Here’s a thing! The wildebeest migration features the Greater Serengeti-Mara Ecosystem, which comprises the Serengeti, the Masai Mara, and many reserves and controlled areas. And for good reason, the animals know no borders. Which means the Great Migration always spills into dispersal areas like Grumeti and Ikorongo Game Reserves on the west, Mwiba Wildlife Reserve on the south, and Loliondo Game Controlled Area on the north. In this article, we speak of Loliondo. Let’s dive in!

Established in 1951, the LGCA spans 4,000 square kilometers along the northeastern border of the Serengeti. This area is an integral part of the famous Great Migration because the animals spread through it on their way back to the short-grass southern plains. For such a reason, protecting the paths of this greatest event is at the core role of the Tanzania Wildlife Division, which manages this area.

It’s in this area also where the Maasai coexist with wildlife and participate in tourism. At the time of writing, the Maasai landlords take care of this area, as it’s crucial to their wildlife and livestock keeping.

Getting to Loliondo GCA

You can access this area via Klein’s Gate in northern Serengeti, which is about 20 km away from Lobo. Driving from Arusha is possible, but road conditions are not good. It takes 10-11 hours of driving from Arusha to Klein’s Gate.

Alternatively, you can fly into Klein’s Airstrip within Loliondo. You can also fly into Lobo, Kogatende, or Lamai Airstrips, then catch an en route drive to the LGCA. The drive promises frequent encounters with animals, such as elephants, buffalo, and impalas.

When to visit the Loliondo Controlled Area?

The best time for game viewing is from June to October. This area hosts animals year-round, but since the region is remote, we recommend visiting it during the dry season. You stand a chance to spot lion prides, giraffes, impalas, and elephants.

But for the wildebeest migration experience, September-November is the right time. Wildebeest herds disperse throughout the year before they start their migration back to Ndutu and Serengeti South. That means Loliondo connects Northern Serengeti with the short-grass plains of the south.

As this happens, resident predators seek easy pickings from tired, hungry, and sick wildebeest and zebra. You can watch a lot of predator-prey dynamics, at least not with a pack of safari vehicles.

What to do in the Loliondo Game Controlled Area?

Being out of Serengeti National Park means there’s much freedom to explore wildlife. By the way, this area records fewer visitors, not enough to harm the ecosystem, even if the rules are not strict. Here’s what you can do in Loliondo:

Night game drives.

The Loliondo permits night drives. This night expedition reveals what the night looks like in the bush. And there’s much to see on this adventure, including lions, civet cats, porcupines, bat-eared foxes, and jackals.

Game drive

Game drives are available even in the main park, but there’s a difference here in that you can go off the trail, and they’re private.

Guided walking safaris.

There’s magic in stepping on the African savannah. This experience is special in that seasoned field guides lead it. You’ll discover medicinal plants, small mammals, and birds. It’s a unique adventure.

Cultural expeditions.

The Maasai use this area to feed their cattle. They also have their village, made of traditional manyatta-style huts. Visiting them is a life-changing adventure. You’ll learn to dance, dress in Maasai style, and buy a collection of beads and other handicrafts.

Balloon safari.

View the bush from another angle – yes, from atop. Set off for a heart-stopping balloon flight early in the morning. Conclude it with a champagne breakfast at a secluded setting in this area.

Birdwatching.

With a reasonable number of birds in the Loliondo, you can watch birds sing beautiful songs. Head out for a walk or drive, especially to find and picturing birds. Enjoy it all on your own.

Where to stay in the Loliondo Game Controlled Area.

Klein’s Camp

As simple as its name, this small luxury camp started as a hunting camp in the heyday of trophy hunting. Now, it’s a high-end accommodation within this controlled area. It’s built on top of a hill in a 24,700-acre private concession leased from the Maasai landlords.

Here, luxury, delicious meals, and adventure await. If you’re looking for a crowd-free, serene escape, you have this exclusive camp by &Beyond. It promises views of wildebeest, zebra, and gazelle. Not only that, the camp offers better opportunities to watch predators like lions, leopards, and hyenas. And there’s more than that, as herds of elephants are a common sighting, not to mention giraffes.

The camp has just ten cottages perfectly designed to blend with nature. The interiors are classic. Its thatched roof, natural color, and lack of fences make animals consider it part of the ecosystem. So, we have an elephant passing near your window, won’t be a surprise. It has a swimming pool to soak up while watching the hills.

Final verdict

Loliondo Game Controlled Area brings together the Maasai herdsmen and wildlife. Your visit supports both wildlife conservation and community development.

As seasoned guides, we are ready to help you discover the wonders of this crucial controlled area. We can take you there. If you’re ready to start a journey that will leave you with a lasting impression, please give us a call. We pick up at the right time!