Set under tall riverine trees on the banks of the Sand River in the southern Masai Mara, Sala’s Camp is perfectly situated for lengthy sightings of the Great Wildebeest Migration. If you’re after an authentic, yet luxurious, camping experience, come here, to one of Kenya’s best safari lodges.
Sala’s Camp | The Masai Mara One Of Kenya’s Best Safari Lodges
The place
I walk outdoors through the open canvas flaps of my large safari tent, just one of seven nestled in a riverine forest along the Sand River. Sala’s Camp is near the border, and it’s a strange sensation to see endless views of Tanzania’s Serengeti while being in Kenya. Thousands of migrating wildebeest, zebra and gazelle pass here during the Great Wildebeest Migration. I’m in the perfect place to view this incredible spectacle, known as one of the Seven Natural Wonders of Africa.
I walk outdoors through the open canvas flaps of my large safari tent, just one of seven nestled in a riverine forest along the Sand River. Sala’s Camp is near the border, and it’s a strange sensation to see endless views of Tanzania’s Serengeti while being in Kenya. Thousands of migrating wildebeest, zebra and gazelle pass here during the Great Wildebeest Migration. I’m in the perfect place to view this incredible spectacle, known as one of the Seven Natural Wonders of Africa.
The room
I’m thrilled to be at this luxury camp in the heart of Africa. It’s been a busy morning on safari, and I’m awed by the amount of wildlife we’ve already encountered. I lie down on the bed and drink in my surroundings. Our tent, and indeed the whole of Sala’s Camp, is one of the most authentic in the Masai Mara. It’s like the mobile safari camps of old: completely impermanent, yet with indoor bathrooms, copper showers and basins, hanging cupboards and a desk. There are books on local wildlife, a reading lamp, beaded bottles, a jar of wildflowers by the sink and even a yoga mat and art supplies – thoughtful touches that anticipate every possible need. Refreshed, I walk the short distance to the mess area, which contains the dining room and lounge. My partner is relaxing on a day bed outside on the manicured lawns overlooking the river. It’s a bit early for lunch so we have a midday drink instead. Baboon frolic on the other side of the river bank, watching us as much as we’re watching them. We join the other guests for lunch around a communal table, although we have requested a private table on occasion. It’s a delicious spread, as always; this never ceases to amaze me, given the fact that it’s made out in the wild! And while we eat, we share stories of our experiences in the Masai Mara, which stretches out to the vast Serengeti before us.
I’m thrilled to be at this luxury camp in the heart of Africa. It’s been a busy morning on safari, and I’m awed by the amount of wildlife we’ve already encountered. I lie down on the bed and drink in my surroundings. Our tent, and indeed the whole of Sala’s Camp, is one of the most authentic in the Masai Mara. It’s like the mobile safari camps of old: completely impermanent, yet with indoor bathrooms, copper showers and basins, hanging cupboards and a desk. There are books on local wildlife, a reading lamp, beaded bottles, a jar of wildflowers by the sink and even a yoga mat and art supplies – thoughtful touches that anticipate every possible need.
Refreshed, I walk the short distance to the mess area, which contains the dining room and lounge. My partner is relaxing on a day bed outside on the manicured lawns overlooking the river. It’s a bit early for lunch so we have a midday drink instead. Baboon frolic on the other side of the river bank, watching us as much as we’re watching them. We join the other guests for lunch around a communal table, although we have requested a private table on occasion. It’s a delicious spread, as always; this never ceases to amaze me, given the fact that it’s made out in the wild! And while we eat, we share stories of our experiences in the Masai Mara, which stretches out to the vast Serengeti before us.
What sets it apart
There’s something incredible about sleeping in a real tent, with just canvas separating you from the outdoors. It’s not uncommon to see the silhouette of an animal pass by at night, yet I have complete trust in the Maasai guards patrolling the camp. The lazy days lounging on day beds on the river bank, the gourmet dining by candlelight or in the wild, the chatting around the campfire … these are some of the memories I’ll treasure. I particularly loved the remote position of this luxury Kenyan safari lodge; we rarely saw other vehicles on game drives, which was a real treat. And in addition to spotting several cheetah, we experienced several sightings of Sala’s Pride, the reserve’s resident lion.
There’s something incredible about sleeping in a real tent, with just canvas separating you from the outdoors. It’s not uncommon to see the silhouette of an animal pass by at night, yet I have complete trust in the Maasai guards patrolling the camp. The lazy days lounging on day beds on the river bank, the gourmet dining by candlelight or in the wild, the chatting around the campfire … these are some of the memories I’ll treasure. I particularly loved the remote position of this luxury Kenyan safari lodge; we rarely saw other vehicles on game drives, which was a real treat. And in addition to spotting several cheetah, we experienced several sightings of Sala’s Pride, the reserve’s resident lion.
At a glance
- Exclusive luxury tented camp on the banks of the Sand River in Kenya’s southern Masai Mara. There are just seven tents for guests, some with private swimming pools.
- Only six guests per safari vehicle, private vehicles available (additional cost), private dining available and opportunities to see the Great Wildebeest Migration.
- Game drives, walking safaris, bush meals, bush sundowners, bush volleyball, hot-air ballooning (additional cost), art supplies and spa treatments (additional cost).
- Children welcome and babysitting available (additional cost).
- Exclusive luxury tented camp on the banks of the Sand River in Kenya’s southern Masai Mara. There are just seven tents for guests, some with private swimming pools.
- Only six guests per safari vehicle, private vehicles available (additional cost), private dining available and opportunities to see the Great Wildebeest Migration.
- Game drives, walking safaris, bush meals, bush sundowners, bush volleyball, hot-air ballooning (additional cost), art supplies and spa treatments (additional cost).
- Children welcome and babysitting available (additional cost).
Prices
- Not only do African safari lodge prices shift with the seasons, they also change based on your length of stay, room type, travel party composition, special offers, if your trip involves stays at sister lodges – and for more reasons besides.
- It’s worth noting that depending on your itinerary, your lodge cost will make up about 75–85% of your total safari trip cost.
- Our safaris are tailor-made to match your personal safari dream, we’d be delighted if you’d allow us to create a bespoke proposal for you. Simply enquire now – our quotes are complimentary and obligation-free.
- However, to help you get an idea of safari lodge prices we’ve created three safari-lodge categories with various price ranges, to find out more click here.
- Not only do African safari lodge prices shift with the seasons, they also change based on your length of stay, room type, travel party composition, special offers, if your trip involves stays at sister lodges – and for more reasons besides.
- It’s worth noting that depending on your itinerary, your lodge cost will make up about 75–85% of your total safari trip cost.
- Our safaris are tailor-made to match your personal safari dream, we’d be delighted if you’d allow us to create a bespoke proposal for you. Simply enquire now – our quotes are complimentary and obligation-free.
- However, to help you get an idea of safari lodge prices we’ve created three safari-lodge categories with various price ranges, to find out more click here.
Gallery
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Sala’s Camp has just seven tented suites. © The Safari Collection
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This daybed at Sala’s Camp invites a lazy afternoon of reading. © The Safari Collection
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Enjoy dining under the stars at Sala’s Camp. © The Safari Collection
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This dining deck at Sala’s Camp is perched over the river’s edge. © The Safari Collection
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The local Maasai at Sala's Camp are generally very good with children. © The Safari Collection
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This family tent at Sala’s Camp has a magnificent freestanding bathtub. © The Safari Collection
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The master bed in this family tent at Sala’s Camp affords views over the wilderness. © The Safari Collection
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Sala’s Camp’s Keekorok family tent has a private pool. © The Safari Collection
When to Go
This is the most popular time to visit the Masai Mara, and for good reason. The Great Wildebeest Migration returns from the Serengeti from July to September, and at its peak the plains of the Masai Mara are covered with the animals as far as the eye can see. You’ll also get to witness a Mara River crossing at this time – an awe-inspiring experience. While it can get somewhat crowded, there are many amazing properties in private conservancies that offer greater exclusivity. The weather also plays along now, being dry and cool, perfect for game drives.
As it dries out after the short rains in November, large herds of resident game and predators congregate closer to the Mara River and other water sources during these months. This, combined with thinning vegetation and fewer visitors, makes for exceptional game viewing, comparing favorably with safari experiences across Africa – despite that the Great Wildebeest Migration has moved on by now. To combine exclusivity with the migration, merge a Masai Mara safari now with a visit to the Serengeti, where the migrating herds will be.
The Masai Mara’s long rains, which fall steadily throughout April and May, are followed by short rains in November – generally quick afternoon bursts. While muddy roads can make getting around an adventure, as it’s a quiet time for tourism wildlife experiences are highly exclusive. As the vegetation is in a growth period, the game is easy to see too. All in all visitors get good-value holidays during this time, provided they pack their sense of humour (and their gum boots!).
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