Elewana Sand River Masai Mara is on the banks of the Sand River within the Masai Mara National Reserve. The camp offers a sublime and carefully chosen location providing optimal access to the wildlife, close to the Tanzanian border. The National Reserve is best known for its large concentrations of big cats, such as leopard, cheetah and, of course, lion. Even the dramatic arrival of the annual wildebeest migration merely adds to an already abundant resident wildlife that awaits discovery.
Sand River Masai Mara replicates the heyday of exclusive permanent tented camps of the late 1920’s. 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. Although with all the mod cons and excellent cuisine. With not only a swimming pool, but Wi-Fi internet throughout the camp and a gift shop.
Sand River Masai Mara demonstrates all the qualities that have made the Elewana Collection the premier choice in East Africa.
Sand River Masai Mara comprises of 15 x tented accommodations (49m2). In addition, there is 1 x family tent with 2 en suite bedrooms adjoined by a central lounge area (87m2). Each tent has a gorgeous bath with an outdoor shower.
Interior of luxury double tentLuxury Tent bathroom
It is divided into two separate but adjoining campsites (one of 10 and one of 6 tents). With each area possessing its own designated dining and public areas, thereby creating an increased sense of exclusivity and privacy. 4 of the tents contain day beds that can be used as extra beds.
The camp can accommodate a maximum of 40 people.
Masai Mara Family Safari Information ↓
Families are welcome at Sand River Masai Mara.
Family tent interior
Some of the activities for children are: Swimming pool Warrior training – Learning how to make a fire, throw a Masai rungu (a wooden throwing club or baton). And make and use a bow & arrow. Guided Camp “bush” walks – short walks around camp looking at the trees, flowers, grasses, insects, birds and bird calls, mammals, tracks and droppings Various board games and playing cards available in camp School visit – during normal term times Children’s menu
Child Policy at Elewana Sand River Masai Mara
Children under the age of 12 year sharing with an adult
Child(ren) free of charge plus adult single rate
Children aged 12-17 years in their own room (2 minimum)
75% of the adult sharing rate
Child(ren) aged 12-17 years sharing with 1 adult
50% of the adult sharing rate for the child , adult per person sharing rate
Child aged 12-17 sharing with 2 adults
Triple rate applies
*Child aged 12-17 sharing with 2 adults Family room rate to apply at Star beds *Child policy applies in all the Elewana properties except Kilindi where there are no children allowed. For the activities the child rates start from 3 to 17 year old.
Masai Warrior Training
Activities at Sand River Camp
The camp is located in a secluded area of the Masai Mara National Reserve, far from other properties so guests enjoy a truly “exclusive” safari. Sand River Camp is quite literally on the wildebeest migration route. During this time, guests literally become part of the wildlife drama being played out, as sprawling lines of wildebeest cross the Sand River and weave their way right through the camp. Guests are often fortunate to be able to watch wildebeest and zebra crossing the Sand River from the comfort of their tent verandah.
Migration river crossing
Bush meals and sun downers are a highlight at camp.
More information on activities ↓
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 vehicle with a fridge full of cold drinks, enjoy a morning, afternoon or full day out in the grassy plains, and riverine forest of the Masai Mara.
Game drives are included in Game Package
Mating lions
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 Elewana 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.
Community village
Hot Air Balloon
Hot air balloon safari over the Masai Mara are also available at an extra cost.
When to visit Elewana Sand River Masai Mara – Wildebeest Migration and Birding Safari
The Masai Mara ecosystem holds one of the highest lion densities in the world and they are seen in the area all year round. It hosts over 95 species of mammals and 570 recorded species of birds. The best time for a birding safari is between November to March.
Sand River Masai Mara is an ideal destination, at any time of the year, for those wishing to enjoy exceptional game-viewing.
July and August: Visitors will see thousands of wildebeest and zebras crossing the rivers into the Masai Mara from the Serengeti. Particularly in July. This also makes it a great time to view birds of prey and big cats such as lions and leopards! This is probably the busiest time in the Masai Mara.
September and October: With most of the migration now enjoying the fresh grasses of the Masai Mara, it is still a very popular time so can be very busy. The herds have begun to make their way back to the Serengeti.
November – June: Most of the migration animals have returned to Tanzania. However, many animals remain in the Masai Mara. It is a great time for birding.
Brown-throated Wattle-eyePearl Spotted Owlet eating a Nightjar
Where is Sand River Masai Mara Camp and Getting There
Sand River Masai Mara Camp is located alongside the banks of the river of the same name. It is close to the border of the Serengeti National Park, and within the Masai Mara National Reserve, Sand River Mara lies on the most northerly route of the spectacular Annual Migration.
Keekorok airstrip is a 45 minute flight from Wilson Airport, and a 45 minute drive from camp. There are several daily flights departing Nairobi Wilson Airport. There are also daily flights from Shaba / Samburu / Lewa / Nanyuki / Meru / Mombasa /Ukunda (Diani) / Amboseli. We can also arrange private charters from anywhere.
Elewana Sand River Masai Mara Accommodation Rates
Sand River Masai Mara offers either full board or ‘game package’ rates.
Full board rates include accommodation, all meals (breakfast, lunch and dinner), soft drinks, beer, house wines and selected spirits, teas, coffees and refreshments (on the property), and laundry services.
Game package rates includes the full board package, plus: Scheduled and shared game drives, activities including guided walking safari, bush sun downers, transfers to and from designated airstrips.
Both rates exclude park fees, champagne, private cellar wines and premium spirits.
2024 Elewana Sand River Mara Full Board Rates
Full Board
Game Package
High Season: 1st July to 31st October 2024 and 20th December 2024 to 3rd January 2025
Per person sharing
$840
$1,040
Single
$1,260
$1,460
Triple
$1,890
$2,340
Family Tent
$3,358
$3,958
Mid Season: 4th January to 31st March 2024, 1st to 30th June 2024 and 1st November to 19th December 2024
Per person sharing
$718
$918
Single room
$1,079
$1,279
Triple
$1,617
$2,076
Family Tent
$2,873
$3,473
Green Season: 1st April to 31st May 2024
Per person sharing
$533
$733
Single room
$799
$999
Triple
$1,198
$1,623
Family Tent
$2,129
$2,729
2025 Elewana Sand River Mara Full Board Rates
Full Board
Game Package
High Season: 1st July to 31st October 2025 and 20th December 2025 to 3rd January 2026
Per person sharing
$978
$1,178
Single
$1,461
$1,661
Triple
$2,210
$2,710
Family Tent
$3,910
$4,610
Mid Season: 4th January to 31st March 2025, 1st to 30th June 2025 and 1st November to 19th December 2025
Per person sharing
$838
$1,038
Single room
$1,251
$1,451
Triple
$1,895
$2,395
Family Tent
$3,352
$4,052
Green Season: 1st April to 31st May 2025
Per person sharing
$625
$825
Single room
$932
$1,132
Triple
$1,416
$1,916
Family Tent
$2,497
$3,197
Elewana Sand River Masai Mara Accommodation Special Offers and Packages
Sand River Mara is part of the Elewana Collection. A collection of luxury boutique lodges, camps and hotels in iconic locations across Kenya and Tanzania. Stay longer at any combination of these properties and get great discounts in 2024 and 2025: 6+ nights: 10% 9+ nights: 15% 12+ nights: 20%
Valid in mid and low season at Arusha Coffee Lodge* but all year at all other Elewana properties.
*Mid and low season at Arusha Coffee Lodge is from 1st March to 31st May and 1st November to 19th December.
Get an extra 5% discount when you return to any Elewana property. Plus a 20% discount on Spa treatments*. *Spa services not available in Masai Mara and Serengeti
The award-winning Cottar’s Safari Camps are situated in the private conservancy, bordering Maasai Mara in Kenya and Serengeti, Tanzania – rates and offers
