Loliondo Game Controlled Area

Loliondo Game Controlled Area is a protected area in Tanzania.

Loliondo Game Controlled Area at a Glance

Location
Northern Tanzania Safari Circuit, Tanzania, East Africa
Coordinates
-2.261813, 35.572628
Crowds
Very Quiet
Malaria Risk
High
Best Time to Visit
June to October (dry season) for best game viewing. January to March for wildebeest calving in the Serengeti.

Getting to Loliondo Game Controlled Area

Nearest airport: Pian Upe Airfield, 449 km away.

Big Five in Loliondo Game Controlled Area

3 of the Big Five can be found here: Lion, Leopard Tortoise, African Buffalo.

Weather & Climate in Loliondo Game Controlled Area

The warmest temperatures in Loliondo Game Controlled Area occur in October, averaging 20.1°C (up to 26.1°C). The coolest conditions are in July at 16.6°C.

The driest weather conditions are typically in August with average rainfall of 7.8mm. Average humidity: 58.8%.

Monthly Temperatures

  • January: 18.7°C (rainfall: 140.2mm)
  • February: 19.4°C (rainfall: 101.7mm)
  • March: 19.6°C (rainfall: 88.3mm)
  • April: 18.0°C (rainfall: 129.1mm)
  • May: 17.7°C (rainfall: 41.9mm)
  • June: 17.1°C (rainfall: 8.4mm)
  • July: 16.6°C (rainfall: 9.3mm)
  • August: 17.8°C (rainfall: 7.8mm)
  • September: 19.1°C (rainfall: 14.2mm)
  • October: 20.1°C (rainfall: 19.6mm)
  • November: 18.7°C (rainfall: 83.1mm)
  • December: 18.6°C (rainfall: 80.6mm)

Best Time to Visit Loliondo Game Controlled Area

The best months to visit Loliondo Game Controlled Area are March, June, July, based on temperature, rainfall, weather conditions, and wildlife viewing opportunities.

Month-by-Month Safari Conditions

  • January: Good, temperature 18.74°C, rainfall 140.2mm, sunshine 10.7 hrs, humidity 70.9%
  • February: Good, temperature 19.41°C, rainfall 101.7mm, sunshine 11 hrs, humidity 68.1%
  • March: Great, temperature 19.57°C, rainfall 88.3mm, sunshine 11 hrs, humidity 67.6%
  • April: Good, temperature 17.99°C, rainfall 129.1mm, sunshine 10.1 hrs, humidity 82.2%
  • May: Good, temperature 17.71°C, rainfall 41.9mm, sunshine 10.5 hrs, humidity 75.9%
  • June: Great, temperature 17.15°C, rainfall 8.4mm, sunshine 10.8 hrs, humidity 65.8%
  • July: Great, temperature 16.62°C, rainfall 9.3mm, sunshine 11 hrs, humidity 63.6%
  • August: Great, temperature 17.81°C, rainfall 7.8mm, sunshine 11.2 hrs, humidity 58.8%
  • September: Great, temperature 19.09°C, rainfall 14.2mm, sunshine 11.1 hrs, humidity 57.2%
  • October: Great, temperature 20.11°C, rainfall 19.6mm, sunshine 11.3 hrs, humidity 55.9%
  • November: Good, temperature 18.73°C, rainfall 83.1mm, sunshine 10.5 hrs, humidity 72%
  • December: Good, temperature 18.56°C, rainfall 80.6mm, sunshine 11 hrs, humidity 73.1%

Wildlife in Loliondo Game Controlled Area

Home to 34 recorded species including 10 birds of prey, 4 iconic birds, 4 waterbirds, 4 antelope & gazelle, 3 big herbivores, 3 big five.

Recommended Packing List for Loliondo Game Controlled Area

Based on average temperature of 18.5°C, typical conditions, humidity 68%.

  • Light layers - comfortable for 18°C weather
  • Binoculars - essential for every game drive
  • Sun hat & sunscreen - protection from the African sun
  • Sturdy walking shoes - for bush walks and uneven terrain
  • Neutral-coloured clothing - khaki, olive, and tan blend with the bush
  • Insect repellent - essential in most safari regions
  • First aid kit - basic medical supplies for remote areas
  • Torch / headlamp - useful for evenings at camp
  • Camera with telephoto lens - capture your safari memories

Notable Species

Safari Lodges in Loliondo Game Controlled Area

4 safari lodges available.

ultra-luxury

luxury

Similar Parks in Northern Tanzania Safari Circuit

Health & Travel Info

Health & vaccination info for Tanzania

Travel advisory for Tanzania

Loliondo Game Controlled Area FAQs

What makes a safari in Loliondo Game Controlled Area different from visiting a national park like the Serengeti?

Loliondo offers a more exclusive and immersive wilderness experience due to its 'Game Controlled Area' status and extremely low visitor numbers. Unlike national parks, it often permits off-road driving, night drives, and guided walking safaris, providing unique perspectives on wildlife and the landscape. This allows for a deeper connection with nature away from typical safari crowds.

What specific wildlife can I expect to encounter in Loliondo, especially considering its proximity to the Serengeti?

Loliondo is a crucial dispersal area for wildlife, particularly during the Great Migration when millions of wildebeest and zebras traverse its plains, typically from December to May. Beyond the migration, you can expect to see resident predators like lions, leopards, and cheetahs, along with elephants, giraffes, and various antelopes, often in more intimate settings due to the low visitor density.

When is the best time to visit Loliondo for optimal wildlife viewing and what activities are available?

The best time to visit Loliondo largely depends on your interest in the Great Migration; December to May offers excellent chances to witness the herds. However, resident game viewing is good year-round. Activities often include traditional game drives, guided walking safaris, cultural visits to Maasai villages, and sometimes even fly-camping for an ultimate wilderness experience, all enhanced by the area's low crowding.

What kind of accommodation and travel logistics should I anticipate for a safari in Loliondo?

Due to its remote nature and focus on exclusivity, accommodation in Loliondo typically consists of small, eco-friendly tented camps or mobile camps that move with the migration. Access is often via light aircraft flights to local airstrips, followed by a game drive transfer to your camp. This ensures a truly authentic and uncrowded safari, emphasizing privacy and minimal environmental impact.

What are the essential health and safety precautions for travelers visiting Loliondo Game Controlled Area?

Loliondo is a high-risk malaria area, so antimalarial medication, mosquito repellent, and protective clothing are essential. It's also advisable to consult your doctor about other vaccinations and carry a comprehensive first-aid kit. Given the remote location, travel insurance covering medical evacuation is highly recommended for peace of mind.

Recommended Books

  • Stuarts' Field Guide to National Parks & Game Reserves of East Africa by Chris & Mathilde Stuart - Park-by-park guide with maps, species lists, and practical information. Perfect for planning which parks to visit and what to expect.
  • The Handbook of Bird Photography by Markus Varesvuo, Jari Peltomäki & Bence Máté - Excellent for birding photographers on safari - covers technique, equipment, fieldcraft, and post-processing with stunning example images.
  • Bradt Guide: Northern Tanzania by Philip Briggs - The best single-country safari guide - covers Serengeti, Ngorongoro Crater, Tarangire, and Lake Manyara in extraordinary detail with expert local knowledge.
  • Birds of East Africa by Terry Stevenson & John Fanshawe - Covers Kenya, Tanzania, Uganda, Rwanda, and Burundi - 1,388 species illustrated with range maps. The essential birding companion for East African safaris.
  • Photographing Wildlife in Africa by Paolo Torchio - Practical guide specifically for African safari photography - camera settings, lens choices, composition techniques, and how to make the most of game drives.
  • Lonely Planet East Africa by Lonely Planet - Comprehensive travel guide covering Kenya, Tanzania, Uganda, and beyond. Practical information on visas, transport, accommodation, and detailed park guides.
  • Fodor's The Complete Guide to African Safaris by Fodor's Travel - Country-by-country planning guide with lodge reviews, practical logistics, packing lists, and insider tips. Often cited as the best all-in-one safari planning resource.
  • Lonely Planet Tanzania by Lonely Planet - Comprehensive guide covering Serengeti, Ngorongoro, Kilimanjaro, Zanzibar, and beyond. Practical transport, accommodation, and itinerary advice for independent and guided safari travellers.
  • National Geographic Kids: Safari by National Geographic - Age-appropriate wildlife facts with stunning photographs. Great for getting children excited about the animals they'll see on safari.
  • The Last Elephants by Don Pinnock & Colin Bell - Conservation-focused book combining beautiful photography with urgent storytelling about the threats facing Africa's elephant populations.
  • Here Is the African Savanna by Madeleine Dunphy - Beautifully illustrated picture book about the savanna ecosystem. Teaches children about the interconnected web of life on an African plain.
  • Safari: A Photographic Journey by Art Wolfe - Large-format coffee-table book from one of the world's most celebrated nature photographers. Stunning images from across the African continent.
  • The Kingdon Field Guide to African Mammals by Jonathan Kingdon - The definitive mammal field guide for Africa covering over 1,150 species with detailed illustrations. Considered the gold standard for safari-goers and researchers alike.
  • The Behavior Guide to African Mammals by Richard Despard Estes - Goes beyond identification to explain why animals behave as they do. Essential reading for safari-goers who want to understand the wildlife they observe.
  • A Field Guide to the Reptiles of East Africa by Stephen Spawls, Kim Howell, Harald Hinkel & Michele Menegon - Comprehensive coverage of snakes, lizards, turtles, and crocodilians found across East Africa. A niche but appreciated guide for the thorough naturalist.
  • Remembering Lions by Various Photographers - Part of the acclaimed Remembering Wildlife conservation book series. Features contributions from world-class wildlife photographers, with proceeds supporting lion conservation.
  • African Animals ABC by Stella Blackstone & Petr Horacek - Simple alphabet book with bold, colourful animal illustrations. Perfect for toddlers and young children preparing for their first safari. Ages 2–5.
  • Beat About the Bush: Mammals by Trevor Carnaby - The single best book for understanding animal behaviour on safari. Explains why animals do what they do - feeding, mating, territory, predator-prey dynamics. Makes every game drive infinitely more rewarding.
  • Wildlife of East Africa (Princeton Pocket Guide) by Martin B. Withers & David Hosking - Compact pocket guide covering mammals, birds, reptiles, amphibians, and insects of Kenya, Tanzania, Uganda, and Rwanda. 500+ colour photographs. The best quick-reference guide to carry on game drives.
  • Africa's Top Wildlife Countries by Mark W. Nolting - The most respected safari planning book in print. Detailed country-by-country guide covering parks, lodges, best times to visit, and what wildlife to expect. Updated regularly. The first book every safari planner should read.
  • The Safari Companion: A Guide to Watching African Mammals by Richard D. Estes - Part field guide, part planning tool. Explains mammal behaviour in a way that transforms game drives. Covers tracks, signs, social structures, and habitat preferences. A must-pack for serious safari-goers.
  • The Shadow of the Sun by Ryszard Kapuscinski - Widely considered the greatest book ever written about Africa. Kapuscinski spent 40 years reporting from across the continent. Vivid, poetic, and deeply insightful. Essential pre-safari reading for understanding the continent.
  • Elephant Company by Vicki Constantine Croke - The extraordinary true story of James Howard Williams and the elephants who helped him build bridges, extract teak, and ultimately rescue refugees across the Burmese jungle during WWII. Gripping and moving.
  • When the Last Lion Roars by Sara Evans - An urgent, accessible account of the African lion's decline from 200,000 to under 20,000 in a century. Covers the science, politics, and human stories behind lion conservation. Eye-opening pre-safari reading.
  • Ivory, Horn and Blood by Ronald Orenstein - The definitive book on the poaching crisis devastating African elephants and rhinos. Covers the criminal networks, the rangers fighting back, and what travellers can do. Important context for any safari visitor.
  • Last Chance to See by Douglas Adams & Mark Carwardine - Witty and heartbreaking tour of endangered species by the Hitchhiker's Guide author. Combines humour with urgent conservation messaging.
  • Owen and Mzee by Isabella Hatkoff, Craig Hatkoff & Paula Kahumbu - True story of an orphaned hippo befriending a 130-year-old tortoise in Kenya. A heartwarming tale of unlikely friendship that teaches empathy.
  • Remembering Elephants by Various Photographers - Stunning coffee-table book from the Remembering Wildlife series. All proceeds go to elephant conservation - beautiful photography with a purpose.
  • Whatever You Do, Don't Run by Peter Allison - Hilarious memoir from a Botswana safari guide - true stories from the bush that will have you laughing out loud. A favourite among safari enthusiasts.
  • Poached by Rachel Love Nuwer - Gripping investigation into the illegal wildlife trade - from African poaching networks to Asian markets. Essential reading for understanding the threats to safari wildlife.
  • Safari Nation by Jacob S. T. Dlamini - Fascinating history of South Africa's national parks and their complex colonial legacy. Academic but accessible - changes how you think about safari tourism.
  • Safari: A Photicular Book by Dan Kainen & Carol Kaufmann - Mesmerising book with moving photographic images of African animals. Kids and adults love the magical moving pictures - perfect pre-trip gift.