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Maasai Mara, Kenya

Sand River

Timeless luxury in the heart of the savannah

A glamorous retreat amidst the Mara wilderness

Sand River Masai Mara combines the nostalgia of a bygone safari era with the comfort of modern luxury. Nestled along the Sand River, the camp offers an exclusive and tranquil setting that perfectly complements its dramatic surroundings. Its design, inspired by the 1920s golden age of exploration, features canvas tents adorned with antique furnishings, Persian rugs, and campaign-style furniture. Each suite opens to expansive views of the river and plains, immersing guests in the untamed beauty of the Masai Mara.

The camp’s location within the Masai Mara National Reserve ensures exceptional access to prime game-viewing areas, including the annual Great Migration routes. Whether relaxing in the lounge, dining under the stars, or embarking on a thrilling safari, Sand River Masai Mara offers an unforgettable retreat steeped in elegance and adventure.

Highlights

  •  Exclusive location within the Masai Mara National Reserve
  • Authentic 1920s safari design
  • Exceptional game-viewing opportunities
  • Private access to the Sand River
  • Bush walks
  • Dining under the stars

Food quality

Dining at Sand River Masai Mara is an exquisite experience that celebrates the flavors of Africa with global influences. The camp’s chefs craft every meal using fresh, locally sourced ingredients, offering a variety of dishes that cater to diverse tastes. From hearty bush breakfasts and refreshing lunches by the river to multi-course candlelit dinners under the vast African sky, each dining moment is carefully curated to delight the senses.

Sundowners at scenic spots within the reserve add a magical touch, pairing fine wines or cocktails with breathtaking views. With a focus on quality and hospitality, Sand River Masai Mara elevates every meal into a memorable occasion.

Dining style

Individual Tables

Dining locations

Indoor and Outdoor Dining

Further dining info, including room service

  • Room service is available, with a menu tailored to guests’ preferences.
  • A selection of premium wines and spirits is offered, with exclusive options available for an additional charge.

Witness the best of the Masai Mara

Sand River Masai Mara’s privileged location offers guests unrivaled opportunities to witness the region’s extraordinary wildlife. The camp lies along the path of the Great Migration, providing front-row seats to the dramatic river crossings as wildebeest and zebras navigate predator-filled waters. Year-round, the Masai Mara teems with wildlife, including the Big Five—lion, leopard, rhino, elephant, and buffalo. Game drives and bush walks, led by knowledgeable guides, bring guests up close to these majestic animals, while bird enthusiasts can marvel at over 450 recorded species. Sand River’s proximity to key wildlife areas ensures an unparalleled safari experience, where every outing is filled with thrilling encounters.

Where little feet find big adventures and comfort

Families are welcomed with open arms, ensuring children feel as valued and comfortable as their parents. Spacious rooms provide ample space for families to unwind, with child-friendly features ensuring a seamless experience. The hotel’s lush gardens and serene surroundings offer the perfect setting for outdoor adventures, where little ones can play and explore while immersed in nature’s beauty.

Dining is made delightful for younger guests, with tailored menus that cater to their tastes and healthy appetites. Whether poolside snacks, a refreshing smoothie, or comforting meals, every detail is designed to make family dining stress-free and enjoyable. Gran Meliá Arusha ensures that children experience the joy of travel while parents relax, knowing their little ones are well cared for in a luxurious, family-friendly oasis.

A unique opportunity to connect with nature’s wonders

Conveniently located near iconic safari destinations like Serengeti National Park and Ngorongoro Crater. Begin your journey with the sights and sounds of Arusha’s vibrant birdlife, right from the comfort of the hotel’s verdant gardens. Just beyond the city’s edge lies the untamed beauty of Arusha National Park, where zebras, giraffes, and even the elusive leopard roam freely against the dramatic backdrop of Mount Meru.

Whether you embark on a thrilling game drive or enjoy a quiet moment overlooking the hotel’s stunning natural surroundings, Gran Meliá Arusha promises an unforgettable connection to the wild. It’s not just a stay—it’s a window into Tanzania’s breathtaking natural heritage.

Seamless connections in a modern sanctuary.

Gran Meliá Arusha ensures that staying connected is as effortless as the rest of your experience. The hotel provides full generator backup, guaranteeing uninterrupted power supply. Guests can charge their devices at any time, with 24-hour electricity available in all rooms and communal areas. Cellphone reception is excellent throughout the property, with multiple networks providing reliable 3G connectivity. Complimentary WiFi is also available in all rooms and public areas, allowing guests to stay in touch with family, friends, or work, should they choose to.

For those seeking entertainment, the hotel’s stylish lounges offer a tranquil space to unwind. While there are no guest televisions in the rooms, communal spaces may accommodate special requests for important events, like sporting occasions. Gran Meliá Arusha balances modern convenience with a serene environment, ensuring your stay is both connected and peaceful, whether you’re here for relaxation or business.

Safeguarding the future of the Masai Mara

Sand River Masai Mara is dedicated to sustainable tourism, blending luxury with a strong commitment to conservation and community empowerment. The camp operates on solar energy, reducing its carbon footprint, and implements water conservation measures to preserve vital resources. Local partnerships support wildlife protection initiatives, ensuring the Masai Mara’s natural beauty endures for future generations. Additionally, the camp works closely with nearby communities, creating employment opportunities and promoting cultural exchange. By integrating eco-conscious practices into every aspect of its operations, Sand River Masai Mara ensures that your stay contributes to the preservation of this iconic wilderness.

Your well-being is a top priority: Ensuring a worry-free stay

Gran Meliá Arusha places the utmost importance on your health and safety. While malaria protection is recommended in the region, the hotel provides mosquito repellent in all rooms and maintains a well-kept environment to minimize risks.

The hotel has ties with local medical facilities and offers assistance in arranging emergency services, including access to a nearby clinic. Staff members are trained in first aid, and the property is equipped with first-aid kits in all key areas.

Security at Gran Meliá Arusha is comprehensive, with 24-hour surveillance, professional security personnel, and well-lit surroundings. For added peace of mind, the property has robust fire safety measures in place, including extinguishers and trained staff who undergo regular drills.

Unforgettable adventures tailored to your interests

At Sand River Masai Mara, every activity is designed to deepen your connection to the wilderness and its wonders. Guests can embark on game drives at dawn and dusk, exploring the reserve’s diverse ecosystems and encountering its abundant wildlife. Guided bush walks provide an intimate perspective of the Masai Mara, revealing its smaller but equally fascinating inhabitants. For a cultural dimension, visits to local Maasai villages offer insights into traditional customs and way of life. The camp also arranges private picnics and sundowners at scenic locations, allowing guests to fully immerse themselves in the beauty of the landscape. Each experience at Sand River Masai Mara is curated to create lasting memories.

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Why book with Vintage Africa?

Personalised design

We’ll plan your trip around your specific interests, tastes and preferences, providing helpful tips and honest advice based on first-hand knowledge of the destination.

Personalised design

We’ll plan your trip around your specific interests, tastes and preferences, providing helpful tips and honest advice based on first-hand knowledge of the destination.

Personalised design

We’ll plan your trip around your specific interests, tastes and preferences, providing helpful tips and honest advice based on first-hand knowledge of the destination.

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Whatever you want your luxury private tour or safari itinerary to include, we’ll create something fully bespoke for you… and only you.

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