Elewana Sand River Masai Mara: A Timeless Safari Retreat in the Heart of the Wild

Hidden away in the heart of the Maasai Mara National Reserve, Elewana Sand River Mara is the front row seat to one of the world’s greatest shows – the wildebeest migration. This exclusive permanent tented camp combines the thrill of the wild with luxury, so even the arrival is part of the fun. Situated in a secluded and beautiful location, the camp offers an intimate and unforgettable safari experience.

Elewana Sand River Masai Mara Video Overview

Discover Elewana Sand River

Witness the Great Migration

Located in a prime spot for witnessing the Great Migration from August to October.

Thrilling Game Drives

Unforgettable game drives included in your stay.

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Luxurious Tented Accommodations

Featuring 16 opulent tented rooms at Elewana Sand River.

Convenient Access

Easily reachable via Keekorok Airstrip.

Meet Your Hosts

Engage in community experiences for an additional fee.

Family-Friendly Retreat

Elewana Sand River welcomes children of all ages.

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Refresh and Relax

Take a dip in the camp's swimming pool.

Soar Above the Mara

Hot air balloon safaris available at an additional cost.

Perfect for Families

The camp includes one family tent.

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Culinary Delights Await

Renowned for its exceptional dining experience.

The Charm of Elewana Sand River Camp

Guests during game drives at Elewana Sand river Masai Mara camp.

Located on the banks of the shallow Sand River in the quieter south eastern corner of the Maasai Mara National Reserve, this camp is an intimate and exclusive safari experience away from the crowds. The vintage style decor is a nod to the classic African expeditions, and envelops you in a sense of timeless elegance and adventure, like a Hollywood movie.

Elewana Sand River isn’t just a safari camp – it’s an escape into a world of breathtaking landscapes and wild beauty. Imagine waking up to views of the Masai Mara plains, the soft sound of the river and the distant calls of already up and about resident wildlife at sunrise. Whether it’s the river winding its way through the landscape or the forests framing the horizon, every view is Africa’s raw magnificence.

Panoramic-View-of-Sand

Blending relaxation and adventure, the camp’s permanent tented accommodation brings the magic of the wild right to your doorstep. Whether lounging by the pool with a drink in hand or heading out on a game drive at dawn, Elewana Sand River balances exclusivity, comfort and nature’s allure with comfortable lounge chairs and an antique writing desk to boot.

Booking Tip: At AjKenyaSafaris.com, we recommend travellers to book their stay at Sand River Mara Camp at least 12 months in advance. This is to ensure you get the best room with the best view of Sand River, where animals come to drink. This is especially true during the peak season, when people come for migration. You can reach out to the team to book your stay at Sand River Mara Camp

Safari Luxury – Accommodation

Guided game drive in Masai Mara National Park.

The accommodations at Elewana Sand River Camp redefine luxury under canvas while maintaining an authentic safari feel. The camp has 16 luxurious tented suites, 15 standard tents and one family tent. Each suite is a private sanctuary, blending vintage charm with modern comfort, with a freestanding copper bath for ultimate relaxation.

Step through the elegant glass door of your tent and find rich textures and handcrafted furniture that transport you to a bygone era of safari glamour. The interior fixtures and furnishings mirror this timeless elegance, with oriental rugs adding a touch of exotic charm. The family tent, with two en-suite bedrooms connected by a central lounge area, is perfect for those travelling with loved ones, so you can indulge and immerse yourself in the wild.

Guests can unwind at the small bar in the camp’s lounge area, where the atmosphere is as wild as the surrounding wilderness. Surrounded by riverbanks and forests, the camp is a haven where guests can relax on their private verandas, take in the views and sounds of the wild and experience Africa in its purest form. The adjacent campsites and family rooms make it perfect for families and groups.

Which Room to Book? For many travellers, choosing the right room can be a challenge. But it is always an easy thing when you consider the number of travelers. For example, when four or more people are travelling with you, we recommend taking a family tent so you can stay together. If only two people, a luxury double tent is highly recommended as it is more affordable than a family room. A couple with a child under 12 years should also consider staying in a double room with an extra bed.

A Feast for the Eyes

Herd of Elephant grazing.

Dining at this exclusive permanent tented camp is a treat, where fine dining meets the great outdoors. Each section of the camp has its own dining area, so you can have a private and intimate experience under canvas or under the stars.

Every dish is crafted with care, using fresh local ingredients and creative presentation. Whether you’re having a bush breakfast in the wild, a sundowner with views of the Masai Mara National Reserve or a fireside dinner under the African sky, every meal at Sand River is a celebration of food and place.

For those who want adventure on the go, we offer picnic lunches so you don’t miss a moment of the action. From start to finish, dining at Sand River isn’t just about food; it’s about making culinary memories in one of the most beautiful places on earth.

Dining Tips: Ensure you communicate in advance about your dietary requirement so that your need can be catered. Over the years, we have come to realize that most Indian travellers prefer vegetable meals, which are quite pretty at Sand River Masai Mara. You can also get the local “Nyama Choma”with Ugali at Sand River, as well as other international dishes from the UK. Us, Italy, Spain, and other parts of the world.

A World of Adventure: Safari Activities

From the moment you arrive you’ll be in the midst of the wild, and your stay will be unforgettable. Expert guided safaris, including afternoon safaris, give you unparalleled access to the Masai Mara National Reserve’s diverse landscapes – from open grasslands to hidden riverine habitats teeming with wildlife.

Birders will love the variety of species in the area, and those looking for an elevated adventure can take a sunrise hot air balloon safari and drift over the Mara as the morning light reveals the world below. These are once in a lifetime experiences and need to be booked in advance but are truly unforgettable. For a cultural experience visit a nearby Maasai village or school and gain insight into the traditions of the local community. Foodies can enjoy bush dining experiences and freshly prepared meals in stunning locations.

From starlit dinners to wilderness picnics, Sand River turns every moment into an adventure – bridging the gap between luxury and the wild. With its location on the Sand River the camp is the perfect base to explore the wonders of the Masai Mara.

Selected cost for activities: Most of our guests end up booking extra services like the hot air balloon ride, Maasai village, bush breakfast, and even bush dinner. These come at an extra cost with hot air balloons going for USD 500 per person, Maasai cultural tour at USD 30 per person, bush breakfast at USD 65 per person, and bush dinner at USD 70 per person. One thing to note is the bush breakfast or dinner requires a minimum of 4 people to be organized.

Sand River Masai Mara Map

Wildlife Encounters to Remember at the Masai Mara National Reserved River Masai Mara

Masai Mara hot air balloon

There’s nowhere on Earth like the Masai Mara for wildlife and at Elewana Sand River you’re in the thick of it. Game drives reveal an incredible array of animals, from big cats like lions, cheetahs and leopards to playful herbivores like zebras, wildebeest and gazelles.

During the Migration the show gets even bigger as huge herds of wildebeest and zebras cross the plains and the Sand River in spectacular fashion. And the best part? It all happens right in front of camp so you can watch from the comfort of your veranda.

Outside of Migration season the Mara’s resident wildlife ensures every drive is an adventure, with elephants, giraffes, hyenas and a dazzling array of birdlife making each safari different. Large concentrations of wildlife can also be found near the Mara River where the natural beauty and diversity of the ecosystems await discovery. Whether it’s the thrill of spotting a predator on the hunt or the serenity of a herd at sunset, Elewana Sand River delivers unforgettable wildlife encounters.

What to watch out for when staying at Sand River: Due to its location inside the reserve, you will get to see different animals visiting the camp like rhino, elephant, buffalo, leopard, and lion. You will also get to see hyenas, cheetahs, zebras, giraffes, and other wildlife moving around.

Elewana Sand River Camp Features

What makes Elewana Sand River special is the combination of exclusivity, location and detail. Situated on the banks of the Sand River the camp is secluded and beautiful and adds to the safari experience.

Being on the Great Migration route, guests have front row seats to one of the world’s greatest wildlife shows. The camp’s design is reminiscent of the golden era of safaris, with outdoor showers, elegant furnishings and a pool that balances adventure and relaxation.

Historic charm, modern luxury and prime wildlife viewing, Elewana Sand River Camp is the ultimate destination in the Masai Mara.

Sundowner at Elewana Sand River Camp, Masai Mara.

Tripadvisor Review of Sand River Mara Camp

What do previous get say about their stay at Sand River Mara Camp

Great for Families specially coming from India by Manum Thakur

“It was such a wonderful time being in the camp. Not only was the service beyond our expectations but the food and warmth of the people made our stay quite memorable. Full 5 stars to the chef for making sure we got anything we wanted including Indian food.”

Beautiful quiet location on the Sand River by John M

Best guide ever in Joel who was so knowledgeable and kind.  He helped us find some amazing wildlife including many lions and cubs and cheetahs hunting gazelles. The food is delicious and the staff at the camp is so helpful and friendly. Our tent was very comfortable with a great bed and lots of hot water in the outdoor shower which we loved!

Family tent: Safari to Masai Mara

Conclusion

Elewana Sand River Masai Mara is more than a safari camp—it’s the key to adventure, luxury and Africa itself. From its secluded location to its luxurious rooms and world-class experiences every detail is designed to wow and inspire. Whether you want to have thrilling wildlife encounters, cultural experiences or simply moments of pure bliss, Sand River has a safari that will stay with you long after you leave.

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Book Your Safari of a Lifetime at Sand River Camp

Get away to the heart of the Maasai Mara and experience the ultimate safari at Sand River Camp. Imagine luxury tents, wildlife at your doorstep and service tailored to your every need. Don’t just dream of an African safari – live it! Our location is perfect for the Great Migration and resident wildlife all year round.

Ready to make some memories? Book Sand River Camp now!

📧 Email: [email protected] or [email protected] 📱 WhatsApp: +254704532105 📞 Phone: +254704532105 / +254719222430.

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About the Author: Harrison K. Irura

Harrison K. Irura is the author of the beautiful descriptions of Elewana Sand River Camp. He has an MBA from Kenyatta University and has been in the travel industry for over 15 years. As a seasoned travel consultant he has extensive knowledge of Kenya’s best destinations and the art of creating unforgettable safari experiences. His writing brings all that to life.

Other Camps in Masai Mara National Reserve:

  1. Salas Camp
  2. Rekero Camp
  3. Basecamp Masai Mara
  4. Little Governors Camp
  5. Mara Expedition Camp
  6. Governors Camp – Main
  7. Serian Nkorombo Mobile Camp
  8. Governors Camp Il Moran Camp