Elewana Sand River Camp at Masai Mara
Lodge location Masai Mara National Reserve
Experience a luxury safari experience at the Sand River tented safari lodge nestled on the sand river mara the border of the Masai Mara and Serengeti.
Set along the lush, secluded banks of the Sand River, the elegant Elewana Sand River tented safari lodge exudes a charming 1920s classic safari ambiance. Ideally positioned on the edge of the Masai Mara National Reserve, it offers stunning views of the gentle grassy hills and the expansive plains of Tanzania’s Serengeti. This location is perfect for year-round wildlife observation.
Table of Contents
Overview of Sand River Masai Mara
Family-friendly environment
Sand River Camp is open to children of all ages.
Refresh and relax
Take a dip in the camp’s inviting swimming pool, one of its many luxury amenities.
Soar above the plains
Aerial views from hot air balloon safaris are available (at an additional cost).
Family accommodations
The camp features one spacious family tent.
Culinary delights
Renowned for its gourmet dining and exceptional food experience.
Witness the Great Migration
Prime location for witnessing the wildlife spectacle of the Great Migration between August and October.
Thrilling game drives
Enjoy exhilarating safari adventures and game drives included in your stay.
Luxurious accommodations
Sand River Camp offers 16 exclusive tented rooms.
Accessible transportation
Convenient access via Keekorok Airstrip.
Cultural immersion
Engage in cultural experiences and community activities (additional cost applies).
The Modern Meets the Classic 1920s Safari Charm at Masai Mara National Reserve
Imagine arriving at your safari lodge and being warmly greeted at the reception area. As your belongings are taken to your luxurious safari tent, you’re ushered to the tented lounge where you can settle into a plush leather armchair. Enjoy a refreshing drink while soaking in the stunning views of the wilderness. The lounge’s inviting atmosphere, with dark wooden floors, oriental rugs, and a cozy bar tucked away in the corner, enhances the classic 1920s safari feel. Outdoor seating beneath the trees is available for those who prefer an al fresco experience. Stairs leading from the lounge descend to the banks of the Sand River.
The camp boasts only 16 luxury safari tents at Elewana Sand River Camp. One tent is larger, catering to families requiring extra space. To ensure each guest enjoys privacy and a sense of seclusion, the tents are spread out along the Sand River’s northern bank. This spacing guarantees tranquility and solitude. The camp is divided into two sections: the Little Sand River (main camp) and the Sand River property. Six tents are situated on one side of the main area, with ten more on the opposite side. Each section has its own dining area and tented lounges, providing an exclusive atmosphere.
The lush trees lining the banks of the Sand River provide ample shade and create a verdant, secluded and picturesque site backdrop for the safari lodge. Tucked among these trees in the communal area is a spacious infinity pool, bordered by inviting sun loungers perfect for relaxation. This serene spot overlooks the river, making it the ideal place to unwind after an exhilarating day of safari drives and other adventures. One of the most remarkable aspects of staying at this lodge is its prime position along the Masai Mara National Reserve’s great migration path. Situated in the tranquil southeastern corner of the Masai Mara National Reserve in southwestern Kenya, it lies right on the boundary with the Serengeti in Tanzania, one of Africa’s most legendary safari destinations.
As one of the premier safari lodges, it offers front-row seats to the full annual migration spectacle of millions of wildebeest, gazelle, and zebra journeying between the Serengeti and Masai Mara. Guests at Elewana Sand River Masai Mara enjoy breathtaking vistas of Tanzania’s plains and hills teeming with migrating wildlife. No need to confine your safari plans to the peak migration period. The plains here host a rich variety of grazers throughout the year, so spotting zebras, giraffes, warthogs, and hartebeests is common, regardless of the season. Where there’s prey, predators follow, so sightings of cheetahs, hyenas, jackals, and lions are also likely.
In 2019, Sand River Camp underwent a complete renovation, blending modern comforts with the vintage charm of a 1920s safari. It captures the grandeur of a classic African safari film while providing contemporary amenities. Each spacious luxury tent is elevated on a wooden platform, keeping it free from ground-dwelling critters. The tents feature a separate lounge area with a cozy couch, some of which convert into an extra bed. The lounge is equipped with an antique writing desk, a comfortable armchair, and a digital safe for valuables, all contributing to an exclusive and sophisticated ambiance. A canvas flap separates the lounge from the bedroom, which can be opened during the day and closed at night for privacy. At the end of the day, an inviting antique wooden bed draped with mosquito netting promises a restful night’s sleep.
The en-suite bathroom of each safari tent boasts a freestanding copper bath with hot and cold water, dual washbasins, and a flushing toilet. An added luxury is the glass door leading to an outdoor shower, allowing guests to bathe under the stars or amidst the morning sounds of the awakening Masai Mara. Complimentary toiletries are provided throughout your stay. The front deck of the tent, furnished with comfortable lounge chairs, offers an ideal spot to relax with a cool drink while overlooking the river. The camp also features a larger safari tent designed for families. The ‘family suite’ includes a double room, an additional twin room, en-suite bathrooms, and a shared central lounge. Decorated similarly to the regular spacious safari tents, it also provides cots and highchairs upon request. Keep in mind, this is an unfenced camp in a big game area where wildlife often roams freely, making it more suitable for families with older children. Children must always be supervised by adults.
Dinning Experience at Elewana Sand River Camp
Culinary delights at this safari lodge are exceptional. Whether enjoying a sundowner—a fine glass of wine or your preferred drink with delectable snacks as the sun sets over the Masai Mara plains—or indulging in a bush meal during an outing, each culinary experience is crafted with meticulous attention to detail. The delightful cuisine and friendly service enhance the lodge’s overall appeal. Meals can be enjoyed in the communal dining area or in a more private setting, all served elegantly at well-set tables.
Things to Do at Elewana Sand River Camp
During your stay at Sand River Camp, expert Masai guides and trackers are available to lead you on thrilling safari activities, including safari drives in comfortable 4WD Toyota Land Cruisers. Opt for a full-day safari with a picnic lunch or choose separate morning and afternoon drives, returning to camp for lunch. The area’s game viewing is superb, with shared game drives included in your stay (private safaris available at an extra cost). This part of the Masai Mara boasts a high concentration of big cats, and the scenic landscapes encountered during the drive are stunning. On the game drive, explore the grassy plains and riverine forests of the Masai Mara, searching for elephants, lions, zebras, leopards, cheetahs, hyenas, giraffes, hippos, wildebeest, impalas, mongooses, jackals, warthogs, and baboons.
While most of your focus may be on the wildlife on the ground, remember to look up at the treetops and skies. Birdwatching is exceptional in this part of the Masai Mara National Reserve. If visiting during the great migration, you may witness even the dramatic arrival of herds of wildebeest crossing the shallow Sand River right by the camp. While impressive, it differs from the dramatic crossings of the Mara River. The Sand River provides an easier crossing for the herds.
Additional activities offered by Sand River Camp include excursions to a local Maasai village and school, offering insights into the traditions and lives of the people who have called this region home for centuries. For leisure at the camp, there are numerous options, including a billiards room, a selection of books, and board games. For an aerial adventure, consider a hot air balloon ride safari (additional charges apply, and pre-booking is required).
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Send Your Enquiry for Elewana Sand River
We hope this information helps you decide that Elewana Sand River Camp in the Masai Mara is the ideal destination for your next adventure. Contact us by filling out the contact form, and we will respond promptly! Reach us via email at safarioffers@ajkenyasafaris.com or james@ajkenyasafaris.com. We are also available through WhatsApp or phone at +254 748 258880.