
Wildebeest
Multiple sightings
Zebra
Multiple sightings
SA
Kingston upon T
"Klein's Camp review"
4 nights Arrived 24 Oct 2023
"Truly heaven on earth.
Extraordinary hospitality.
Brilliant guiding.
Fantastic staff.
Long and elaborate game drives including night game drives.
Walking safari option.
Private concession gives added flexibility
Easy access (10 minute drive) to the main Serengeti Park which is truly out of this world.
A completely magical experience in every way." See all these reviews: 4n in Tanzania; 2n in Zanzibar
Extraordinary hospitality.
Brilliant guiding.
Fantastic staff.
Long and elaborate game drives including night game drives.
Walking safari option.
Private concession gives added flexibility
Easy access (10 minute drive) to the main Serengeti Park which is truly out of this world.
A completely magical experience in every way." See all these reviews: 4n in Tanzania; 2n in Zanzibar
Experience Report
Overall Rating:
Excellent
Location:
Excellent
Service:
Excellent
Activities:
Excellent
Rooms:
Excellent
Food:
Excellent
Facilities:
Excellent
Mr & Mrs G
Cumbria
"Kleins Camp review"
3 nights Arrived 1 Oct 2016
"The reason we rate this as good and not excellent is because of the game viewing in the concession. The Maasai have been grazing large herds of cattle within the concession which has become an issue. When we were there large herds were still present and this appears to be affecting the wildlife numbers. The &Beyond staff were apologetic right from the start of our stay which made us suspicious. I would not stay at this camp again for this reason alone.
However, the camp is in a wonderful position and the staff are very welcoming. The lodges are excellent and food delicious. Thankfully we opted to drive across the Serengeti National Park on our second day to see the wildebeest crossing the Mara river. The wildlife we saw on this trip and the action at the crossing made up for our disappointment in the concession." See all these reviews: 10n in Tanzania; 3n in Kenya
However, the camp is in a wonderful position and the staff are very welcoming. The lodges are excellent and food delicious. Thankfully we opted to drive across the Serengeti National Park on our second day to see the wildebeest crossing the Mara river. The wildlife we saw on this trip and the action at the crossing made up for our disappointment in the concession." See all these reviews: 10n in Tanzania; 3n in Kenya
Experience Report
Overall Rating:
Good
Location:
Excellent
Service:
Excellent
Activities:
Good
Rooms:
Excellent
Food:
Excellent
Facilities:
Good
Mrs & Mr B
California
"Safari elegant!"
4 nights Arrived 7 Jul 2016
"The staff, our guide and the grounds!!!! Heaven! Long lasting memories!
Note: We made a decision to leave from Nomads camp early in the morning towards Kleins, after a talk with Raben our guide....however, not knowing the jeep was not enclosed. We didn't get that detailed information during the talk, the night before. It was cold. Hot water bottles would have been very helpful.
Ellie was a wonderful help and a super personality! We just adored all of the staff. Raben found so many wonderful things for us to see!
Didn't like the fire situation. We understand the need...but it got a little close on the night drive home. Flames were licking the jeep (open jeep) at one point...we had to drive through the sparks. We made it." See all these reviews: 12n in Tanzania
Note: We made a decision to leave from Nomads camp early in the morning towards Kleins, after a talk with Raben our guide....however, not knowing the jeep was not enclosed. We didn't get that detailed information during the talk, the night before. It was cold. Hot water bottles would have been very helpful.
Ellie was a wonderful help and a super personality! We just adored all of the staff. Raben found so many wonderful things for us to see!
Didn't like the fire situation. We understand the need...but it got a little close on the night drive home. Flames were licking the jeep (open jeep) at one point...we had to drive through the sparks. We made it." See all these reviews: 12n in Tanzania
Experience Report
Overall Rating:
Excellent
Location:
Excellent
Service:
Excellent
Activities:
Excellent
Rooms:
Excellent
Food:
Excellent
Facilities:
Excellent
Mr D & Ms G
London
"Kleins Camp review"
4 nights Arrived 24 Apr 2015
"A superb experience all round at this camp, the best of our trip. The food was also the best we had."
See all these reviews: 10n in Tanzania
Experience Report
Overall Rating:
Excellent
Location:
Excellent
Service:
Excellent
Activities:
Excellent
Rooms:
Excellent
Food:
Excellent
Facilities:
Excellent
Mr & Mrs H
Australia
"Kleins Camp review"
2 nights Arrived 6 Sep 2014
"Fantastic. Our guide Seleous(?) went out of his way to make sure we didn't miss any of the action. The ability to go off road in this private concession was a good change from the national parks.
We would definitely visit again." See all these reviews: 11n in Tanzania
We would definitely visit again." See all these reviews: 11n in Tanzania
Experience Report
Overall Rating:
Excellent
Location:
Excellent
Service:
Excellent
Activities:
Excellent
Rooms:
Excellent
Food:
Excellent
Facilities:
Excellent
Mr & Mrs H
Abu Dhabi
"big cats"
2 nights Arrived 8 Oct 2013
"The trip to Kleins began so well, with the sighting of a family of cheetah (mother and 5 youngsters)) who were sunning themselves on a rock not too far from the track we were driving along. We were accompanied by two men from the &Beyond foundation, who gave us a lot of interesting information about the good work done with the locals.
Wonderful views from our new room, over the 'concession' lands - in some ways it looks similar to Scotland but with giraffe and zebra visible !!
Erasta, our guide is an enthusiastic photographer and was able to help us set our new camera for night photography when we found a leopard with its kill up a tree. We sat under that tree for ages - an experience we had never dreamed of having! Also found a pair of lionesses with a kill from the previous night, just lying next to a partly consumed carcass, waiting til they felt hungry ! This was the only place we also had a spotter sitting in the jump seat on the bonnet of the truck - his sharp eyes ensured we didn't miss a thing.
Lawrence left his ebook at Manyara - it had already been found and a call made to Kleins before he had even missed it. It arrived with the next plane the following day.
After spotting a lioness strolling across the plain nearby, Erasta found we had a flat tyre and no tools to replace it - thank heaven for the radio. While we waited for reinforcements, it was an interesting experience to have seats set up with a prime view and a breakfast feast cooked for us when there were obviously big cats nearby. Help arrived by motorbike, which then had to be pushed to help it start so the rescuer could go back !! It all added to the wonderful experience that was &Beyond." See all these reviews: 6n in Tanzania; 5n in South Africa
Wonderful views from our new room, over the 'concession' lands - in some ways it looks similar to Scotland but with giraffe and zebra visible !!
Erasta, our guide is an enthusiastic photographer and was able to help us set our new camera for night photography when we found a leopard with its kill up a tree. We sat under that tree for ages - an experience we had never dreamed of having! Also found a pair of lionesses with a kill from the previous night, just lying next to a partly consumed carcass, waiting til they felt hungry ! This was the only place we also had a spotter sitting in the jump seat on the bonnet of the truck - his sharp eyes ensured we didn't miss a thing.
Lawrence left his ebook at Manyara - it had already been found and a call made to Kleins before he had even missed it. It arrived with the next plane the following day.
After spotting a lioness strolling across the plain nearby, Erasta found we had a flat tyre and no tools to replace it - thank heaven for the radio. While we waited for reinforcements, it was an interesting experience to have seats set up with a prime view and a breakfast feast cooked for us when there were obviously big cats nearby. Help arrived by motorbike, which then had to be pushed to help it start so the rescuer could go back !! It all added to the wonderful experience that was &Beyond." See all these reviews: 6n in Tanzania; 5n in South Africa
Experience Report
Overall Rating:
Excellent
Location:
Excellent
Service:
Excellent
Activities:
Excellent
Rooms:
Excellent
Food:
Excellent
Facilities:
Excellent
Mr & Mrs G
Michigan
"Klein's Camp safari"
4 nights Arrived 15 Oct 2010
"Because the Klein's airstrip was temporarily closed, we began our stay by landing at the Lobo airstrip and driving through the national park to reach Klein's Gate. While landing at Klein's would have saved time, we nevertheless had an enjoyable drive through large herds of zebra to reach the camp. We were welcomed by the entire staff and escorted to their beautiful bar with a panoramic view of the Klein's Concession.
The view was just as spectacular from the porch and windows of our large room. We appreciated the ample storage space, comfortable chairs and reading light, luxurious bed and pillows, and bathroom amenities. If we had any artistic talent, we would have made use of the art supplies that are available in the room.
Askari escort you in the early morning and the evening as you walk to and from your room, but the times for your guard to arrive must be set up in advance as there is no telephone or walkie-talkie to call them. Of course, there is a whistle and even an air horn if an emergency exists. You are assigned a butler who makes those arrangements, serves you in the dining room, and takes care of any needs you have. Our butler Robert was gracious and easy to talk with.
The food was wonderful and beautifully presented. Second helpings were always offered, even though we rarely had room to eat more. On two occasions we went on early morning game drives, leaving camp at 6:30 a.m.. Our guide Alex and tracker Leboo prepared delicious meals in the bush, setting up two grills and preparing beverages, toast, bacon, sausage, and eggs to order. What a feast! In the evening, our game drives also included a stop to prepare cocktails and watch the sunset before switching on the lights for a night drive back to camp.
One evening we were surprised by an unannounced dinner in the bush -- we were told that the dining room was closed and that we had to get in the car. We arrived at a torch-lit site with a blazing fire in the center, rimmed by dining tables and barbecue grills. We had a delicious meal beautifully served in a romantic setting.
On our last day, we had requested a visit to a Maasai village. We began with a game drive, and then journeyed across the river to a local village to visit one boma. While Klein's has an arrangement with the Maasai that they may bring guests for tours, they do not make specific arrangements for each visit. Therefore, you will see village life as it is really happening rather than a staged performance. In our case, all of the men we out tending the cattle, leaving only a few women and the children behind. We entered one dung hut with our guide Alex who described life there for us. Our tracker Leboo spoke the Maa language, so his help was invaluable to us when we came out of the hut and found that the women had arranged blankets full of jewelry and other goods for us to buy. We were asked to pay $50 in cash directly to the Maasai girl who allowed us in to her hut, and then used more cash to make a few purchases.
While we missed seeing the Maasai ceremonial performances in the village, as some camps arrange, we had had the opportunity to see the Maasai "jumping dance" the previous night during some surprise entertainment at dinner in the camp. So we felt like we got the best of both aspects -- seeing the ceremony and traditional costumes, but also seeing the real daily life in the village. We had booked 4 nights at Klein's Camp so that we would have time for the Maasai visit, but since the village is so close and the visit there is integrated into the morning game drive, we could have easily done it in a 3-night stay.
We had the same guide and tracker for each of our game drives. Guide Alex was interesting and informative and helped us understand the animal behavior and environment. We usually shared the open Land Cruiser with one or two other couples. The variety of game was good, with large herds of cape buffalo and zebra, and we had our first sightings of leopards there. One fun sighting was of a hartebeest being stalked by a leopard, who was in turn chased up a tree by a lioness. Our guide and tracker were delighted by it, saying that it was something you rarely see happen.
Klein's Camp is a wonderful place to stay -- great staff, great accommodations, and great game viewing. We highly recommend it." See all these reviews: 13n in Tanzania
The view was just as spectacular from the porch and windows of our large room. We appreciated the ample storage space, comfortable chairs and reading light, luxurious bed and pillows, and bathroom amenities. If we had any artistic talent, we would have made use of the art supplies that are available in the room.
Askari escort you in the early morning and the evening as you walk to and from your room, but the times for your guard to arrive must be set up in advance as there is no telephone or walkie-talkie to call them. Of course, there is a whistle and even an air horn if an emergency exists. You are assigned a butler who makes those arrangements, serves you in the dining room, and takes care of any needs you have. Our butler Robert was gracious and easy to talk with.
The food was wonderful and beautifully presented. Second helpings were always offered, even though we rarely had room to eat more. On two occasions we went on early morning game drives, leaving camp at 6:30 a.m.. Our guide Alex and tracker Leboo prepared delicious meals in the bush, setting up two grills and preparing beverages, toast, bacon, sausage, and eggs to order. What a feast! In the evening, our game drives also included a stop to prepare cocktails and watch the sunset before switching on the lights for a night drive back to camp.
One evening we were surprised by an unannounced dinner in the bush -- we were told that the dining room was closed and that we had to get in the car. We arrived at a torch-lit site with a blazing fire in the center, rimmed by dining tables and barbecue grills. We had a delicious meal beautifully served in a romantic setting.
On our last day, we had requested a visit to a Maasai village. We began with a game drive, and then journeyed across the river to a local village to visit one boma. While Klein's has an arrangement with the Maasai that they may bring guests for tours, they do not make specific arrangements for each visit. Therefore, you will see village life as it is really happening rather than a staged performance. In our case, all of the men we out tending the cattle, leaving only a few women and the children behind. We entered one dung hut with our guide Alex who described life there for us. Our tracker Leboo spoke the Maa language, so his help was invaluable to us when we came out of the hut and found that the women had arranged blankets full of jewelry and other goods for us to buy. We were asked to pay $50 in cash directly to the Maasai girl who allowed us in to her hut, and then used more cash to make a few purchases.
While we missed seeing the Maasai ceremonial performances in the village, as some camps arrange, we had had the opportunity to see the Maasai "jumping dance" the previous night during some surprise entertainment at dinner in the camp. So we felt like we got the best of both aspects -- seeing the ceremony and traditional costumes, but also seeing the real daily life in the village. We had booked 4 nights at Klein's Camp so that we would have time for the Maasai visit, but since the village is so close and the visit there is integrated into the morning game drive, we could have easily done it in a 3-night stay.
We had the same guide and tracker for each of our game drives. Guide Alex was interesting and informative and helped us understand the animal behavior and environment. We usually shared the open Land Cruiser with one or two other couples. The variety of game was good, with large herds of cape buffalo and zebra, and we had our first sightings of leopards there. One fun sighting was of a hartebeest being stalked by a leopard, who was in turn chased up a tree by a lioness. Our guide and tracker were delighted by it, saying that it was something you rarely see happen.
Klein's Camp is a wonderful place to stay -- great staff, great accommodations, and great game viewing. We highly recommend it." See all these reviews: 13n in Tanzania
Experience Report
Overall Rating:
Excellent
Location:
Excellent
Service:
Excellent
Activities:
Excellent
Rooms:
Excellent
Food:
Excellent
Facilities:
Excellent
The C family
Surrey
"Excellent"
4 nights Arrived 23 Jul 2010
"Pretty much perfect.
Great setting very engaging and friendly team, very personable - good mangement. Nothing too much trouble. Very child friendly (we had a 10 and 12 year old). Bush breakfasts with our guides were great.
Great tracker (Leboo) and guide/driver (Alex) and we saw pretty much everything we needed to see in 4 days. Highlights were 2 lion kills and a trio of Leapord playing in a tree for 30 minutes! Would happily have stayed longer but to be honest the size of the concession meant that we had pretty much covered all of it.
Emanual the chef is a genius - easily the best most interesting and tasty food we have ever had on safari - consistently brilliant" See all these reviews: 9n in Zanzibar; 8n in Tanzania
Great setting very engaging and friendly team, very personable - good mangement. Nothing too much trouble. Very child friendly (we had a 10 and 12 year old). Bush breakfasts with our guides were great.
Great tracker (Leboo) and guide/driver (Alex) and we saw pretty much everything we needed to see in 4 days. Highlights were 2 lion kills and a trio of Leapord playing in a tree for 30 minutes! Would happily have stayed longer but to be honest the size of the concession meant that we had pretty much covered all of it.
Emanual the chef is a genius - easily the best most interesting and tasty food we have ever had on safari - consistently brilliant" See all these reviews: 9n in Zanzibar; 8n in Tanzania
Experience Report
Overall Rating:
Excellent
Location:
Excellent
Service:
Excellent
Activities:
Excellent
Rooms:
Excellent
Food:
Excellent
Facilities:
Excellent
Mr F & Ms L
London
"Kleins Camp review"
2 nights Arrived 17 Jun 2010
"For those who want to experience safari in the true sense of the word this camp is a great choice. Off roading, walking, night drives and only one or two other vehicles out in the expansive private concession hence you really get to feel close to the wildlife and not on the tourist trail.
Hosts were the warmest and friendliest we met and so were the staff. People clearly enjoyed working there and it permeated to the guests. The lodge is extremely low key and comfortable - not glam like the crater lodge but the staff, the views and the food ensure it is at the top of its game. (Rangers were the best we came across)
Bush bar with bonfire and lanterns was the best we saw of the entire trip. They really went the extra mile
Only comment - portions of meat/fish felt very small especially at lunch and often had to ask for a bit more chicken etc as one drumstick for a main meal for example would be served." See all these reviews: 11n in Tanzania; 1n in Zanzibar
Hosts were the warmest and friendliest we met and so were the staff. People clearly enjoyed working there and it permeated to the guests. The lodge is extremely low key and comfortable - not glam like the crater lodge but the staff, the views and the food ensure it is at the top of its game. (Rangers were the best we came across)
Bush bar with bonfire and lanterns was the best we saw of the entire trip. They really went the extra mile
Only comment - portions of meat/fish felt very small especially at lunch and often had to ask for a bit more chicken etc as one drumstick for a main meal for example would be served." See all these reviews: 11n in Tanzania; 1n in Zanzibar
Experience Report
Overall Rating:
Excellent
Location:
Excellent
Service:
Excellent
Activities:
Excellent
Rooms:
Good
Food:
Good
Facilities:
Excellent
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Other lodges in Serengeti Migration Area
Alternative places to stay in this same area.
Olakira Camp
Comfortable, friendly and relaxed, Olakira Camp moves between the Mara River and the southern Ndutu area, in line with the wildebeest migration.
Nomad Serengeti Camp
Serengeti Safari Camp is a well-appointed tented camp that moves several times a year to follow the predicted path of the migration.
Sayari Camp
In the northern Serengeti, near the Mara River, luxurious Sayari Camp offers excellent wildife all year – boosted further by the wildebeest migration.
Dunia Camp
Dunia Camp is well located for the migration from December to March, and has excellent game viewing for the rest of the year.
