Overview
Elewana Sand River Masai Mara is an exceptional tented safari lodge offering a refined, all-inclusive luxury experience in one of the most pristine areas of the Maasai Mara National Reserve. Styled to reflect the 1930s golden era of safari, the camp blends colonial charm with modern comfort and world-class service.
Its secluded riverside setting, far from the crowded central Mara, makes it an excellent choice for those looking for intimacy, privacy, and exceptional wildlife viewing—especially during the annual Great Migration when thousands of wildebeest and zebra pass right by camp.
📍 Location & Access
- Setting: Southern Maasai Mara National Reserve, on the banks of the Sand River near the Tanzanian border.
- By Air: Daily scheduled flights from Wilson Airport (Nairobi) land at Keekorok Airstrip, approximately 45 minutes’ drive from the lodge.
- By Road: Around 6 hours’ drive from Nairobi via Narok and Sekenani Gate. A 4×4 is highly recommended for this journey.
The camp’s remote location ensures a peaceful experience away from the busier parts of the reserve while maintaining proximity to major game corridors.
🏕️ Accommodation
Sand River features 16 beautifully appointed tented suites, all overlooking the riverbed or the Mara plains. These suites are spaced generously for maximum privacy and placed into two separate but identical wings—Sand River and Little Sand River, each with its own lounge and dining area.
Tent Categories:
- Luxury Tents (15 units)
- Approx. 49m² under canvas
- Twin or king-size bed configurations
- En-suite bathroom with indoor/outdoor showers
- Writing desk, lounge chairs, and antique-style furniture
- Raised wooden decks with river views
- Family Tent (1 unit)
- Approx. 87m² with two bedrooms
- Separate lounge area
- En-suite bathrooms for each bedroom
- Perfect for families or two couples traveling together
Each suite evokes the feel of early safari exploration with rich wood finishes, copper fittings, and neutral earthy tones—all while maintaining all the luxury amenities of a high-end lodge.
🧾 2025 Rates (Per Person, Per Night)
| Season | Dates | Full Board (USD) | Game Package (USD) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Peak Season | Jul 1 – Oct 31; Dec 21 – Jan 5 | $978 | $1,178 |
| Mid Season | Jan 6 – Mar 31; Jun 1 – Jun 30; Nov 1 – Dec 20 | $838 | $1,038 |
| Green Season | Apr 1 – May 31 | $625 | $825 |
Park Fees Not Included: Approx. $100–$200 per adult, per night depending on season
✅ What’s Included in the Game Package
- Accommodation in luxury tented suites
- All meals (breakfast, lunch, dinner)
- Local beverages (soft drinks, beers, house wines, spirits)
- Shared game drives in open-sided 4×4 vehicles (2 per day)
- Laundry service
- Transfers to/from Keekorok Airstrip
- Bush meals and sundowners
- Conservation fees for the camp’s private area
❌ What’s Not Included
- Maasai Mara National Reserve park entry fees
- Premium imported wines and champagnes
- Private vehicle supplement (available on request)
- Hot air balloon safaris (available at additional cost)
- Gratuities and personal expenses
- Travel insurance
🍽️ Dining & Cuisine
Sand River offers gourmet dining that reflects global and Kenyan influences. Guests enjoy à la carte menus with changing daily themes, all prepared by a skilled team of chefs.
- Indoor and Outdoor Dining Options: Enjoy breakfast in the bush or romantic candlelit dinners near the river.
- Special Diets: Vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free, and allergy-sensitive meals catered for on request.
- Sundowner Cocktails: Served in scenic viewpoints around the camp.
🏞️ Facilities
- Swimming Pool: A quiet plunge pool surrounded by sun loungers and shaded relaxation areas.
- Library Lounge: With safari literature, board games, and bar service.
- Boutique Gift Shop: Offering artisan souvenirs, clothing, and bush essentials.
- Wi-Fi: Available in public areas (limited signal in tents)
- Bush Cinema (on request): Private screening of wildlife documentaries under the stars.
🚙 Safari Activities
- Morning and Evening Game Drives: Conducted in custom open 4×4 Land Cruisers with professional guides and trackers.
- Bush Meals: Breakfast or lunch served in the wild during game drives.
- Sundowners: Scenic drink stops at golden hour.
- Walking Safaris: Occasionally offered in safe areas with Maasai guides and armed escort.
- Cultural Visits: Visit local Maasai homesteads and community projects supported by Elewana.
- Hot Air Balloon Safaris: Arranged with advance notice for sunrise rides over the plains.
👨👩👧👦 Family-Friendly Features
- Family tent with two bedrooms
- Flexible meal times and kids’ meals
- Educational bush activities for children on request
- Babysitting services (advance notice required)
Note: Minimum age for children is typically 5+ for shared game drives. Families with younger children may need to hire a private vehicle.
🕐 Check-In / Check-Out
- Check-In: 12:00 PM
- Check-Out: 10:00 AM
- Late check-out available upon request and subject to availability
⭐ Pros and Cons: What Guests Say
👍 Pros
- “Absolutely stunning location with constant wildlife in front of your tent.”
- “The camp feels like stepping into another era—beautifully designed, elegant and peaceful.”
- “Service is top-notch—our butler knew our preferences by the second day.”
- “The food was some of the best I’ve ever had at a safari camp.”
- “Far from crowds—saw very few vehicles during game drives.”
👎 Cons
- “It’s quite remote; expect a long drive or more expensive flights.”
- “Wi-Fi only in the main area—not reliable in the tents.”
- “No spa facility on site for massages.”
- “Luxury priced—worth it, but not ideal for budget travelers.”
🌍 Why Choose Sand River by Elewana?
✅ Exceptional riverside location within the national reserve
✅ High-end tented accommodations with vintage charm
✅ All-inclusive luxury with personalized service
✅ Unique safari experiences with minimal vehicle traffic
✅ Strong conservation and community support ethos