Sand River Masai Mara

Resting on the banks of Sand River, deep in Masai Mara National Reserve is a tented camp that will whisk you away to the classic era of African adventure.

The Camp

Vintage Glamour & Riverside Serenity

Sand River Masai Mara is an elegant step back in time, echoing the romance and style of the 1920s. Set under a canopy of indigenous trees along the river's edge, the camp features classic canvas structures, ornate dark-wood furnishings, and brass accents that evoke a bygone era of exploration. It is a place where the atmosphere of a permanent film set meets the high-stakes drama of the Great Migration, providing a luxurious and nostalgic retreat where the gentle murmur of the river provides a constant, soothing soundtrack.

Tents

Classic & Timeless

The tents at Sand River are a masterful tribute to the traditional safari aesthetic, meticulously designed to offer privacy and old-world charm without compromising on modern luxury. Each expansive tent is divided into distinct living and sleeping areas, featuring hand-crafted furniture and private verandas that overlook the seasonal flow of the river. It is a refined sanctuary where the elegance of the interior design perfectly complements the wild, unscripted beauty of the Mara plains.

  • 15 Safari Tents
  • 1 Family Suite

The tents are thoughtfully spaced along the riverbank to provide a sense of absolute seclusion, offering a peaceful vantage point to watch hippos in the pools below or observe the herds as they move across the savanna during the migration months.

A secluded and picturesque site with all the romance of a Hollywood film, this is the ideal destination to enjoy awe-inspiring game viewing.

What to Do

Follow the thundering herds of the Great Migration, enjoy a private bush breakfast as the sun rises over the savannah, or watch the resident lion prides prowl through the tall grass from the comfort of your private deck.

There's plenty to do...

A Timeless Icon: The Spirit of the Mara

Sand River Masai Mara occupies a privileged position within the Maasai Mara National Reserve, offering some of the finest game viewing in Africa. This region is world-renowned for its exceptional big cat populations and as a frontline seat to the annual migration of over a million wildebeest and zebra. From the shaded banks of the river, guests can explore a landscape of rolling grasslands and riverine forest—a sanctuary of staggering biodiversity. Whether embarking on an expert-led game drive or enjoying the quiet elegance of a sunset cocktail by the campfire, Sand River offers a nostalgic and immersive safari experience that is truly second to none.

Activities

  • Game Drives

    Embark on early-morning or late-afternoon shared game drives led by our expert professional guides. This is the ultimate stage for Africa’s "Big Show," where an abundance of wildlife—including the legendary Big Five—will delight and astound you across the rolling plains of the Mara.

  • Sundowners

    As the day draws to a close, join us for traditional sundowners to witness a breathtaking sunset. Relax with a drink in hand as the distant calls of hyenas signal the start of the evening hunt—a captivating finale to a day filled with natural wonder.

  • Cultural Visits

    A guided tour of a local village offers a firsthand insight into the vibrant Maasai culture. This immersive experience combines learning with tradition, sharing the history, customs, and rhythmic songs and dances that have defined this community for generations.

  • Balloon Safaris

    Lift off just before dawn as the sky turns a soft pink, floating silently above the vast Mara plains. This iconic experience offers an entirely different perspective of the wildlife and landscape below, followed by a celebrated bush breakfast (additional costs apply).

  • Stargazing

    Explore the brilliant night sky of the Equator, where the lack of light pollution reveals a dazzling canopy of constellations. Our guides will help you navigate the celestial wonders of the Mara, from the Milky Way to the Southern Cross.

  • Picnic Breakfast & Lunch

    Savour a day of true adventure in the heart of the Masai Mara, whether witnessing a dramatic wildebeest crossing or exploring the remote wilderness. We provide beautifully packed picnic breakfasts and lunches for you to relish amidst the stunning backdrop of the African bush.

  • Fire Pit at Camp

    Gather around the communal fire pit as evening falls to share stories of the day's sightings. It is the perfect setting to enjoy a refreshing drink and indulge in delectable local snacks while soaking in the nostalgic atmosphere of our riverside camp.

  • For Young Adventurers

    Our "Wildlife Warrior" programme invites children to discover the wilderness through guided camp bush walks. Young explorers can learn the art of traditional fire-making and master the skills of the Maasai rungu, bow, and arrow under the guidance of our expert team.

  • Swimming

    Take a refreshing dip in our sparkling pool, a serene oasis perfectly positioned for relaxation between your game-viewing adventures. It is a tranquil retreat where you can cool off while soaking in the sights and sounds of the river.

  • Board Games

    Enjoy a selection of classic board games in the elegant lounge, echoing the leisurely and nostalgic pace of a traditional 1920s safari retreat. It is the perfect way to unwind with family and friends during the quiet heat of the afternoon.
Dining

The Culinary Experience

Sand River Masai Mara offers a quintessential safari dining experience, steeped in glamour. Lunches are an exquisite à la carte affair, served under the dappled shade of indigenous trees beside the river's edge.

Indulge in the nostalgic enchantment of dining intimately close to nature in our elegant, open-air settings. As you take your seat, the ambiance of a bygone era immerses you in the wild, complemented by the gentle murmur of the Sand River and the distant calls of the Mara’s resident wildlife.

Our beautifully curated menus celebrate a fusion of local and international flavours, transforming fresh, seasonal ingredients into culinary masterpieces. Whether enjoying a formal dinner under the stars or a leisurely riverside breakfast, every meal at Sand River is a refined celebration of the African bush and the timeless art of hospitality.

Sustainability & Conservation

Our sustainability at Sand River is driven by solar energy and a circular resource model. We maintain a zero-tolerance policy on single-use plastics and recycle all solid waste via TakaTaka Solutions, while biological wastewater treatment ensures we protect the river’s ecosystem. As signatories of the Glasgow Declaration and audited by the Land & Life Foundation, we actively monitor our carbon footprint to achieve net-zero emissions, ensuring our presence preserves the pristine nature of this iconic riverside landscape.

Socially, we are deeply invested in the local community through our long-standing support of Embiti Primary School. Our initiatives focus on infrastructure development and essential supplies, while our scholarship programme provides high-achieving, disadvantaged students with full support throughout their secondary education. By investing in both educational resources and individual potential, we ensure that the benefits of our presence at Sand River create a meaningful and lasting legacy for the families of the Maasai Mara.

Any Questions

+254 730 127 000 reservations@elewana.com

Stay Connected

Facebook Instagram youtube
Minor Hotels Logo Lock ups RGB Horizontal Single Line Brands Only White
Sand River Masai Mara National Reserve, Kenya

Fast Facts

Accommodation

  • 15 tented rooms
  • 1 Family tent

Activities

  • Shared day game drives in custom 4x4 vehicles
  • Bush meals and sundowners
  • Bush breakfasts and sundowners
  • Visit to a local school supported by Land & Life Foundation
  • Balloon Safari (on request)

Global Coordinates

  • -1.6191932088329755, 35.16171445636363

Honeymoon Experiences

  • Bottle of sparkling wine on arrival in the tent
  • Private candle-lit dinner for two
  • African souvenir gift on departure

Kids

  • Guided Camp bush walks
  • Board games and playing cards available in camp
  • Warrior training
  • School visit - during normal term times
  • Children’s menu

Getting There

  • Keekorok airstrip is a 45 minute flight from Wilson Airport (Scheduled flights daily)
  • 45 min transfer from Keekorok airstrip to the Camp
  • There are also scheduled flights from Meru via Lewa and Nanyuki / from Mombasa, via Ukunda and Amboseli (flight times vary from each destination)

Wow Factor

  • The Masai Mara National Reserve is renowned for the spectacular wildebeest migration, and Sand River Masai Mara camp puts guests in the heart of the action. Marvel at the sheer numbers of animals during the migration time.

Downloads