Elewana Sand River Camp in Masai Mara National Reserve, Kenya.

Vintage Safari Glamour Meets Modern Indulgence

Picture this-you arrive at your safari retreat, greeted with warm hospitality and the promise of adventure. As your bags are whisked away, you step into a beautifully appointed lounge, sinking into a deep leather armchair with a refreshing drink in hand. The space is a seamless blend of vintage safari charm and contemporary comfort, featuring rich wooden floors, handwoven rugs, and bookshelves brimming with classic travel tales. A discreet bar in the corner invites quiet evening indulgence, while just outside, shaded seating beneath towering trees provides a front-row seat to the untamed beauty of the Masai Mara. A few steps beyond, the Sand River meanders through the landscape, setting the perfect stage for a timeless safari escape.

Elewana Sand River Camp offers 16 exclusive tented accommodations, including a thoughtfully designed family tent for those seeking extra space. Tucked along the Sand River’s northern banks, each tent is strategically positioned to ensure privacy and an uninterrupted connection to nature. The camp is divided into two distinct sections—Little Sand River, the intimate main camp, and a second, more secluded area. Six tents occupy the main site, while the other ten are spread across the opposite side, each section complete with its own dining and lounge tents to enhance the feeling of exclusivity. The lodge also features a welcoming restaurant with designated family-friendly and non-smoking areas, ensuring a comfortable experience for every guest. Whether you’re staying in a family suite or a classic safari tent, you’ll enjoy a harmonious balance of solitude and camaraderie.

Lush greenery lines the Sand River, providing both shade and a striking contrast to the golden savannah beyond. Nestled among these trees is the camp’s central gathering space, where an infinity pool invites guests to unwind on sun loungers overlooking the water. It’s the perfect place to cool off after a thrilling game drive or to simply soak in the serenity of the wilderness. The lodge’s enviable location in the quieter southeastern corner of the Maasai Mara National Reserve, near the Serengeti border, offers an unmatched safari experience, away from the crowds yet close to the heart of Africa’s most legendary wildlife encounters.

Elewana Sand River is among the first to witness the annual Great Migration, where millions of wildebeest, zebras, and gazelles traverse the plains between the Serengeti and the Masai Mara. But the magic isn’t confined to migration season. The area is home to already abundant resident wildlife, offering sightings of zebras, giraffes, warthogs, and hartebeests throughout the year. Naturally, where there’s prey, predators follow, so you might also spot cheetahs, hyenas, jackals, and lions. Even the dramatic arrival of these majestic creatures adds to the allure of this African adventure.

Completely refurbished in 2019, the camp seamlessly marries the romance of a bygone era with 21st-century convenience. Its elegant safari tents rest on elevated wooden platforms, keeping guests comfortably above the ground. Inside, each spacious tent exudes timeless sophistication, featuring a private lounge area with a cozy couch- some convertible into an extra bed- alongside an antique writing desk, a plush armchair, and a secure safe for valuables. A canvas partition separates the lounge from the bedroom, offering flexibility to create an intimate sleeping space when needed. At the end of the day, a beautifully crafted wooden bed draped in fine mosquito netting promises restful slumber beneath the African night sky.

The en-suite bathroom is a retreat in itself, complete with a freestanding copper bathtub, twin sinks, and a flushing toilet. A glass door leads to an outdoor shower, where guests can bathe under the stars or amidst the sounds of the Mara at dawn. Complimentary luxury toiletries add an extra touch of indulgence. Each tent opens onto a private wooden deck with inviting lounge chairs—an ideal spot to sip a sundowner while gazing at the meandering river. Families can opt for a larger suite featuring two separate bedrooms, each with an en-suite bathroom, connected by a central lounge. Thoughtfully furnished with the same classic elegance as the other tents, this setup ensures both comfort and convenience. Baby cots and highchairs are available on request.

As an unfenced camp set within a thriving wildlife corridor, it’s not uncommon for animals to wander through, making every stay a true immersion in nature. While this adds to the thrill of the experience, it’s best suited for families with older children, as young adventurers must always remain under adult supervision. At Elewana Sand River, every detail is designed to transport guests to the golden age of exploration- while offering all the modern luxuries needed for a truly unforgettable safari.

Elewana Sand River Camp food experience

When it comes to food, you’re all set at this safari lodge. Whether it’s time for a sundowner (a fine glass of wine – or whatever your drink of choice may be – accompanied by delicious snacks while watching the sunset on the Masai Mara plains) or you’re having a bush meal while out and about, each culinary moment is prepared with attention to detail. Wonderful cuisine and friendly service add to the overall appeal of this safari lodge. You can either dine in the common dining area or in a more private setting. All meals are served in style at fully laid out tables.

Things to do at at Elewana Sand River Camp

At Sand River Camp, every game drive is a thrilling expedition led by expert Maasai guides and trackers. Hop into a well-equipped 4WD Toyota Land Cruiser and set out on a journey through the breathtaking landscapes of the Masai Mara. Whether you prefer a full-day safari with a picnic in the wild or split excursions at sunrise and sunset with lunch back at camp, the choice is yours. Wildlife sightings in this region are unparalleled, with a high density of big cats prowling the savannah. Shared game drives are part of your stay, while private safaris can be arranged for a more exclusive experience. As you traverse the sweeping plains and riverine forests, be on the lookout for elephants, lions, cheetahs, leopards, hyenas, giraffes, zebras, hippos, wildebeests, impalas, jackals, warthogs, baboons, and even the elusive mongoose.

While the iconic predators and grazers steal the show, don’t forget to look upward—the birdlife here is spectacular. The Masai Mara’s skies are alive with vibrant avian species, making it a paradise for birdwatchers. If your visit coincides with the Great Migration, you may witness herds of wildebeest meandering through the shallow Sand River, right by the camp. Though not as dramatic as the Mara River crossings, this natural spectacle is a sight to behold.

Beyond game drives, Sand River Camp offers unique cultural encounters. Visit a Maasai village and school to gain insight into the rich traditions of the people who have called this land home for generations. Back at camp, there’s no shortage of ways to unwind—challenge friends to a game of billiards, browse the collection of books, or enjoy classic board games. For the ultimate adventure, take to the skies on a hot air balloon safari and soak in breathtaking views of the Mara from above (pre-booking required, additional charges apply).