Klein's Camp: Our full report
Klein's Camp is a small, luxury lodge that was originally built as a hunting camp.
It sits in its own 10,000 hectare private concession area in Loliondo. Klein's leases this land from the Maasai and is for the exclusive use of the guests who stay here.The camp is set on the rocky slopes of the Kuka Hills; to the north is the Maasai Mara and to the west is the Serengeti. Due to its elevation, there are spectacular views over the valley and the woodland savanna - Acacia and desert date trees dominate the undulating hills here.
The design of Klein's has been kept practical and simple. The main dining and bar areas are next door to one another offering sweeping views over the valley. They have a relaxed and comfortable feel, but have been furnished to high standards. They are a short walk away from the rooms which ensures as much privacy and quiet as possible.
These public rooms are reminiscent of colonial Africa mixed with old English charm. The open-sided sitting room/bar is reached down paved steps and a slightly uneven path. Although large, the furniture and eccentric touches ensure there is plenty of character and warmth. Like the bedrooms, it has been constructed out of makuti thatch and stone, and worn rugs cover the stone floors. At the heart of the room is a deep, round firepit complete with a polished brass flue hanging from the thatched roof. Stylish leather armchairs and velveteen sofas have been placed thoughtfully around the room and the fire – not too close to one another or obstructing the panoramic view.
Intricately carved, wooden coffee tables and distressed chests carry trinkets, stems of scented flowers and historic looking wildlife books. There are also wooden board games dotted around the room for lazy afternoons in between safari drives.
Adjacent to an old-style gramophone is the small, solid wood bar, which is very well-stocked and is open all day until the last person goes to bed. Although there are a few high cane bar chairs, most guests sit in the sitting room to enjoy the view.
There is a good, albeit small shop at Klein's Camp, well stocked with African prints, jewellery, traditional African trinkets and beautiful wildlife books.
The large, kidney-shaped swimming pool at Klein's sits at 2,000m has a shaded seating area with comfortable sunloungers on a paved, stone terrace area. The pool itself is fresh water and has lovely views of the surrounding bush. It also has quite a private feel, as it has been set back from the main path and there is a brick wall and bushes.
Sandy paths lead from the main areas of the camp to ten round, stone thatched cottages. All of these are well spread out and each has spectacular views over either the valley or the Grumeti River. Every pair of cottages also shares its own private butler. Again, these cottages have been furnished to very high standards.
Due to its location, Klein's makes a great base from which to experience the
annual zebra and wildebeest migration, which generally passes through this area around October to November, as it makes its way south. Klein's Camp has particularly good resident game at other times of the year; lion, leopard and cheetah have all marked their own territories here and can be found along with herds of elephant and buffalo.
Birdlife is also prolific in the Loliondo area - there are 345 species recorded here. A pair of black Verreaux's eagles have made their eyrie close to camp and can often be seen soaring over the plains. There are also more common birds in the area, such as, the pygmy falcon and the slate-coloured boubou.
Activities at Klein's Camp are varied. Because Klein's is just outside the Serengeti National Park, it's possible to go on both night drives and bush walks in the concession area. Guests can go out for guided walks lasting from 1½ hours up to half a day. Klein's can also organise a visit to the local village, Ololosokwan, to get a taste of the local Maasai culture and daily life. Night drives are also possible in Loliondo which gives guests the opportunity to view nocturnal wildlife and the bush in a totally different light.
As with the other &Beyond properties, Klein's Camp offers very high standards of service and quality. Due to its location and size, there is a tangible feeling of exclusivity at Klein's. We found the staff charming and the hospitality second to none – the lodge manager, Alastair instantly made us feel at home.
Our view
On our last trip to Klein's we also visited two other &Beyond properties, and we found Klein's to have the most relaxed feel to it. Having said that, it certainly doesn't lack any of the professionalism or luxury of the other properties.
Tanzania expert
Geographics
- Location
- Serengeti Migration Area, Tanzania
- Ideal length of stay
- 3 nights is typical – and Klein's is often combined with its sister-properties in the region: Grumeti River Camp, Ngorongoro Crater Lodge and Lake Manyara Tree Lodge – as well as its beachside sibling, Mnemba Island.
- Directions
- The camp is 10km from the Klein's airstrip.
- Accessible by
- Fly-and-Transfer
Food & drink
- Usual board basis
- Full Board & Activities
- Food quality
- Breakfast is served according to your safari timetable. If you prefer to go on an early morning drive or have a bit of a lie-in, breakfast will be waiting for you. It consists of fresh fruit, cereals, yoghurts and a choice of a cooked breakfast.
Lunchis again flexible in its timings. The last time we were there we enjoyed a three course, cooked meal. Our main course consisted of a very tasty hot, noodle and chicken dish, accompanied by home-baked bread.
Dinner is a three course meal in the dining room or if you prefer you can have dinner on your room's verandah.
The food served at Klein's is fresh, very tasty and imaginative in presentation, ingredients and recipes. - Dining style
- Individual Tables
- Dining locations
- Indoor Dining
- Further dining info, including room service
- Yes
- Drinks included
- Drinks are included except for champagne and premium wines and spirits.
Special interests
- Solo Travel
- Klein’s Camp makes a wonderful base for a solo traveller – with amazing views from the lodge, excellent safari activities, a private game-viewing area and high standards of care. Klein’s generally low single supplement and friendly atmosphere add to its attraction.
- See ideas for Solo Travel in Tanzania
- Wildlife safaris
- It is possible to go on night game-drives and day bush walks from Klein's. The lodge is also on the route for the Serengeti's great migration and the best time to see this in the Klein's area is generally between mid-October and end-November.
- See ideas for Wildlife safaris in Tanzania
- Luxury
- Klein’s Camp provides a beautiful mix of tantalizing experiences ranging from exceptional night game drives to exploring the Maasai culture. It perfectly captures the spirit of Africa without compromising the level of comfort – truly an impeccable African luxury safari.
- See ideas for Luxury in Tanzania
Children
- Attitude towards children
- Children are welcome at Klein's camp as long as they are 12 years and over.
- Property’s age restrictions
- 12+
- Special activities & services
- None.
- Equipment
- None.
- Generally recommended for children
- We would recommend this lodge for mature children only – as dangerous game will sometimes pass through it.
Our travellers’ wildlife sightings from Klein's Camp
Since mid-2018, many of our travellers who stayed at Klein's Camp have kindly recorded their wildlife sightings and shared them with us. The results are below. Click an animal to see more, and here to see more on our methodology.
100% success
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0% success
0% success
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0% success
Communications
- Communications
- WiFi is available. There is limited signal for cell phones.
- TV & radio
- None.
Sustainability
Empowering the Ololosokwan community
Serengeti harbours some of the biggest herds of migratory animals in the world, thus providing visitors with a game experience unmatched anywhere in the world. But this is only possible because of the people who live in the rural communities around the Serengeti.
Klein’s camp is an authentic African experience as the camp is leased from the local Ololosokwan community and Maasai landlords, who are involved in camp operations and development. With 78% of staff coming from the surrounding communities, and beyond, Klein’s Camp is committed to invest in the future generation of the Ololosokwan community.
In partnership with Africa Foundation, Klein’s Camp is raising funds to assist the Ololosokwan Primary School with renovations, including roof repairs, a new ceiling, flooring, doors and windows, and repainting. Ololosokwan Primary School was established in 1979. Currently 597 students are enrolled, guided by 11 teachers. Because of its rural location the school provides boarding facilities for 160 of its students.
In 2007, Africa Foundation established a much-needed medical clinic in the Ololosokwan community that borders Klein’s Camp. Dr Obed, a hardworking medical practitioner runs the entire clinic singlehandedly and continues to provide quality health care to 20 to 30 community members every day. His work does not come without its challenges such as lack of electricity and shortage of resources.
Therefore, funds were raised to install solar panels to generate electricity for lighting, which were finally installed at the end of 2015, increasing on-site efficiency as well as the practitioner’s living conditions.
Donations to Africa Foundation will also help generate funds to renovate the clinic.
See more great sustainability projects in Tanzania
Health & safety
- Malarial protection recommended
- Yes
- Medical care
- All the guides and managers at Klein's Camp are first aid trained and they have first aid kits at the lodge.
There is a ten room health centre at Ololosokwan Village.
They also have links with the Flying Doctor. - Dangerous animals
- High Risk
- Security measures
- Askaris (watchmen) will escort guests to and from their rooms at night.
- Fire safety
- There are fire extinguishers around the lodge. All the staff are trained to use them.
There is a fire break around the camp.
Activities
4WD Safari
Birdwatching
Cultural excursion
Guided walking safari
Hot air ballooning
Night drive
Extras
- Disabled access
- On Request
- Laundry facilities
- Included
- Money
- Klein's camp accept US$, Euros, £, Tanzanian Shillings and travellers cheques.
Each room has a safe in it. - Accepted payment on location
- Klein's accepts Visa and Mastercard.
Room types at Klein's Camp
Thatched cottage
The ten stone and Makuti-thatch cottages at Klein's Camp are reached along an uneven path from the main areas. In shape, they replicate African rondavels (traditional African houses). Each has its own paved veranda, complete with a table and director's chairs, so that guests can sit and enjoy the beautiful views of the valley.
Inside, the cottages are cool and calming, thanks to the painted white walls and the polished, wooden floor. There is a large four-poster bed in the centre of the room which is framed by delicate, white drapes – these also double as a mosquito net. A few scatter cushions sit on top of a striped fawn and white bed-spread.
Most of the furniture in the room is made from sleek, dark wood. There is a built-in cupboard, which houses a small electronic combination safe, and shelves on one side of the room. There are a couple of small bedside tables, a chest with glass decanters on, a comfortable armchair and a wicker chair for relaxing in. An easel and a box of drawing pencils sit on top of a wicker table - just in case guests are inspired to recreate the panoramic views on paper!
The room is lit by a couple of rechargeable, wicker lamps which stand either side of the bed. There are also a couple of metal wall lights which sit close to the doorway. This soft lighting accentuates the elegance of these stylish rooms and the beamed ceiling.
All of the bedrooms at Klein's Camp have en-suite bathrooms. These are simple – there is a flush toilet, a shower and a twin sink unit – but they are practical and cool, if a little dim.
The white walls and dark wood of the bedrooms continue in the bathroom – the double sink unit, the towel rails and the bathroom door are all dark wood. There is a large wooden mirror on the walls and a couple of small windows letting in much needed rays of sunlight.
The open-sided shower area is exposed brick and is basic, but at least has hot water. There are complimentary toiletries and white towels for guests use. A hair dryer hangs up next to the sinks and the UK three-pin plug adaptor.
The bedrooms and bathrooms at Klein's Camp are simply decorated, but very comfortable and stylish with thoughtful design touches. The décor, fixtures and fittings are all of a very high standard.
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.
Sayari Camp
In the northern Serengeti, near the Mara River, luxurious Sayari Camp offers excellent wildife all year – boosted further by 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.
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.
Namiri Plains Camp
Namiri Plains is one of the best camps in the Serengeti and its remoteness ensures a fantastic wildlife experience away from the crowds.
Lamai Serengeti
Set high in the kopjes with fantastic views, Lamai Serengeti offers top service and guiding and good migration sightings from Jul-Oct.
Ubuntu Camp
Ubuntu Camp has several locations in the Serengeti, following the wildebeest migration, so it is often in a great location to see the herds.
Kati Kati Camp
Kati Kati is a small, very simple bushcamp, which is well-positioned to explore the wildlife-rich Seronera area.
Ndutu Safari Lodge
Large and economical, but not luxurious, Ndutu Safari Lodge is well located in the southern Serengeti, so book early to get space.
Serian Serengeti
Serian Serengeti is a mobile tented operation run by Alex Walker which moves between two locations following the wildebeest migration.
Serengeti under Canvas
Two of the three Serengeti under Canvas camps move through the Serengeti National Park every few months to follow the wildebeest migration.
Grumeti River Camp
Grumeti River Camp offers a laid-back atmosphere combined with top service, first-rate food, expert guiding and an excellent location.
Lemala Kuria Hills
Lemala Kuria Hills is a luxury permanent camp that is ideally located for wildlife all year around, but especially during the wildebeest migration.
Lemala Ewanjan
Lemala Ewanjan is a comfortable and stylish tented camp in the Seronera area of the central Serengeti National Park.
Lemala Mara-Ndutu
Lemala Mara-Ndutu is a semi-permanent camp that moves between the north and south of the Serengeti to witness the wildebeest migration.
Lemala Nanyukie
Lemala Nanyukie is a stylish camp located in the quieter part of the central Serengeti.
Lobo Wildlife Lodge
The large Lobo Wildlife Lodge has simple, functional rooms in a stunning location. It's a good base for exploring the north-eastern Serengeti.
Kubu Kubu
Kubu Kubu is a contemporary, tented lodge, well located in the central Seronera area of the Serengeti National Park.
Serengeti Walking Mobile
This fairly simple camp offers only walking activities, but it's very well done and combines well with more conventional camps or lodges.
Mbalageti Lodge
Mbalageti is a well-run lodge in a quiet part of the Serengeti's western corridor – an ideal location during the Apr-Jun migration.
Serengeti Serena
The Serengeti Serena Safari Lodge is a large, hotel-style lodge and a good family-friendly base from which to explore the central Serengeti.
Kusini Camp
Kusini Camp is permanent, luxury camp located on a beautiful kopje in a quiet, wildlife-rich corner of the south-west Serengeti.
Migration Camp
Serengeti Migration Camp is a smart tented camp, good for the wildebeest migration from Jul–Aug, or to explore the Lobo Kopjes any time.
Mkombe's House Lamai
Mkombe's House Lamai is a fully staffed private house in the Wogakuria Kopjes district of Serengeti National Park.
Serengeti Sopa Lodge
Serengeti Sopa Lodge is an international-style hotel offering good-value accommodation in the central Serengeti, with lovely views of the plains.
Singita Mara River
Singita Mara River Tented Camp is a luxurious camp in the isolated and rewarding Lamai wedge region of the northern Serengeti.
Olmara Camp
With just eight guest tents, including two family tents and three signature stargazer tents, Olmara is a simple, family-friendly camp with a wonderfully attentive team. The camp captures an authentic bush experience, welcoming travellers of every kind.
Serengeti Green Camp
Serengeti Green Camp is a comfortable camping experience, in your own private safari camp and at the heart of a great wildlife area.
Sasakwa Lodge
On a hill looking over the Serengeti plains, Sasakwa Lodge is grand, luxurious safari camp, one of the most opulent properties in Tanzania.
Faru Faru Lodge
On the north bank of the Grumeti River, Faru Faru is a small, chic hideaway in this exclusive corner of the Serengeti.
Kirurumu Migration Camp
Kirurumu is a rustic tented camp which moves around the Serengeti twice a year to follow the wildebeest migration.
Sabora Tented Camp
Sabora Tented Camp is a smart tented camp – one of the most luxurious, professional and stylish properties to be found in Tanzania.
Four Seasons Serengeti
The Four Seasons Safari Lodge is the only hotel in the Serengeti offering international facilities such as a gym, spa and children’s club.
Nimali Mara
Nimali Mara is a luxurious safari lodge in a quiet region of the northern Serengeti with good access to the wildebeest migration.
Bushtops
Serengeti Bushtops is a permanent luxury camp in the northern Serengeti, with spacious and private tents with their own hot tubs.
Ndutu Kati Kati
Ndutu Kati Kati is a seasonal tented camp, based in the southern Serenget from Dec-Mar, ideal for the migration as it passes through.
Olduvai Camp
Olduvai Camp lies between Ngorongoro and the southern Serengeti plains. It's a good base for the southern plains during the rainy season.
Lake Masek Tented Camp
Ideally located for the wildebeest migration from Dec–Apr, Lake Masek Tented Camp is a good, mid-market safari camp.
Mara Mara
Mara Mara is a smart tented camp in the northern Serengeti, situated on a small hill close to the Mara River.
Esirai Migration Camp
A season migration camp, with only 8 tents and 1 family tent and plenty of character. Esirai is ideally placed for excellent wildlife and enjoys a simplistic and comfortable under-canvas experience.
Mwiba Lodge
Mwiba Lodge is a luxurious property located on a private concession on the edge of the southern Serengeti.
Seronera Wildlife Lodge
Seronera Wildlife Lodge is large hotel-style safari lodge in the heart of the Serengeti, offering good value and a great location.
Mara Kati Kati
Mara Kati Kati is a simple bush camp in the northern Serengeti, based from Jul-Oct near the Mara River for the wildebeest migration.
Nasikia Naona
Naona Camp is a small tented camp, located in the Moru Kopjes, west of the Serengeti central area
Kirawira Camp
Set high on a hill, in the Serengeti's western corridor, Kirawira is a relatively large tented camp in the Serena group.
Nyikani Central
Nyikani Central is a comfortable tented camp located in the game-rich Seronera area of the central Serengeti.
Mbuzi Mawe
Mbuze Mawe is a comfortable tented camp in a convenient, central-north location when driving through the Serengeti.
Laba Migration Camp
A luxury mobile camp that moves between the Western Corridor, Mara River and the southern Ndutu area, in line with the wildebeest migration.
Serengeti Pioneer Camp
Serengeti Pioneer Camp is a luxurious tented camp in the central Serengeti, styled on African explorers' camps of the early 20th century.
Taasa Lodge
Taasa Lodge is a slightly quirky option offering guided walks and night game drives, which are not permitted in Serengeti National Park.
Nimali Serengeti
Opened in July 2017, Nimali Serengeti is a smart, permanent tented camp located in the Seronera area of the central Serengeti.
Nomad Walking Camp
Nomad Expeditionary Walking Camp is a simple camp of up to three tents, plus infrastructure, that changes location to allow guests to do substantial walks between campsites.
