For those wanting to be close to the action at the beginning of the Great Migration, staying south of the Masai Mara near the Sand River, close to the Tanzania border, offers a prime location. From July to October, this area is an ideal base to witness the early arrivals of wildebeest and other animals crossing from the Serengeti into the Masai Mara. Here’s a list of top accommodations in this region for an unforgettable safari experience:
1. Sand River Masai Mara by Elewana
- Location: Southern Masai Mara, near Sand River, close to the Tanzania border
- Type: Luxury Tented Camp
- Highlights:
- Perfectly positioned along the Sand River, offering prime access to early migration crossings.
- Luxurious tented accommodations with modern amenities, blending traditional safari style with comfort.
- The camp offers excellent game drives and proximity to the crossing points, ensuring guests can witness the migration’s early stages.
- Facilities:
- Spacious luxury tents with en-suite bathrooms and private verandas
- Swimming pool, bar, and dining areas
- Wellness area and private game drives
2. ENkewa Camp
- Location: Southern Masai Mara, near Sand River
- Type: Eco-Friendly Camp
- Highlights:
- A more intimate and eco-conscious camp located in a prime migration corridor near the Sand River.
- Known for its personalized service and close proximity to the migration action, ENkewa offers exclusive safari experiences.
- Expert Maasai guides lead game drives, offering deep insights into the wildlife and migration patterns.
- Facilities:
- Comfortable, eco-friendly tents with private bathrooms
- Dining area with a focus on locally sourced, sustainable ingredients
- Daily game drives and walking safaris
3. Cottar’s 1920s Safari Camp
- Location: Southern Masai Mara, near Sand River, near the Tanzania border
- Type: Luxury Tented Camp
- Highlights:
- Cottar’s 1920s Safari Camp offers a classic safari experience with luxury tents and an exceptional location near the Sand River.
- Known for its high-quality service and expert guides, the camp is an ideal spot for witnessing the first waves of the migration as the herds cross into the Masai Mara from the Serengeti.
- Facilities:
- Luxury tents with private verandas, featuring period décor and modern comforts
- Swimming pool, bar, and lounge area
- Private game drives and walking safaris led by experienced Maasai guides
4. Mara Empiris Safari Camp
- Location: Southern Masai Mara, near Sand River
- Type: Mid-Range Tented Camp
- Highlights:
- Located close to the Sand River, Mara Empiris Safari Camp offers excellent access to early migration viewing, especially during the peak migration months from July to October.
- The camp combines comfort with affordability, offering great value for a fantastic safari experience.
- Close proximity to key crossing points makes it a great spot to witness the early arrivals from Serengeti.
- Facilities:
- Comfortable tents with en-suite bathrooms and verandas
- A restaurant and bar serving fresh meals
- Game drives and guided walks with experienced safari guides
5. Instinct of the Mara
- Location: Southern Masai Mara, near Sand River
- Type: Luxury Eco-Camp
- Highlights:
- Instinct of the Mara offers a luxurious yet eco-conscious stay near the Sand River, perfect for guests who want to be at the heart of the migration action.
- The camp focuses on providing a true wilderness experience, with prime access to the southern migration routes as the wildebeest cross over into the Mara from Serengeti.
- With intimate tents and personalized service, guests can enjoy an exclusive safari experience while witnessing the migration at close quarters.
- Facilities:
- Luxury tents with modern amenities and private bathrooms
- Spa, wellness services, and dining area
- Guided game drives and cultural experiences with Maasai guides
These accommodations, located south of the Mara near the Sand River, offer exceptional access to the early migration season and provide guests with an unparalleled opportunity to witness the migration from Serengeti into the Masai Mara, right at the beginning of this awe-inspiring natural event. Whether you’re looking for luxury, eco-conscious stays, or more affordable options, these camps and lodges provide a range of options for an unforgettable safari experience.
Comparison of Camps Near Sand River (Southern Masai Mara)
When it comes to choosing the right camp for the early migration season near Sand River, each option offers unique benefits, depending on the type of experience you’re seeking—whether it’s luxury, eco-consciousness, or more budget-friendly stays. Below is a detailed comparison of the five best camps near Sand River, specifically tailored to guests who want to get as close as possible to the early stages of the Great Migration.
| Camp | Location | Type | Migration Viewing | Accommodation Style | Price Range | Facilities & Activities | Ideal For |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sand River Masai Mara by Elewana | Southern Masai Mara, near Sand River | Luxury Tented Camp | Prime access to early migration crossings from Serengeti into Mara | Luxury tents with en-suite bathrooms | High-end luxury | – Spacious tents with private verandas – Swimming pool, bar, and dining areas – Expert game drives, bush walks, wellness area | Those seeking a luxurious and intimate experience with excellent migration access |
| ENkewa Camp | Southern Masai Mara, near Sand River | Eco-Friendly Camp | Excellent early migration viewing with an intimate, eco-conscious experience | Eco-friendly, comfortable tents | Moderate to High | – Eco-friendly accommodation – Personalized service – Expert Maasai-guided game drives and bush walks – Focus on sustainability | Travelers seeking an intimate, eco-conscious, and personalized safari experience |
| Cottar’s 1920s Safari Camp | Southern Masai Mara, near Sand River | Luxury Tented Camp | Great location for witnessing early migration as wildebeest cross into the Mara | Classic luxury tents with private verandas | High-end luxury | – Period-style décor – Private game drives with expert guides – Swimming pool, bar, and lounge area – Cultural and walking safaris | Luxury travelers looking for a classic, high-end safari experience with historical charm |
| Mara Empiris Safari Camp | Southern Masai Mara, near Sand River | Mid-Range Tented Camp | Close proximity to the Sand River, ideal for viewing the early arrivals and crossings | Comfortable tents with en-suite bathrooms | Budget to Moderate | – Comfortable, affordable accommodation – Restaurant and bar – Game drives and guided walks | Budget-conscious travelers who still want prime migration access |
| Instinct of the Mara | Southern Masai Mara, near Sand River | Luxury Eco-Camp | Exceptional access to the early stages of migration, especially near crossing points | Luxury eco-tents with modern amenities | High-end luxury | – Eco-conscious luxury tents – Wellness and spa services – Guided game drives and cultural experiences – Intimate experience with private service | Guests looking for a luxurious yet eco-conscious stay with personalized service |
Key Comparison Points:
- Migration Viewing:
- Sand River Masai Mara by Elewana offers the best access to the Sand River crossings, with an emphasis on witnessing the early arrivals from Serengeti.
- ENkewa Camp provides a more intimate experience with excellent migration viewing, especially for those looking for a more personalized and eco-conscious stay.
- Cottar’s 1920s Safari Camp is perfectly positioned for early migration viewing, with historical charm and luxury. It’s a top choice for those seeking a more traditional safari experience.
- Mara Empiris Safari Camp offers great value and close proximity to the migration route, ideal for those looking for budget-friendly accommodation without sacrificing access to the migration.
- Instinct of the Mara provides an eco-luxury experience, offering fantastic migration views while also emphasizing sustainability.
- Accommodation Style:
- Sand River Masai Mara by Elewana offers spacious, luxury tents that include en-suite bathrooms, providing a lavish safari experience.
- ENkewa Camp focuses on eco-friendly accommodations while maintaining comfort, making it a perfect choice for environmentally conscious guests.
- Cottar’s 1920s Safari Camp combines luxury with classic 1920s safari style, offering spacious tents with modern amenities.
- Mara Empiris Safari Camp offers comfortable, mid-range tents with en-suite bathrooms, ensuring a pleasant stay without the luxury price tag.
- Instinct of the Mara provides luxury eco-tents with modern amenities, blending sustainability with comfort.
- Facilities & Activities:
- Sand River Masai Mara by Elewana is the most luxurious option with a full range of high-end facilities including a wellness area, a swimming pool, and bar, and offers expert-led game drives and bush walks.
- ENkewa Camp offers personalized services and expert Maasai guides, providing intimate game drives and walks that focus on sustainable practices.
- Cottar’s 1920s Safari Camp combines luxury with historical elements, offering period-style décor, game drives, cultural safaris, and a pool to relax in after a long day of exploring.
- Mara Empiris Safari Camp offers a great balance of affordability and prime location, with game drives, guided walks, and a comfortable, relaxed atmosphere.
- Instinct of the Mara combines eco-luxury with spa and wellness services, guided game drives, and cultural experiences, offering a personalized experience.
- Price Range:
- Sand River Masai Mara by Elewana and Cottar’s 1920s Safari Camp are the most expensive options, offering luxury with a higher price tag.
- ENkewa Camp and Instinct of the Mara fall into the high-end luxury but with an eco-conscious twist.
- Mara Empiris Safari Camp is the most affordable option, providing great value with prime access to migration.
Conclusion:
- For luxury seekers looking for unparalleled access to the migration and a lavish experience, Sand River Masai Mara by Elewana and Cottar’s 1920s Safari Camp are top choices.
- ENkewa Camp and Instinct of the Mara offer a perfect blend of luxury and eco-consciousness for guests who want to enjoy the migration while minimizing their environmental impact.
- Mara Empiris Safari Camp is the best option for those looking for an affordable yet comfortable stay close to the migration action.
No matter your preference, each of these camps offers unique experiences and positions you right in the heart of the Great Migration action near Sand River.