Sand River Masai Mara

Situated along the banks of a river from which it has taken its name, Sand River Masai Mara is located within the Masai Mara National Reserve in Kenya on a secluded and picturesque site close to the Tanzania border. The camp enjoys stunning views over the Sand River and out to the neighbouring grassy hills and plains of Tanzania.

The camp sits on the migration route for the millions of wildebeest, zebra and Thompson's gazelle that move between Serengeti and Maasai Mara every year. Guests enjoy the privilege of exclusive views of the plains and hills dotted with thousands of animals as well as being in the thick of the excitement of frenetic and famed river crossings, all from the comfort of camp.

Comprising of 16 tented accommodations, Elewana Sand River Masai Mara replicates the heyday of exclusive permanent tented camps of the late 1920’s.  Divided into two separate but adjoining campsites of 10 and 6 tents (Little Sand River), each area possessing its own designated dining and public areas, Elewana Sand River Masai Mara provides an atmosphere of exclusivity and class.

Luxury Tented Suites
Sand River Masai Mara has 16 luxury tented accommodations divided into two separate but adjoining campsites of 10 and 6 tents. Each "camp" possesses its own designated dining and public areas, thereby creating an increased sense of exclusivity and privacy.

The interior fixtures and furnishings mirror this period perfectly, reminding all who visit of those countless Hollywood movies that have paid homage to a classic era of African adventure.

There are 4 twin and 11 double tents.

Family Tent
An expansive Family Tent comprises of double and twin en suite rooms adjoined by a lounger area. The family tent enjoys views over the Sand River.

Game drives
The Masai Mara is renowned for its spectacular game viewing and wildlife interactions. Why not enjoy it with the most traditional of safari activities - a game drive! With a knowledgeable guide, a custom-designed car and a car fridge full of cold drinks, enjoy a morning, afternoon or full day out in the grassy plains, and riverine forest of the Masai Mara.

Sundowners
A sunset over the Masai Mara plains enjoyed with a drink in hand is an age-old safari tradition. Sit back in comfy camp chairs, with the waiter to bring you your tipple of choice, and some delicious bitings.

Bush Meals
Enjoy a delicious breakfast or lunch surrounded by the sights and sounds of the African bush. Under the shade of the custom-designed awning on the safari vehicle sit at a fully-laid table with home-cooked gourmet food.

Swimming
Take a refreshing dip in Sand River Masai Mara's enticing pool.

Cultural Village or School Visit
The Masai Mara is famed for is red-adorned Maasai tribe, who have lived in this area for centuries. While at Sand River Masai Mara guests can visit a local village or school and witness the traditions of the Maasai people that still hold strong today.

Kenya Classic Sky Safari
For 8-days and 7-nights, staying in Kenya's very best camps and lodges, our SkySafari guests will enjoy exceptional game viewing, intimate and bespoke dining, and an array of incomparable memories which will surely last a lifetime.

Travelling in comfort and style with our very own executive class aircraft, SkySafari guests will visit Amboseli National Park, with its breathtaking views of Mt Kilimanjaro, see the large elephant herds of Meru National Parkand and enjoy the abundance of wildlife at Masai Mara Game Reserve.

​Extensions may be added on to enhance your experience. You may extend your days in the Masai Mara, either staying on at Sand River or moving to Elephant Pepper Camp, explore the Serengeti at either Serengeti Migration Camp or Serengeti Pioneer Camp, or end your journey with a stay at AfroChic, located on one of the most beautiful beaches in the world.

Day 1 : Nairobi
Set between Nairobi National Park and the foot of the Ngong Hills, Hemingways Nairobi is an exclusive boutique hotel far from the bustle of central Nairobi. An all-suite property providing full butler service, gourmet restaurant, a brasserie and a bar, it is perfectly placed for trips to Nairobi National Park and the capital.

Hemingways Nairobi has a sophisticated and tranquil ambiance. Each of the 45 suites is a generous size, all with walk-in dressing rooms and a terrace with magnificent views of the Ngong Hills.

Days 2 & 3 : Amboseli National Park
Tortilis Camp- 140km south of Nairobi, Amboseli National Park is the second most popular wildlife area in Kenya, famous for its large population of over 1000 resident elephants and for its scenic beauty with the backdrop of the world’s highest free-standing mountain, snow-capped Kilimanjaro.

Amboseli National Park covers 96,865 acres (392km²), which constitutes less than 5% of the entire 2 million acre ecosystem of the Amboseli basin crossing from Kenya into Tanzania. The lush green wetlands in this otherwise dry area make Amboseli National Park one of the best wildlife-viewing areas on the planet, attracting over 600 species of birds including pelicans, kingfishers, crakes, hammerkops, 47 types of raptors as well as the African elephant, cape buffalo, impala, hyena, giraffe, zebra, gazelle and wildebeest with lion and cheetah among the big cats that roam the area.

Tortilis Camp has unrivalled views of Kilimanjaro, rising out of the semi-arid bush studded plains – Africa’s highest mountain, and the highest free standing mountain in the world.

Amboseli opens your eyes to Africa’s vast space: a photographer’s paradise. Famous for over 1000 elephants, also lion, cheetah, hyena and jackal hunt the prolific plains game; around camp the Acacia Tortilis forest is host to many bird species and literally thousands of weaver nests hang above the tents adding a rousing dawn chorus into the mix.

Winner of British Airways’ prestigious eco-tourism award, Tortilis pioneered low impact, high comfort tourism. Guests have access to a private 30,000 acre conservancy facing the mountain; and can enjoy walks with experienced Masai guides, bush breakfasts and sundowners. Tortilis is famous for Northern Italian cuisine based on original family recipes.

Days 4-5: Meru National Park
Elsa’s Kopje- Meru National Park, wild and remote, lies 10km north of the equator between Mount Kenya and the Nyambeni Mountains, 350km from Nairobi. Meru forms part of a larger conservation area covering 370,000 acres including the adjoining Kora, Rahole and Bisanadi Reserves.

The park was brought to fame in the 60’s through Joy Adamson’s bestselling book, Born Free, the true story about Elsa the lioness. The park also incorporates an 84km2 rhino sanctuary, making Meru one of the prime destinations to see rhino in their natural habitat. The birdlife in Samburu and Meru is extraordinarily colourful and abundant with over 400 species of birds.

Rugged and remote: Meru National Park was rescued from oblivion thanks to Elsa’s Kopje, an environmental award-winning, boutique lodge. Visitors get the whole place to themselves: all 870 km2 of it, including a thriving rhino sanctuary inside the Park. Famous for large elephant herds, lion and birdlife, and more diversity of animal species than any park in East Africa; Meru is also the only National Park to permit ranger-guided bush walks. Other activities include fishing in the streams, game drives to Kora and Bisanadi National Reserves, and night game drives back to camp.

Unashamedly romantic and beautifully styled, sculpted into Mughwango Hill, above the site of George Adamson’s original camp where he raised and released orphan lions, long before conservation became fashionable. Each cottage is crafted round the rocks, with a large bedroom, open sitting room, veranda, rock-hewn bathroom, and breathtaking views.

Days 6-7: Masai Mara Game Reserve
Sand River Masai Mara-The Masai Mara is famous for its astounding numbers of wildlife. With both resident and transient populations of lion, leopard, cheetah, hyena, giraffe, elephant, to name a few, as well as over 450 bird species, the vast fertile plains are dense with game.

The area has been classified among the “Seven Wonders of the World” due to the extraordinary annual migration from July to November when over 1.3 million wildebeest and zebra cross from the Serengeti to the Maasai Mara in search of greener pastures.

However, the Masai Mara National Reserve itself, measuring 373,000 acres, is only a fraction of the Greater Mara-Serengeti Ecosystem, much of which falls under ownership of Maasai pastoralists. Some of the ecosystem’s prime game viewing lies within the conservation areas surrounding the Reserve. These conservancies have been set up by the private sector in partnership with local Maasai landowners in order to conserve the larger Masai Mara ecosystem and extend the protection area for wildlife.

Day 8: Nairobi - Departure
Enjoy a morning game drive or relax at camp. After lunch your SkySafari flight will take you back to Wilson Airport. You will be chauffeured to Jomo Kenyatta International Airport; before arriving there we will stop at one of Nairobi’s gourmet restaurants where dinner will be served. You will arrive at the airport in time for your outbound flight.

For more information on Sand River Masai Mara click HERE

To see a video on Sand River Masai Mara click HERE