Guide to Elewana Sand River Camp at Masai Mara

The Modern Meets the Classic 1920s Safari Charm at Masai Mara National Reserve

Imagine arriving at your safari lodge and receiving a warm, friendly greeting at the reception. As your luggage is taken to your luxurious safari tent, you’re guided to the lodge’s elegant lounge area, where you settle into a cozy leather armchair. While you sip your favorite cold drink, you gaze out at the stunning views of the wild landscape that stretch before you. 

The atmosphere is inviting, with dark wooden floors laid with oriental rugs, bookshelves filled with intriguing reads, and a small bar tucked away in a corner—every detail evoking the timeless charm of a 1920s safari. For those who prefer to enjoy the outdoors, tables and chairs are set beneath the shade of towering trees just outside the lounge. A staircase just beyond the lounge leads you down to the peaceful banks of the Sand River.

Elewana Sand River Camp features only 16 luxury safari tents, ensuring an intimate and exclusive experience. One of these tents is slightly larger, perfect for families seeking more space. The layout of the camp offers you a sense of seclusion, as the tents are well-spaced along the north bank of the Sand River, allowing you to immerse yourself in tranquility. 

The camp is divided into two areas: the Little Sand River (or main camp) and the Sand River property. Six tents are located on one side of the main area, while ten others are on the opposite side. Both sections have their own dining area and lounge, creating a cozy, private vibe throughout the camp.

The lush trees lining the Sand River add to the camp’s charm, offering both shade and a vibrant green landscape. In the central common area, a large infinity pool is surrounded by comfortable sun loungers, providing a perfect spot to unwind while gazing across the river. After a day of thrilling safari drives and activities, this peaceful retreat is the ideal place to relax. 

One of the major highlights of your stay here is the lodge’s location along the great migration route of the Masai Mara National Reserve. Situated in the quieter southeastern corner of the reserve, near the border with Tanzania’s Serengeti, you’ll have an up-close view of one of Africa’s most iconic safari destinations.

During your stay, you’ll have the opportunity to witness the awe-inspiring annual migration of wildebeest, gazelle, and zebra as they journey between the Serengeti and Masai Mara. Even if you’re visiting outside the peak migration period, this area offers year-round wildlife viewing, with zebras, giraffes, warthogs, and hartebeests frequently spotted. Naturally, where there’s prey, predators follow, so you’ll also have a good chance of encountering cheetahs, hyenas, jackals, and lions in their natural habitat.

After undergoing a full renovation in 2019, the Sand River Camp now blends modern luxury with vintage safari elegance. The camp evokes the grandeur of a 1920s African safari movie, but with all the contemporary comforts of the 21st century. Each of the spacious luxury tents rests on an elevated wooden platform, keeping you comfortably above the ground and away from any critters. 

Inside, you’ll find a separate lounge area with a comfy couch (some of which convert into extra beds), an antique writing desk, an armchair, and a digital safe for your valuables. A canvas flap separates the lounge from the bedroom, offering you the option to keep it open for a larger living space or close it at night for a more intimate, private feel. The bedroom features an inviting antique wooden bed surrounded by mosquito netting, ensuring a peaceful and restful night.

The safari tent’s en-suite bathroom is a true indulgence, with a freestanding copper bath, twin washbasins, and a flushing toilet. A glass door leads to an outdoor shower, allowing you to bathe under the stars or embrace the early morning sounds of the Masai Mara. Complimentary toiletries add to the experience. Outside the tent, a wooden deck with lounge chairs invites you to relax with a cold drink while taking in the views of the river. 

For families, there’s a larger safari tent available, offering one double room and an additional twin room, along with en-suite bathrooms and a shared central lounge. The family suite is decorated in a similar style to the other tents, and cots and high chairs are available upon request. However, it’s important to note that this is an unfenced camp, and wild animals often wander through the area. For safety reasons, it is best suited for families with older children, who should always be supervised by an adult.

Dinning Experience at Elewana Sand River Camp

At this safari lodge, you’re in for a treat when it comes to food. Whether you’re enjoying a sundowner — a glass of wine (or your preferred drink) paired with tasty snacks while watching the sun set over the Masai Mara plains — or indulging in a bush meal during an adventurous outing, every dining experience is crafted with care. 

The delicious cuisine, combined with warm, attentive service, enhances the overall charm of the lodge. You can choose to dine in the lively common area or opt for a more intimate setting. Every meal is served in style, with tables meticulously set for your enjoyment.

Things to Do at Elewana Sand River Camp

At Sand River Camp, your adventure begins with the guidance of local Maasai experts who will take you on exciting safari drives in comfortable 4WD Toyota Land Cruisers. You have the choice of going on a full-day safari, complete with a picnic lunch, or splitting your day into separate morning and afternoon game drives, returning to camp for a relaxing lunch in between. 

The game viewing in this area is top-notch, and shared game drives are included in your stay (private safaris are available for an additional fee). This region of the Masai Mara is known for its high concentration of big cats, and the diverse landscapes you’ll encounter during your drives are simply breathtaking. You’ll explore the expansive grassy plains and lush riverine forests while searching for elephants, lions, leopards, cheetahs, hyenas, zebras, giraffes, hippos, wildebeest, impalas, mongoose, jackals, warthogs, and baboons.

While you’re focusing on the animals below, don’t forget to scan the skies and treetops. The birdwatching here is outstanding, offering you the chance to spot a wide variety of bird species. If you’re fortunate enough to visit during the Great Migration, you might witness the wildebeest herds crossing the shallow Sand River just beside the camp. Although it’s a less dramatic crossing than the famous Mara River, it’s still a spectacular sight to behold. The Sand River offers an easier route for the herds.

There’s plenty more to do at camp when you’re not out on safari. You can visit a nearby Maasai village and school, gaining a deeper understanding of the rich cultural heritage of the Maasai people. If you prefer to unwind at camp, you can enjoy some friendly competition in the billiards room, catch up on some reading, or play a few board games. And for a real thrill, why not take to the sky on a hot air balloon safari (extra charges apply and pre-booking is necessary)?

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