SALA’S CAMP – MASAI MARA RESERVE

Sala’s Camp is a tented camp combining tradition with comfort and is located in the southern, wilder corner of the Masai Mara Reserve close to the confluence of the Sand and Keekorok Rivers.  With just 7 canvas tents set along the Sand River the location of the camp and the close proximity to two rivers attracts wildlife year-round.

The Camp is close to Tanzania with wonderful views of the Serengeti plains and it is one of the first camps in the Mara to witness the migration of wildebeest arriving in June through to September each year.  At other times you can enjoy superb game viewing and birdlife with fewer visitors and from December through to March elephant sightings are exceptional.

After a day’s safari return to relax in your hammock or meet up for sundowners by the campfire before enjoying dinner served under the stars.

LOCATION

Sala’s Camp is set along the Sand River in the Masai Mara Reserve in Kenya.

CAMP

Sala’s Camp offers space, comfort and great views from the seven luxury tents dotted along the Sand River.  The camp offers a casual elegance of safari days gone by whilst being surrounded by contemporary touches like private plunge pools and glass-fronted tents. Electricity is solar-powered – there is a standby generator for refrigeration and charging devices.

The room interiors are soft in colour embracing the natural hues of the surrounding yellow grasslands and river sand. The bathrooms are elegantly accented with rich copper and brass fittings reflecting Africa’s warmth and include large copper bathtubs and spacious showers. Floors are made from bamboo and covered with natural reed carpets and striking black and white images hang on the canvas walls.

Keekorok Honeymoon Tent with a pool (Tent 1) – The honeymoon tent has a private plunge pool, veranda and spectacular views.

Keekorok Family Tent with a pool (Tent 2a and 2b) – Sala’s new Family Tent is book-ended by two rooms that are joined by a communal lounge leading out onto a large veranda with sun beds, private dining areas and a plunge pool.

Forest Family Tent with a pool (Tent 3) – The Forest Family Tent can accommodate a family of two adults and two children, with space to accommodate a third bed. The tent has en-suite bathrooms with bath, flushing loo and plumbed in shower.

Forest Luxury Tent with a pool (Tents 4, 5 and 6) – The Forest Luxury Tent are located on the forest side of Sala’s Camp. The tents embrace the charm of a traditional Hemingway-style safari while incorporating contemporary touches like glass doors. The tents have ensuite bathrooms with bath, flushing loo and plumbed in shower.

Forest Honeymoon Tent with a pool (Tent 7) – The Forest Honeymoon Tent is located on the forest side of Sala’s Camp. It has a private plunge pool and is an airy, sophisticated room. The tent is located in a private and serene area at the end of the camp – perfect for honeymooners.

Sala’s Camp prides itself on its hospitality and all arrangements are made with meticulous care. Guests enjoy full board during their stay which includes all meals and most drinks, excluding champagne and specially imported wines and spirits. There are activities on offer for children of all ages and baby listening is available. The camp is also suitable for guests with limited disabilities and special meals can be catered for by prior arrangement.

Children are welcome and under-threes stay free. Extra beds are available on request and family tents have additional space. The local Maasai are keen to teach their traditions and will show children how to throw a ‘rungu’, tie a ‘shuka’ and make a bow & arrow. Activities also include searching for the ‘toothbrush tree’, spotting the ‘Little Five’ and the ‘Ugly Five’ on game drives, and finding spoor in the riverbed. Babysitters and special meals can be made by prior arrangement.

ACTIVITIES

Sala’s is the first camp in the Mara to witness the phenomenal movement of over 1.5 million wildebeest, zebra and other antelope which move year-round on a circular migratory route in the greater Serengeti-Mara ecosystem. If you are staying between July and October you might be lucky enough to catch the animals thundering by. Watching a river crossing is a tense and thrilling spectacle and will bring you face to face with the brutal reality of mother nature.

Game Drives – the anticipation and excitement of setting off in a 4 x 4 to explore the African bush is what being on safari is all about and the area around Sala’s Camp is teeming with diverse wildlife.

Guests staying longer might wish to venture further into the Mara and head out for the day with a picnic lunch. Game drive vehicles are specially designed to ensure maximum game viewing and comfort and are kitted out with Maasai blankets and ponchos to keep you warm, sun cream, fridges filled with cold drinks, hot drinks, books and sweets.

Bush Volley Ball – during the dry months the sandy riverbed in front of Sala’s Camp turns into a perfect volley ball pitch and there are no hippos or crocodiles to worry about in the area.

Gym in a bag and Gym – each tent is provided with a ‘gym-in-a-bag’ for you to use during your stay. Each little fitness bag contains a yoga mat, skipping rope and post safari stretch card to take you through some simple exercises to ease your muscles and relax your body.

Sala’s Camp also has a fully equipped gym.

Get arty on Safari – each tent has a watercolour set and sketch pad for you to use during your stay to paint the unique scenery, wildlife, flora and fauna.

Sundowners – are an essential part of any safari experience. With a refreshing drink in hand and tasty homemade snacks there is nothing better than watching the African sun sink low on the horizon over the vast animal filled plains of the Masai Mara.

Spa Treatments – from a secluded shady corner of camp or from the comfort of your own room indulge in a therapeutic treatments.

Sunrise Balloon Safari – glide silently above the plains and spot wildlife as you experience 360-degree views as far as the eye can see. Balloon rides are particularly magnificent during the migration, when you will witness millions of animals grazing below you. Ballooning costs are extra and include a champagne bush breakfast.

SALA’S CAMP IS CLOSED APRIL, MAY AND NOVEMBER EVERY YEAR

THE CAMP IS IS FAMILY FRIENDLY AND WELCOMES CHILDREN OF ALL AGES