Sand River Masai Mara

Experience the golden glamour of a 1920s safari adventure on the Sand River.

An understated exterior belies the opulent interiors of this lovely camp. Enjoy sundowners to the sounds of lions roaring and elephants trumpeting – awe-inspiring and a little alarming!

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Jonty

Eve

Kristin

4.9 out of 5 stars Average guest rating

About Sand River Masai Mara

Located on the banks of the river from which it takes its name, Sand River Masai Mara lies within Kenya's flagship reserve, close to the Tanzanian border. This is where the wildebeest cross the river in search of better grazing later in the year, so you couldn't be closer to the heart of the action. There's profuse resident game too, so there's lots to see year round. The camp itself is charming. Decorated in authentic 1920s colonial safari style, with plush leather seating, travel chests and a well-stocked library, the camp makes you feel like an extra in Out of Africa.

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From $550 person/night

Camp

16 Tents

Masai Mara National Reserve, Masai Mara, Kenya

What you'll love

The huge rooms, the outdoor showers and enormous bathtubs overlooking the Sand River, and all-round fantastic service from the guides to the waiters. This camp has it all.

Insiders tip

Come armed with questions and make use of the excellent guides. They know the area and its animals so well, they're like human binoculars and encyclopaedias, all rolled into one.

Something to think about

October and November are the best times to see the migration river crossings around the camp, otherwise it might be a bit of a drive to Mara River. On the plus side, you're in an area where there are very few other vehicles around...

The property

The accommodation is divided into two separate but adjoining campsites, with each area possessing its own designated dining and public areas. Meals are served in the dining area or outdoors, and the food is five-star, as you would expect. For those looking to cool off there's a swimming pool.

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The rooms

There are 16 tents, including a family suite, in the two adjoining campsites. All the rooms have lovely views of either the river or the surrounding plains. The interiors are elegant and glamorous, with hardwood floors, oriental rugs, brocade curtains, ridiculously comfortable beds and a bathroom with a copper-clad tub, a rain shower and an outdoor shower that offers views of the game. What could beat watching elephant feeding while you rinse off the dust?

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Activities

Game Drives

Hot Air Ballooning

Game drives and photographic safaris are always successful, especially as the guides are such five-star experts. See the action from above in a hot air balloon, watch the animals from your own private deck or settle back with a book in your super-glam accommodation.

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Positive impact

Sand River Masai Mara is owned by Elewana collection which are rooted in the concept of harmony, as reflected in their Kiswahili-inspired name. Through the Land & Life Foundation, Elewana is dedicated to fostering the sustainable coexistence between communities and wildlife across East Africa. Shanga, an initiative under the foundation, empowers individuals with disabilities through artistic expression and economic opportunities, epitomising Elewana's commitment to authentic experiences and positive impact.

Reviews

Guest

a year ago

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5 out of 5 stars

brent knowles

2 years ago

Great hotel next to all the action by the sand river! we had elephants walk by us at lunch and we heard lions roaring at night , need I say more??

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5 out of 5 stars

David Hoeksema

2 years ago

Sand River is nestled along the banks of the river providing a tranquil setting for its more than comfortable luxury tenting accommodations. Breakfast and lunch were served al fresco with the river running beside the grounds and looking across the river to Tanzania. Food was creative and the game drives amazing!

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5 out of 5 stars

About Masai Mara

Masai Mara

A safari classic filled with the Big Five, wildlife-dotted landscapes and vibrant Maasai warriors.

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Wildlife in Masai Mara

Elephant

Abundant

Giraffe

Abundant

Hippo

Occasional

Black Rhino

Rare

White Rhino

None

Lion

Abundant

Cheetah

Abundant

Leopard

Occasional

Hyena

Occasional

Wildebeest

Abundant

Buffalo

Occasional

Zebra

Abundant

Warthog

Occasional

Wild Dog

Rare

Meerkat

None

Show all wildlife

The Masai Mara is Kenya's flagship conservation region: a place of rolling plains, bush scrub and acacia thicket— known for the seasonal great wildebeest migration, a mass movement of more than two million, wildebeest, zebra, kongoni, topi and gazelle. As exciting as this phenomenon is, there is so much more to this wilderness. Encounter elephants, buffalo, hippo, giraffe, crocodiles and a variety of cats including lion, cheetah, leopard and the shy serval during a stay in these parts.

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