Olkeri Camp: Our full report

Opened in September 2022, Olkeri is situated on the north-eastern boundary of the Randilen Wildlife Management ...

... Area and Tarangire National Park; ideal for travellers looking for quieter wildlife areas and opportunities to do walking safaris and fly camping.

Olkeri is a traditional bush camp, with a simple and comfortable camp layout. The main area is divided into a lounge area and a separate dining area; both looking out over two waterholes, which are often busy with wildlife passing by for a drink. The lounge area is tucked in-between two large baobabs giving it a fun and quirky ambiance. The lounge has built in wooden sofas, with comfortable cushions, a coffee table and a deck with stairs leading down to the evening fireplace. There are bathroom facilities close to the lounge and dining area.

Olkeri comes from the Maasai word for “Leopard”, so it is only fitting that potted leopard orchids can be found in the main areas and the arrival circle. In full bloom, these are such a treat and add a special touch to the camp.

Each tent has a unique setting, with most overlooking valleys; a perfect place to spend the afternoon watching the birdlife or catching a glimpse of bushbuck and dik diks passing through.

The majority of the tents are located to the right of the main area, with the exception of three tents; the “honeymoon” tent, which is over a wooden bridge, to the left of the main area in addition to two further standard tents which are located close to the lounge and dining area.

The interiors of the tents share the same simplistic tone, with pale teak wood paneling and earthly tones; a comfortable bed, writing desk, wicker chairs and a coffee table inside the tent, and an outside seating area on a private deck.

The en suite bathrooms are spacious, with plumbed in showers and wash basins, and hot water available throughout the day from the solar water heaters outside each room.

The family room is made of two standard ensuite bedrooms, interconnected, ideal for families with small children. The gauze netting at the front of the tent that leads out onto the deck allows for natural light and a breeze to come through, however, we have been told that there are plans to have room fans, as it can get quite hot in the dry season.

The main activities at Olkeri are game drives around the Randilen concession and Tarangire National Park, walking, fly camping, night drives and bush meals. For those looking to learn about the local culture, there is the possibility to interact with the local Maasai communities in the area.

We were very impressed with the Randilen Wildlife Management Area (WMA) , which serves are an important wildlife corridor and buffer zone for the eastern side of Tarangire National Park. The few camps located in this area allow for secluded wilderness experience, with hardly any crowds and vehicles. The general wildlife has grown confident in the area, meaning that game viewing is excellent all year round.

Not being a national park, the Randilen WMA has the perks of permitting more activities and the presence of waterholes. It is also part of new conservation model which allows the free movement of wildlife all year round and a serving as a vital grass bank for Maasai cattle during the peak of the dry season.

Our view

Olkeri is a perfect camp for those who are looking to avoid the crowds and enjoy the simpler, low key style. The team on the ground are welcoming and eager to interact, making you feel very much a part of the family.

Richard Trillo

Tanzania expert

Geographics

Location: Tarangire National Park, Tanzania
Ideal length of stay: 3 to 4 nights. This combines well with its sister camps, Katambuga House in Arusha or Olmara Camp and Esirai Migration Camp both located in the Serengeti.
Directions: Olkeri is maximum 2 hours from Kuro Airstrip, 20 minutes from the Randilen Gate and 45 minutes from Boundary Hill gate.
Accessible by: Fly-and-Transfer

Food & drink

Usual board basis: Full Board & Activities
Food quality: The food offering throughout the Entara camps has exceeded our expectations. The meals are a variety of fresh seasonal produce and well portioned to minimize wastage.
Dining style: Individual Tables
Dining locations: Indoor and Outdoor Dining
Further dining info, including room service: Room service is available on request
Drinks included: House drinks included

Children

Attitude towards children: Children of all ages welcome
Special activities & services: Nature walks around the camp
Equipment: Cots and highchairs are available on request in advance.
Generally recommended for children: 10 years and older
Notes: Parents should keep an eye on children around the camp. There is a lot of vegetation around the camp, and it is unfenced

Communications

Power supply notes: There are charging stations in the room tents (USB ports on bed headboards) as well as in the main areas.
Communications: WiFi is available in the main areas.
TV & radio: None
Water supply: Borehole
Water supply notes: The camp has flush toilets and plumbed-in showers.

Health & safety

Malarial protection recommended: Yes
Medical care: The nearest hospital is in Arusha, which is a 2 hour drive from the camp.
Dangerous animals: High Risk
Security measures: Askaris (night watchmen) available throughout the night
Fire safety: There are fire extinguishers in each guest tent and in the main area and there’s a fire break around the camp

Activities

4WD Safari
Birdwatching
Cultural excursion
Fly-camping
Guided walking safari

Extras

Disabled access: On Request
Laundry facilities: Laundry is included, with the exception of ladies' underwear. Powdered soap is provided in the bathrooms
Money: There are no room safes, and valuables can be locked away in the management office safe.
Accepted payment on location: For extras, the camp accepts Visa, Mastercard and Amex, with a 4% surcharge. Cash is accepted in all currencies.