Things to do in Kenya

Maasai Mara magic at Elewana Sand River

During the Great Migration, you can watch herds of wildebeest and zebra crossing the river from the comfort of your tent veranda…

By Liz Harper

Our tented camp lies on the Maasai Mara’s Sand River, surrounded by lush riverine forest. We’re very close to the Tanzanian border so during the annual Great Migration, you can watch herds of wildebeest and zebra crossing the river from the comfort of your tent veranda. Surrounding the camp, the plains are filled with game that attract predators year-round, including lions, leopards and cheetahs. Sand River is a very secluded location, so you hardly see any other safari vehicles and can enjoy unspoilt wildlife viewing.

The riverine forest is a birder’s paradise and at night, you can hear monkeys in the trees. Although the river doesn’t flow all year, when it’s full, it draws all kinds of animals and in dry season, elephants will dig down into the sand floor to source water. The wildlife has gotten used to our camp now and visitors regularly wander through, from buffalo to elephants and zebra. It’s cheetahs galore at Sand River too, I’ve been lucky enough to see them kill on the plains, it’s amazing to watch those fast animals hunting so effectively.

Guests stay in our 15 luxury tents, which are set on wooden decks with en-suite facilities. I love the extra outdoor shower, which you can enjoy while looking out into the Maasai Mara. The camp has been designed in classic safari style, so it feels like you’re stepping back into the 1920s age of canvas and firepits but we also have a modern pool and offer high-end dining. Guests will usually spend their days out on game drives in the Maasai Mara, although we can also take them to visit a local Maasai village and school, which is partly funded by our foundation, Land and Life.

For me, one of the highlights of staying at Sand River is the chance to take a balloon safari over the Mara. You’ll be picked up at 4.30am so you can watch the sunrise from the sky. It’s incredible to see an aerial view of the Mara, especially during migration season when huge herds of grazing beasts cover the plains. The hot air balloon ride is topped off with a champagne breakfast when you land, it’s a truly unforgettable Maasai Mara experience.

Available in these itineraries…

Itinerary

Kenya SkySafari
by Vicki Bramley

Length10 Days

Price range£9,895 - £12,425

Alfred & Liz Harper

Working in the travel industry for twenty years, Liz has built up considerable knowledge in numerous disciplines through a wide range of roles including time spent as a travel journalist and Head of Marketing at Abercrombie & Kent. Today, she funnels her experience into her company, LH Travel, specialising in marketing, consultancy and representation for a portfolio of upmarket Africa-based clients. She is a natural storyteller and is passionate about conservation and community.

Plan your holiday withAlfred&

Your journey will start with one of our UK team – someone like Becky, who's travelled extensively in Kenya. They’ll shape your ideas into the trip of a lifetime. But they won't do it alone. They'll draw on the expertise of our contacts on the ground, connecting you to the people who'll make your holiday one you'll always remember - the safari rangers, local village chiefs and camp managers you'll be talking about for years to come. Start planning today, call us, email an enquiry or arrange a phone or video appointment for ideas and advice.

Becky Souissi

Alfred& Tailormade Expert

With over 20 years of experience, Becky’s passion for travel has taken her across the globe from the patterned promenades of Rio de Janeiro to the lakes of Vietnam. You’ll most likely find her in Africa where she travelled the continent trying and testing over 40 game drives. One of her favourite places in the world is the picturesque Maasai Mara for its early morning balloon rides and exceptional game viewing. It’s when among the local communities though where she feels most inspired.
Mohamed Iribo

Safari Guide at Elewana Loisaba Tented Camp

Mohamed Iribo is a passionate safari guide who has worked across Kenya, including in Samburu National Reserve, the Maasai Mara and Meru National Park. Mohamed grew up at Ol Pejeta Conservancy, where his father was a game ranger, so conservation is in his blood. Having worked with the Elewana Collection for eight years, the last four of those at Loisaba, he offers expert insight on animal behaviour and has an engaging sense of humour that guests love.
Janine Anjarwalla

Director of Sales and Marketing, Mara Engai Lodge

Janine Anjarwalla was born and raised in East Africa and has been working in the luxury hotel market for over a decade. She's passionate about promoting the region's culture, experiences and rich heritage to guests from all over the world and has proudly worked with Mara Engai Lodge since its inception. Janine loves to explore on safari and appreciates a good steak.
Mohanjeet Brar

Managing Director, Porini Camps

Mohanjeet Brar grew up in the forests of the Kenyan highlands, so he has a close connection with the country’s wild landscapes and local people. He’s a keen naturalist and conservationist with a doctorate degree in Plant Science, as well as a certified safari guide. Mohanjeet is now the Managing Director of Porini Safari Camps and is married with two kids who love going on safari.
Jonathan and Angela Scott

Big cat writers, photographers and filmmakers

Jonathan and Angela Scott are award-winning wildlife photographers, TV presenters, authors and conservationists. The couple live in Nairobi and have a permanent base at Governors’ Camp in the Maasai Mara, where they’ve been documenting the lives of the area’s lions, leopards and cheetahs for over 40 years. Jonathan and Angela famously filmed the BBC’s Big Cat Diaries in the Maasai Mara for 12 years and have continued this legacy with Big Cat Tales on Animal Planet.
Christine Macharia

Sales & Marketing Executive at GoVacation, Alfred&’s partner in Kenya

Christine Macharia was born in Laikipia, Kenya. After working in hospitality, Christine transitioned to the tourism industry in 2018 and currently works as a Sales and Marketing Executive at GoVacation. She loves showing off all the wonderful destinations East Africa has to offer and is passionate about offering outstanding tour experiences that touch the soul.