Sangalai Sand River

Explore Camp

Your Home in the Wild

Maasai Mara National Reserve

The Setting

At Sangalai Sand River, comfort is defined by thoughtfulness. Every detail is carefully considered to support life in the bush.

With just seven tents and exclusive use, the camp feels more like a private home in the Maasai Mara than a lodge. Located within the Maasai Mara National Reserve, directly on the banks of the Sand River, our unique position sits close to the Great Migration route as herds move from Tanzania's Serengeti into Kenya's famed Maasai Mara.

During migration season, wildebeest and zebra may cross the river right in front of your tent.

Our precise setting is detailed on the Location page.

View Location
A landscape at sunset with a winding river, green trees, and a tent with a vehicle parked nearby.
The Social Heart

The Mess Tents

Two distinct spaces form the social heart of Sangalai Sand River — one for gathering and dining, the other for quieter moments between game drives.

The Dining Tent

The main gathering space — with dining table, bar, and comfortable sofas. Mornings start with strong Kenyan coffee; evenings are candlelit and relaxed, filled with stories from the bush.

Our chefs prepare gourmet multi-course meals using fresh, seasonal produce. Menus are tailored to every preference, with bread baked daily and cold drinks always ready.

The Lounge Tent

The Lounge Tent

A quieter space to unwind — somewhere to sink into a sofa with a book, or gather before heading out on a game drive.

Designed for stillness and easy conversation, with views out to the riverbank and the sounds of the Mara all around.

Around Camp

Thoughtful Extras

Small details that make a stay at Sangalai just that bit more comfortable.

Guest Bathroom

Guest Bathroom

A private guest bathroom near the main camp area — with a proper flushable toilet, so there's no need to head back to your tent between activities.

Sun Loungers

Stretch out on sun loungers overlooking the Sand River — the perfect spot to catch some rays between game drives, or simply watch the world drift by on the riverbank below.

Sun Loungers
The Gym

The Gym

For those who like to stay active on safari, a fully equipped gym tent with weights, yoga mats, a Peloton bike, a rowing machine, and more.

Work out with views of the bush — a different kind of motivation.

From Dawn to Dusk at Sangalai Sand River…

Interior of a tent with two wooden armchairs with striped red and white cushions, a wooden table with a black dachshund figurine, a lamp with a patterned shade, and a view of a grassy yard and vehicle outside.
Cozy living room with vintage furniture, a wooden table with a black bull sculpture and a green potted plant, colorful patterned armchairs, a red striped area rug, and large windows with black curtains showing greenery outside.
Person pouring hot water from a stainless steel thermos into a white mug, with a plate of baked goods covered by a glass dome on a wooden table outdoors.
A framed map of Texas with a colorful bird illustration placed on an easel inside a tent with an outdoor view.
A cozy outdoor seating area with colorful patterned chairs around a wooden table, featuring a potted plant, on a striped rug, with couches and chairs in the background under a canopy in a natural setting.
Living room with a white sofa, two decorative pillows with red and black patterns, a wooden coffee table with a potted green plant, books, and small animal figurines, with a view of green trees and grass outside through large open windows.
A portable outdoor gym tent set up on the grass, containing gym equipment including a pull-up bar, a bench, and a workout bike, surrounded by trees and bushes with a dirt path nearby.
A small pig figurine on a wooden surface next to a vintage brass table lamp with two lampshades, with a backyard view through a window in the background.
Tent interior with a long wooden dining table surrounded by striped chairs, decorated with lanterns, with a view of trees and greenery outside.
A dining table setup with a woven placemat, a floral napkin with a beaded flower napkin ring, silverware, a flower in a small gold vase, and glassware. In the background, there is a sculpture of two elephants with their trunks intertwined, a wooden b
Sangalai_Rob CH Edit-82.jpg
Interior of a luxurious tent with cozy seating, including a sofa, armchairs, and a coffee table, overlooking a scenic outdoor landscape with trees and a river at dusk.
Dinner setup on a sandy riverbank during sunset with a long table surrounded by chairs, lanterns, and a campfire, overlooking a winding river and open landscape with trees and hills in the background.
A nighttime scene of a large outdoor tent with warm lighting, set up on a grassy area surrounded by trees, with smaller tents in the background and lanterns along a path.
A nighttime outdoor scene featuring a large illuminated tent with clear walls and a dark roof, set on a grassy area surrounded by trees under a starry sky.

Frequently Asked Questions

  • The camp has two separate mess areas, offering space to gather or spread out throughout the day. These areas include comfortable lounge seating, dining tables, and a relaxed bar setup, allowing guests to move naturally between quiet moments and shared time.

  • Most meals are enjoyed in the mess area, though dining locations vary throughout your stay.
    Depending on the day, meals may be served:

    • In the mess tent

    • On the private river beach

    • Outdoors under the stars

    • As bush breakfasts or picnic lunches

    The setting is chosen to suit the moment, the weather, and your group’s preferences.

  • The river beach in front of camp is used for private dining, sundowners, and relaxed gatherings. It offers a peaceful setting beside the Sand River and is often used for special meals or evening drinks as the light fades.

  • Yes. When conditions allow, and under staff guidance, guests may relax and play by the river in front of camp. Activities such as volleyball and informal games can be arranged, offering a lighter, playful way to enjoy time at camp between safaris.

  • 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.

  • The camp has a private, open-air gym set discreetly among the trees. Equipment includes an assault bike, a Peloton bike, a rowing machine, and a selection of free weights.