26/10/2026
For as long as any of us can remember, along a bend in the Sand River has been our campsite in the Mara.
We have pitched there with guests season after season, and it has recently become semi-permanent as Sangalai Sand River.
We have to admit it is our favourite place in the world.
The camp sits inside the Maasai Mara Reserve, in a secluded corner well away from the busier circuits. It is 45 minutes from Keekorok airstrip, although most people take longer, because there is always something to stop for on the way in.
There are seven canvas tents along the bank, each one facing out across the riverbed. The camp is only ever taken on an exclusive-use basis for up to fourteen guests, with your own vehicle and guide, so there is nobody else at the fire.
We keep the days loose. Out early while the light is still gold, breakfast in the bush, then back to camp for a long lunch while elephants come down to the riverbed in the heat of the afternoon. Sundowners out on the plains, and dinner by lantern on the bank.
From July to October the migration moves through, and after the November rains the whole place turns green.
It is the camp we would choose for ourselves, and the one we most like sharing.
Swipe through for camp. If you’d like to talk about a stay of your own, write to us at [email protected].
