Exclusive Use Camp
Sangalai Sand River
This is a safari done properly. Uncrowded. Unrushed. Unforgettable
7 Tents · Sleeps 14
Set on a quiet bend of the Sand River, Sangalai Sand River is a private tented safari camp in the heart of the Maasai Mara. With just seven tents and exclusive use, the camp offers an authentic, personal safari experience guided by deep local knowledge and a passion for the wilderness.
Days are shaped around wildlife and the rhythms of the Mara. Early morning game drives, elephants moving along the riverbank, long lunches back at camp, and evenings by the fire under a sky full of stars.
Step into Our Camp
A Private Wilderness Retreat
Sangalai is a permanent, exclusive-use luxury tented camp on the banks of the Sand River. The structures are canvas-based and intentionally low-impact, designed to preserve the natural environment while offering the comfort of a high-end lodge.
Most guests arrive by air, flying from Nairobi to Keekorok Airstrip on a scheduled flight or private charter. From there, the camp is just 45 minutes away — though many choose to extend the drive, spotting wildlife along the way.
- Exclusive-use property
- 7 luxury tents, sleeps 14
- Prime migration location
- Inside the Maasai Mara Reserve
- Personalised dining
- Full en-suite bathrooms
Your Days in the Mara
Safari at Sangalai is unstructured by design — there is no strict timetable. Each day unfolds around the rhythms of the wilderness and the interests of your group.
- Dawn drives through golden light
- Bush breakfasts in the wild
- Afternoons resting as wildlife wanders the river
- Sundowners on the open plains
- Nightfall under vast, star-filled skies
The camp sits in a secluded corner of the Maasai Mara, far from the busiest areas — offering you rare privacy in one of Africa's most iconic landscapes.
Your Tented Room
On the Banks of the Sand River
Set along the riverbank, each spacious canvas tent is positioned for privacy and open views across the riverbed, where wildlife wanders, and sunsets settle into the landscape.
The camp layout is calm and considered, with seven separate tents that can be arranged as twins, kings, or family configurations to suit your travel style.
Tented Luxury
Inside each tent, soft linen-dressed beds are prepared for deep rest after long days in the wild. Ensuite bathrooms offer hot running water and flush toilets, with plush robes, soft towels, and thoughtful storage for easy living.
Each tent has electricity, plug sockets, fans for warmer afternoons, and warm lighting, creating a calm, comfortable space from day to night.
When you stay at Sangalai Sand River, you become part of a story that began over a century ago with the Carr-Hartley family. A legacy of conservation, deep respect for the land, and an enduring love for Africa.
Frequently Asked Questions
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A typical stay includes:
Exclusive use of the entire camp
Private safari vehicle + guide team
Unlimited game drives
Accommodation in luxury tents
All meals, snacks, and select alcoholic beverages
Bush breakfasts, sundowners, and riverbank dining
Laundry service
Use of the private gym
Extras:
Transport to and from Camp
Requested Activities
Park Fees
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Sangalai is a permanent, exclusive-use luxury tented camp on the banks of the Sand River.
The structures are canvas-based and intentionally low-impact, designed to preserve the natural environment while offering the comfort of a high-end lodge. -
Most guests fly from Nairobi to Keekorok Airstrip (approx. 45 minutes). Our team welcomes you at the airstrip and transfers you by safari vehicle through game-rich plains to camp. Private charters can also be arranged.
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The camp uses a combination of solar power and backup systems to provide:
Lighting
Charging stations for cameras & phones
Power points in all rooms
The eco-friendly system minimizes environmental disturbance.
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Yes — Starlink high-speed satellite Wi-Fi is available in the mess area.
This ensures:
Reliable video calls (if needed)
Fast photo uploads
Strong connectivity for remote work
Connection may fluctuate in storms, but is significantly stronger than typical bush Wi-Fi.
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Yes. Sangalai is an excellent choice for families, private groups, and multigenerational travel thanks to its exclusive-use structure. Private guides tailor drives to the group’s pace, and the camp layout offers plenty of space for children to explore safely within camp boundaries.
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Yes — every tent has a full en-suite bathroom with:
Hot and cold running water
Flush toilet
Hot showers available 24 hours
Cotton towels and robes
High-quality amenities
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Yes — your stay includes a dedicated safari vehicle and guide exclusively for your group.
No shared vehicles.
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July–October: Cool mornings & warm days, migration season
November: Short rains (beautiful green scenery)
December–March: Warm & dry, excellent predator viewing
April–May: Long rains, dramatic skies, quiet atmosphere
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Sangalai Sand River has an elephant fence around the main camp area to provide an added layer of safety. This design allows large wildlife to be gently guided away from central areas, while smaller animals can still move naturally through the camp.
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Yes. We have a three-night minimum stay.
