The award-winning Sayari Camp is based in the north of Serengeti National Park, with a prime location to witness thousands of wildebeest crash across the Mara River as part of their Great Migration.

About Sayari Camp

The award-winning Sayari camp is based in the north of Serengeti National Park, with a prime location to witness thousands of wildebeest crash across the Mara River as part of their Great Migration.

Open: June to March

Closed: April to May

Closest airstrip: Kogatende, 20-minutes’ drive from camp

Families: children aged five and older

Accommodation

Overlooking the golden plains, our 15 bright and spacious suites have walk-in showers, al fresco tubs and verandas on which you can laze away the afternoon with a book. Sayari’s rim-flow pool is set between natural rock formations for guests to cool off in while watching elephants or zebras ambling past camp. After a dip, treat yourself to a calming massage or a beer at the Serengeti’s first solar-powered microbrewery before an afternoon game drive and sundowners around the campfire.

Rooms

Spacious and bright, the 15 tented suites at Sayari have mahogany floors and king or twin beds with fine linens and colourful cushions.

Location

The northern Serengeti is one of the most popular safari destinations in Africa, and for good reason. This is where the world-famous river crossings take place, as huge herds of migrating wildebeest cross into Kenya between July and September before heading back into Tanzania around October. Crossing the Mara River is one of the most dangerous parts of their journey, with crocodiles and hippos in the water and lions and other predators waiting on land. As the Mara River is just a few minutes from camp, guests can see all the action right from our doorstep.

Once the migrating herds have travelled back to the southern Serengeti in December, guests can experience much more privacy with fewer tourists and vehicles around the national park. This is the period of time when safari veterans like to visit and enjoy having these vast plains to themselves. There is still have plenty of wildlife around, including lions and cheetahs.

You might see elephants and rhinos and even leopards lurking in the riverine forests. Birders can spot some of the European migrants that arrive over this season, too.

A typical day on safari at Sayari Camp

We take advantage of the cooler conditions and head out on game drives in the early morning and late afternoon. This is when animals, especially predators, are more active. If you have booked a private vehicle, you can plan your day with your guide. Start the day bright and early with a wake-up call and tea or coffee delivered to your tent.

Enjoy breakfast before you depart for a morning game drive (or have it packed as a picnic to take with you). You’ll arrive back at camp mid-morning, with a chance to freshen up before lunch. After a leisurely lunch, enjoy siesta time.

Take a dip in the pool, unwind with a massage or enjoy some retail therapy in our safari shop. Refuel with afternoon tea, then depart for an afternoon/evening game drive with sundowners. You’ll be back in time for drinks at the bar and dinner under the stars.