Sayari Camp
CEDARBERG RATING
Luxury
Overview
The stunning Sayari Camp, in the far northern part of the Serengeti National Park, is perfectly positioned to witness what may be the greatest wildlife spectacle on the planet: the Great Migration crossing the Mara River. The camp overlooks the vast Serengeti plains, home to staggering amounts of wildlife. During the Migration season, millions of zebra and wildebeest arrive to share the fertile land with its permanent inhabitants.
Sayari Camp, which offers unobtrusive luxury whilst never severing the all important connection with the bush, is a magical camp right on the Mara River. Sayari Mara Camp has two camps, one with 9 tents and one with 6 tents. Both have separate mess and dining facilities so that you retain a sense of intimacy.
After game drives, you can take in the view over the Serengeti from the spectacular infinity pool or choose the privacy of your veranda, the warmth of the fire place, or the comfort of the atmospheric library, bar or lounge. There are spectacular views of the Serengeti in most directions. Food is a real highlight at Sayari Mara: a fusion of European cuisine with authentic African elements.
Game Viewing
The location of Sayari Mara, in a remote and relatively unfrequented part of Serengeti National Park, is key to the experience, far from the madding crowds which traverse the central Serengeti. This is a wonderfully unspoilt area and a spectacular wildlife destination. The Tanzania side of the Mara River area boasts large concentrations of animals year-round, drawn by the permanent waters of the river. The limited traffic in the area permits great game viewing. In addition to game drives, you can also have short (1.5 - 2 hrs) walking safaris. Walking safaris are led by experienced walking guides. An armed ranger accompanies the walks. Full day walks can be booked upon request at an extra cost.
Serengeti Migration
The migration usually roams around in the area from mid July to November, and at this time you could be lucky enough to see the famous Mara River crossings of wildebeest and zebra. (However this is by no means an easy feat as the wildebeest can stay on one side of the river for days before suddenly deciding to attempt a crossing.)
However outside the migration season, there is still plenty to see: the area hosts many resident big cats, elephants, resident zebra and wildebeest, herds of topi and lesser known animals such as the bat-eared fox. The river is the territory of hippo and crocodile year round.
At A Glance
Off the beaten track
Big 5
Romantic
Spa
In Pictures
Sayari Camp on the map
Rooms
Tented Suites
The remote and starkly beautiful landscape of the Northern Serengeti inspired the design of Sayari's 15 tented suits, which are a subtle mirror of the iconic flat-topped volcanic Turner Hill to the north. Inside, the rich mahogany floors and delicate tones of sand, stone, and acacia reflect the hues and textures of the natural terrain. Each spacious suite has a king-sized bed (twin beds available) with fine linens and safari-chic decor to offset the wilderness just beyond the canvas walls. The en-suite bathrooms with walk-in shower and egg-shaped bathtub overlook the Northern Serengeti plains, as do the beautiful private verandas outside.
Family Tent
One of Sayari’s 15 tented suites is a spacious, two-bedroom family suite suitable for two adults and three children under the age of 16. The main bedroom is similar to that of the other tents and has all the amenities you would expect: a king-sized bed, walk-in shower, huge bathtub with stunning views of the northern Serengeti, and of course, a spacious private veranda. The main bedroom is linked to the children’s room by a raised platform complete with safety railings. This second bedroom has three single beds with access to a spacious en-suite bathroom with walk-in shower. The second bedroom also has a private veranda, so no one misses out on those fabulous views of the wilderness.
Mari’s review of Sayari Camp in the northern Serengeti
I loved Sayari Camp but it is expensive. This award-winning Sayari Camp is set on the plains of the Northern Serengeti so Sayari gives you easy access to the Mara River. It is intimate and contemporary and it is regularly voted as one of the top safari escapes on the planet.
(I also had the best meal there for the entire trip.)
I would say any-one would love this camp. It has a prime location in northern Serengeti, perfectly positioned for Mara River wildebeest migration crossings. It also offers walking safaris with expert professional guides for extraordinary wildlife encounters
There are 15 tented suites (including 1 honeymoon suite and great family tents where at least 3 children can sleep in a separate area with their own bathroom). Each has an ensuite bathroom with hot running water, walk-in shower, bathtub and flushing toilet. But no outdoor showers which was surprising. The beautiful infinity swimming pool overlooks northern plains.
