Sand River Mara

Masai Mara, Kenya

Old world glamour harking back to the '20s

Located on the banks of a river from which it has taken its name, Sand River Masai Mara is located within the Masai Mara National Reserve, close to the Tanzanian border, in an area that is world famous for its abundance of wildlife.

Sand River Masai Mara consists of 16 tents split over two separate but adjoining campsites, each with its own designated dining and lounge areas. The site is carefully positioned in a secluded and picturesque spot and harks back to the exclusivity of the opulent exploration camps of the late 1920s. Large tented suites are elevated on wooden decks and the décor features four poster beds, copper baths, travelling trunks and thick Persian rugs. The main areas replicates this style with an inviting lounge and plush dining space while the shared swimming pool is a picturesque place to lounge with a G&T and watch wildlife roam by. The overall effect echoes the countless Hollywood movies that have paid homage to the classic era of African adventure.

The Masai Mara is a an excellent destination for wildlife viewing at any time of year. The National Reserve is best known for its large concentrations of big cats such as leopard, cheetah and lion and the dramatic arrival of the annual migration merely adds to the already abundant resident wildlife that is present year-round. Game drives in 4×4 purpose built safari vehicles will showcase the bets of the action and, with luck, some up close encounters.

With exceptional standards of service, glamorous heritage styling and a sublime location, Sand River Masai Mara is hard to surpass.

You will love

  • Glamorous 1920‘s styling
  • Exceptional exclusive location
  • Small and intimate
  • The Masai Mara‘s iconic wildlife
Tented suite balcony overlooking the Sand River in Maasai Mara, featuring wooden deck, chairs, and a refreshing drink, capturing the luxurious safari experience at Sand River Mara.
Elephants grazing in the golden savannah grasslands of the Maasai Mara, with luxury tented accommodations visible in the background, showcasing the unique wildlife experience at Sand River Mara.
Luxurious tented suite at Sand River Mara featuring a four-poster bed, elegant décor, and wooden furnishings, embodying 1920s safari style.
Elephant walking through golden grassland near lodge in Meru National Park, showcasing the natural beauty and wildlife experience at Elsa's Kopje.
Breakfast table set with tea, pastries, and scenic views of the Maasai Mara landscape at Sand River Mara.
Maasai man in traditional attire adorned with vibrant jewelry and beads, symbolizing Kenyan culture and heritage, reflecting the rich experiences available near Hemingways Nairobi.
Private dining setup by the Sand River in Masai Mara, featuring a table with elegant tableware, a waiter, and a scenic backdrop of rocks and flowing water, highlighting the exclusive safari experience offered at Sand River Mara.
Herd of wildebeests grazing on golden grasslands in Meru National Park, showcasing the vibrant wildlife experience near luxury lodgings.
Tented accommodation at Sand River Mara surrounded by lush greenery and trees, showcasing the serene landscape of the Maasai Mara National Reserve.
Giraffes observing their surroundings in the Maasai Mara with elephants grazing in the background, highlighting the iconic wildlife experience offered at Sand River Mara.
Lounge area of Sand River Mara featuring elegant furnishings, plush sofas, and a rustic coffee table, designed in luxurious 1920s style, with large windows offering views of the Maasai Mara landscape.
Masai warrior in traditional attire walking through golden grasslands of the Maasai Mara, with a solitary acacia tree in the background, embodying the iconic wildlife experience of Kenya's Sand River Mara.
Luxury tented bathroom featuring a copper bathtub, double sinks, and natural light, alongside an outdoor shower set in a rustic wooden enclosure, highlighting the exclusive safari experience at Sand River Masai Mara.
Luxury lodge in Meru National Park with elephants grazing nearby, surrounded by trees and open plains, showcasing the unique wildlife experience at Elsa's Kopje.
Elegant dining setup in tented lodge at Sand River Masai Mara, featuring plush seating, candlelit tables, and scenic views of the surrounding landscape.
Maasai man in traditional attire walking through golden grasslands under a blue sky with scattered clouds, representing the scenic beauty of the Maasai Mara National Reserve.
Lounge area of Sand River Mara featuring plush seating, decorative rugs, and large windows overlooking the natural surroundings, embodying 1920s safari elegance.
Two playful jackal pups interacting with a feather in the Mara North Conservancy, highlighting the wildlife experiences available at Ngare Serian Camp.
Tented suite at Sand River Mara with wooden deck, elegant furnishings, and ambient lighting, showcasing luxurious safari accommodation in the Maasai Mara.
Sand River Mara luxury tented accommodation nestled among lush trees by the riverbank, showcasing a tranquil safari experience in Kenya's Maasai Mara.
Elegant tented suite at Sand River Masai Mara featuring four-poster bed, plush furnishings, and luxurious decor, emphasizing 1920s safari style in a serene setting.
Lion in tall grass, showcasing fierce expression and intense gaze, symbolizing the wildlife experiences at Ngare Serian Camp in the Mara North Conservancy.
Secluded tented accommodation at Sand River Mara overlooking a river, surrounded by lush vegetation and trees, reflecting the exclusive safari experience in Kenya's Maasai Mara.
Luxurious tented suite at Sand River Mara featuring four poster beds, elegant décor, wooden flooring, and a cozy lounge area, embodying 1920s safari style.

Thank you for putting together the ancestral adventure of a lifetime. I cannot speak highly enough of the trip. The transfers went smoothly, the accommodation was excellent, the drivers were amazing as they manoeuvred through the traffic and every tour guide had a great deal of knowledge and information. Nothing was too much trouble for them. The contrast of poverty and riches of the country was striking, from the beggars in the street and struggles of the poor to the spectacular, impressive sights of the forts and monuments. There were so many highlights. A moment in time that will never happen again.

Jenny Kidd

Exellent and wonderful, reaching way above expectations.

Elizabeth Mackintosh

We wanted the opportunity to see as many wildlife parks as possible and the Classic Safari Company provided an action-packed itinerary that included six, with 11 tiger sightings and nine leopard. This was overlaid with an introduction to Jaisalmer, Jaipur and the 'real' India. Pench and Panna were the hidden gems of a really great trip, very well organised, seamless and enjoyable. As a solo traveller I felt incredibly safe at all times. I want to go back!

Mark Taylor

Julia you did a fantastic job - everything was first class. Well organised, efficient and stress free. We all agreed it was the best holiday we've ever had. Cant wait to travel with CSC again.

Milford family

We are so happy we put our trust in CSC, we had an amazing adventure and would recommend them to anyone.

Kim & Brad Balance

The trip exceeded my expectations and was the best family holiday I have ever had. Our children simply loved it and now I know more about African wildlife than they do about our own farm animals.

Rowntree family

Classic Safari are the people who genuinely know other culture and offer incredible insight to perfectly meet your expectations.

Melanie McMillan & Iain Jones

We loved it all. Our son wants to go back tomorrow. We would ALL go back again!

Laurence & Remi Cunningham

An amazing experience - the best family holiday we have ever had. We were extremely impressed by the meticulous attention to our itinerary. I can't speak highly enough of all the elements of this exciting journey!

Sheryl & Robert Taylor

Thank you for making our trip to Africa so spectacular. The attention to detail really made it special. It really was the trip of a lifetime.

Paul Cozzi

Very knowledgeable and patient. Our trip was all that we hoped for. Wonderful!

Jane & Robert Happell

Everything was perfect! Advice and information on destinations and activities hit everything I had hoped to experience. I contacted the Classic Safari Company upon recommendation and have now, in turn, recommended to others.

Tim Bradley

You can't improve on perfection. I had my best birthday and holiday with my family celebrating my 80th birthday in Africa. Everything that Julia organised was perfect and the whole trip was a highlight!

Buckingham Family

The trip of a lifetime, couldn't have dreamt of a better adventure if I tried.

Emma Jeffcoat

Absolutely everything was first class & so well organised.

Simon & Jackie Adams

Classic Safari Company has done it again! A unique experience that ticked all the boxes - wildlife, culture and dining experience. A dream come true!

Ros Wheeler

Their experience and knowledge of Africa is evident and we couldn't have been happier with the total package. This has given us a taste for Africa - now we are ready for more.

Andrew & Pip Stevens

If you want the most sensational experience in Africa let Julia and the staff at Classic Safari Co plan it for you! Their knowledge, expertise and enthusiasm for their job means your every wish will be fulfilled.

Miriam & Joseph Harrison

Classic Safari is the place to go to for "top end" adventure travel.

Ron & Alison Guthrie

Classic Safari Company were brilliant - 10/10

Di & Kingsley Yates

The Classic Safari Company is the best I have dealt with. Extremely knowledgeable & professional, friendly, patient & understanding of first timers to Africa.

Annette Whiley

It certainly was the best trip we have EVER had. The experiences were mind blowing.  We want everyone we know to experience Africa - the animals, the people - magical.

Jo-anne & Dean Mifsud

Would do it all again and not change a moment. Best holiday ever!

The McGowan Tribe

An absolutely fantastic travel company - every one of the many trips they have organised for us over 22 years have been faultless and fabulous.

Judith & Roger Williams

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