Sand River Masai Mara by Elewana: Direct Sand River Migration Crossings
What truly sets Sand River Masai Mara by Elewana apart is the dual-camp configuration. By splitting the property into two distinct areas, each with its own dining and lounge mess tents, the camp maintains an atmosphere of intimacy even when at full capacity.
The main guest area also features a billiards room and a library, encouraging guests to unplug and socialize in a setting that feels like an old-world explorer’s club. An infinity pool overlooks the river, providing a cool sanctuary during the heat of the day.
Quick Facts: Sand River Masai Mara by Elewana at a Glance
Category | Details |
Location | Southern Masai Mara National Reserve, Kenya (Tanzania border) |
Accommodation | 16 Luxury Tented Suites (including 1 Family Suite) |
Sustainability | Gold Eco-Rated, solar-powered, plastic-free initiatives |
Primary Wildlife | The Big Five, Great Migration herds, over 450 bird species |
Unique Feature | 1920s interior design and direct Sand River migration crossings |
Activities | Game drives, bush meals, hot air ballooning, cultural visits |
Step Back in Time: 1920s Style Accommodation
The aesthetic of Sand River Masai Mara by Elewana is a deliberate homage to the “Hollywood” era of safari. Replicating the heyday of exclusive permanent tented camps from the late 1920s, the interiors are draped in nostalgia.
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The Tents: The camp consists of 16 tents divided into two adjoining campsites: the main camp with 10 tents and “Little Sand River” with 6. This division ensures a sense of exclusivity and privacy. Each tent features dark wooden floors, Persian rugs, brass fittings, and leather-and-brocade seating.
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Modern Comforts: Despite the vintage feel, the amenities are thoroughly modern. Each tent includes an en-suite bathroom with a flush toilet, twin washbasins, and a standalone bathtub. A standout feature for many is the outdoor shower, allowing you to wash away the dust of the savannah while watching hippos grunt in the river below.
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The Family Suite: For those traveling with children, the camp offers a sprawling family unit that includes two en-suite bedrooms joined by a central lounge area.
Commitment to Sustainability
Elewana is a leader in responsible tourism, and Sand River Masai Mara by Elewana is a shining example of this commitment. The camp has earned a prestigious Gold Eco-Rating from Ecotourism Kenya.
Key initiatives include a “Ban the Bottle” program where guests receive reusable aluminum bottles to eliminate single-use plastics. The entire operation is powered by a state-of-the-art solar system with battery storage, ensuring minimal carbon emissions. Furthermore, the camp supports the Land & Life Foundation, which focuses on community health and education in the surrounding Maasai regions.
Primary Wildlife and Biodiversity
While the Great Migration is the headline act, the wildlife viewing at Sand River Masai Mara by Elewana is exceptional year-round. The Masai Mara is one of the few places on earth where the Big Five—lion, leopard, elephant, buffalo, and rhino—can be spotted with remarkable frequency.
The riverine forest along the Sand River provides a habitat for elusive leopards and playful vervet monkeys, while the surrounding plains are home to cheetahs, giraffes, and massive prides of lions. For bird enthusiasts, the area is a paradise, boasting over 450 species ranging from the majestic Martial Eagle to the colorful Lilac-breasted Roller.
Unforgettable Safari Activities
Life at Sand River Masai Mara by Elewana revolves around the rhythms of the wild. Guests can choose from a variety of expertly guided experiences:
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Expertly Guided Game Drives: Conducted in custom-designed 4×4 vehicles, these drives take advantage of the camp’s secluded location to provide sightings away from the crowds.
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Bush Meals and Sundowners: Nothing beats a “bush breakfast” set up in the middle of the plains or a sunset cocktail (sundowner) overlooking the Serengeti hills.
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Hot Air Balloon Safaris: For a different perspective, guests can take to the skies at dawn, drifting over the plains before landing for a champagne breakfast.
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Maasai Cultural Visits: Through Elewana’s community partnerships, guests can visit local Maasai villages to learn about traditional heritage, beadwork, and life in harmony with the wild.
