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Sand River Masai Mara

Our rating

8/10

Price guide

Highlights

- Secluded Masai Mara location
- Luxury safari camp
- Elewana Portfolio

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Overview

Occupying a magical, secluded river bank location in the Mara confluence sector of the Masai Mara National Reserve, Sand River Masai Mara is high-end safari camp with an exclusive feel. Offering warm hospitality and a sociable atmosphere away from other camps, this wonderful Elewana Collection property boasts a superb combination of contemporary design and vintage décor evoking the classic safari expeditions of days gone by. The surrounding area is home to the Big Five, and the camp’s privileged location on the path of the wildebeest migration guarantees outstanding game viewing unhindered by other visitors.

The accommodation is split into two separate areas, with each group accessing its own communal spaces, heightening the general sense of privacy and exclusivity. Lounges are open-sided and covered by canvas, with large, comfortable sofas. The interior fixtures and furnishings denote the permanent tented camps of the early safari period, with exquisite fabrics, brass telescopes, and leather trunks dotted around. There’s a fabulous open-sided games tent with billiards and board games, a fairly small but delightful shared swimming pool, and Wi-Fi is available throughout. Meals are taken either in the formal dining area, or on the shady stone patio.

Accommodation consists of 16 elegant tents; 4 twins, 11 doubles, and 1 family tent containing a double and a twin room connected by a lounge. Each room has a four-poster bed, large ornamental rug, sumptuous seating area, and writing desk, and the sizeable ensuite bathrooms come equipped with running water, decadent free-standing bath tub, twin basins, and indulgent toiletries.

Activities naturally centre on exhilarating vehicle safaris, although in keeping with National Park restrictions, night drives are unfortunately not possible. The Masai Mara National Reserve is known for its prolific and diverse wildlife, including dense concentrations of leopard, cheetah, lion, elephant, buffalo, and rhino, with zebra, giraffe, and hippo also roaming freely. The Great Migration is a dramatic spectacle not to be missed, and a stay in the remote Sand River camp will facilitate superb wildlife sightings away from the crowds.

The camp welcomes children of all ages, and although there are no designated child activities, babysitting services are available. Parents should note that the camp is unfenced, and while it’s rare for animals to approach humans or tents, adult supervision is essential at all times.

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What customers are saying after travelling with Tourdust

Average Rating

based on 534 reviews

(5.00/5)

  • We had a great time - even with the flight between Governors and the coast being two flights and a car! We also experienced a power cut At Nairobi airport on the way home so 2+ hours late taking off. Governors. Wonderful people and dealt with the flight delay very well - taking us back and letting us know that we could stay there if the flight was delayed overnight. The game drives were excellent and our guide (Erick) obviously very experienced and managed to find all the key animals - no rhino in that part of the Masai Mara but everything else in abundance - never seen so many herbivores (many many elephants as well as all the others) as well as two prides of lions. Could not have asked for more. The ‘tent’ was excellent and comfortable and well serviced. The only ‘complaint’ would be that the food - especially dinner - could be improved (I think we got a bit bored of soup as a starter for every meal bar one) and the main courses were not at the same level as Kinondo Kwetu and while all were explained there was no choice offered. The breakfasts were just what was needed after an early game drive. Kinondo Kwetu. What a great location and the welcome when we arrived at just gone 11.00pm was better than you could have ever thought possible - they we’re disappointed that we did not at that time want the full dinner experience! The rooms we’re comfortable. The food was excellent but again no choice was offered - other than for allergy reasons (which we do not have). May be some choice would be nice. Having said that the food we did have was excellent as were the wines (albeit a short list!) and other drinks. There were (as you know) lots of facilities/sports options - but we spent our time relaxing which was exactly what we needed and there were lots of places to do that. Overall. We would go back to both places - perhaps a few more nights at Kinondo Kwetu next time but 3 nights at Governors was perfect for us. Thank you for organising and recommending both places. That you and your colleague for trying to find out about the plane (flat tyre) but communication by the flight company left a lot to be desired (Governors were furious that they were not told and had taken us to the airstrip). Phil

    MissingPhilip R reviewing Masai Mara Safari & Kenya Beach on 01 September 2023

  • We had the most incredible time thank you. We loved Karen Blixen camp and felt part of a family there, it was incredibly special. And Breezes was very relaxing.
    We can't fault all the transfers and the moment we were greeted on the tarmac at Nairobi airport we knew we were going to be well cared for.

    Thank you so much to you and all the Tourdust team for making it such a happy and memorable trip.

    MissingZoe A reviewing Masai Mara Safari & Kenya Beach on 27 August 2019

  • We had an amazing trip. Everything was well thought out and so much fun. What a great way to truly see the country and learn the culture.

    Joseph was the perfect guide. Very kind, professional, knowledgeable and patient. The kids loved Joseph and keep asking when will they meet him again. He found the Big 5 for us which was unforgettable! Please pass along our appreciation to Joseph.

    Maji Moto was also another incredible experience. They had great customer service and we loved experiencing their culture.

    Sunbird was absolutely beautiful and I wish we had more time there. We loved the view of the lake!

    One suggestion to make the trip even better for other guests in the future would be to have a cooler with drinks and snacks in the Jeep at all times because a ton of driving is involved and it would be helpful to have a cold drink and snacks during the long trip.

    Thanks again for organizing this experience of a lifetime for us!

    MissingBrandon H reviewing Maasai Family Adventure on 12 June 2019

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