Elewana Sand River Mara Festive 20th Dec 2023 to 03rd Jan 2024

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. 

Situated on a secluded and picturesque site, Sand River Masai Mara replicates the heyday of exclusive permanent tented camps of the late 1920s.

The interior fixtures and furnishings mirror this period perfectly, reminding all who visit of those countless Hollywood movies that have paid homage to a classic era of African adventure.

Sand River Masai Mara is an ideal destination, at any time of the year, for those wishing to enjoy exceptional game-viewing. The National Reserve is best known for its large concentrations of big cats, such as leopard, cheetah, and, of course, lion. Even the dramatic arrival of the Annual Migration merely adds to an already abundant resident wildlife that awaits discovery.

Sand River Masai Mara comprises 16-tented accommodations - including 1 family tent - each divided into two separate but adjoining campsites, with each area possessing its own designated dining and public areas, thereby creating an increased sense of exclusivity and privacy.

Sand River Masai Mara will continue to demonstrate all the qualities that have made the Elewana Collection the premier choice in East Africa. With carefully crafted interior designs, exceptional standards of service, and a sublime and carefully chosen location providing optimal access to the wildlife, Sand River Masai Mara will surely become the standard to surpass.

OPTIONAL TOURS

 BUSH BREAKFAST (MASAI MARA)

Depart the camp at 0600hrs after an early morning cup of tea and enjoy an exhilarating game drive in the crisp morning air, keeping an eye out for matriarchal elephant herds, the lion prides and all the other wildlife in which the Mara abounds.

Arriving on the banks of the world-famous Mara River, you will be met by a traditionally clad Maasai warrior who will lead you where countless hippos wallow. Once you reach a clearing, you will be offered a glass of chilled sparkling wine or fresh juice before being shown to your table, which is located in a shady grove immediately alongside the hippo pool. Beneath the trees, you will find a full display of fruit, patisserie and cereals as well as a line of chefs ready to cook eggs, bacon, sausages and chicken to your specification.

Please note that all our wilderness dining sites feature full security and bathroom facilities.

Bush Breakfast Cost – Approximately $ 40 per person (Depending on the property)

MASAI CULTURAL VISIT

Immerse yourself in authentic Maasai culture as you visit a traditional village, accompanied by an English- speaking guide who lives there himself.

Find yourself in the midst of the daily hustle and bustle of local life as you witness the daily rituals of the Maasai. Once you have drunk your fill of this authentic cultural experience, you can choose to browse

through the Maasai Craft Centre and purchase artifacts made by the people you encountered. All proceeds from this go directly to the community.

Living a semi-nomadic lifestyle, the Maasai tribe has modernized in some ways but still adheres to many aspects of their traditional culture. Established as fierce warriors, their lively cultural dance, vibrant clothing and beautifully crafted handiwork are recognized worldwide.

The Maasai used to move nomadically with their herds to abundant lush pastures but these days they

have built permanent huts or bomas and prefer to stay

in one place. They are pastoralists and cattle are essential to their way of life. A man’s success is measured by the number of cattle and offspring he has. As great status and show of wealth the cattle are, they are also a vital food source. This glimpse of authentic Maasai culture is a fascinating experience of an ancient way of life that still flourishes today.

Maasai Village Visit rate - $ 30 per person

MAASAI MARA BALLOON SAFARI

On the day of your balloon flight, one of our custom safari vehicles will collect you from your camp or lodge (In Maasai Mara Game Reserve) at around 5 am to drive you to the launch site. You will arrive at the launch site by 6 am and can enjoy a cup of coffee or tea while you watch the balloons being prepared for take-off. You will then meet your pilot, who will give you a safety briefing as well as explain what you can expect during your flight. There are basic toilet facilities available at the launch site.

You will then board into your balloon basket for take-off just before sunrise, at about 6:30 AM. The flight will last approximately one hour, depending on wind conditions, and the balloon will land between 7:30 and 7:45 AM. Upon landing, you can observe the complete deflation of the balloon envelope. Our vehicles will then transport you for a short distance to the breakfast site.

Breakfast is set up on the picturesque savannah plains of the Mara, typically under the shade of a single acacia tree. You will sit down to a full bush breakfast in the Kenyan style, complete with eggs-to-order, fresh juices, waiters in traditional attire, and, of course, champagne.

During breakfast, you can also peruse the photos your pilot has taken during the flight, and decide whether you would like to purchase the photos or any of the other Hot Air Safaris merchandise on display.

After breakfast, at about 9 AM, you will have a drive back to your camp or lodge.

By 10:30 AM you should be back at your camp or lodge, already reliving the memories of the morning’s flight.

USD 450 per Adult