Sayari Camp

Sayari Camp

Serengeti National Park, Tanzania

Set on the untouched plains of northern Serengeti, this stylish, award-winning camp is located near the famous Great Migration route and several crossing points along the Mara River, where sightings of herds plunging into the water are frequent and spectacular.

About Sayari Camp

Renowned for its exquisite safari experiences, prime camp location, exciting game viewing, and impressive views of the Serengeti. Sayari is a place where you can feel closer to nature and unwind. Enjoy the luxurious camp facilities such as the Asilia spa, natural rock infinity pool, and the first-ever solar-powered microbrewery in the Serengeti.

Location of Sayari Camp

The northern Serengeti is one of Africa’s most famous safari destinations, and for a good reason. From mid-June to November, the great herds of wildebeest gather on the banks of the Mara River in the northern Serengeti, ready to brave the crocodile-infested waters and hungry predators on the other side. Dramatic and exciting game viewing awaits as the wildebeest thunder across in their millions and the northern Serengeti transforms into a pulsing activity hub. Sayari, situated near the Tanzanian side of the Mara River, is an excellent choice for accommodation at this time of year.

Once the migrating herds have traveled back south, experience having these vast plains to yourself, where wildlife is abundant, and sightings of lion and cheetah are frequent. You might see elephants, rhinos, and even leopards lurking in the riverine forests. Birders can spot some of the European migrants that arrive over this season, too.

What to expect during the year

The Serengeti is a year-round destination with great wildlife-viewing opportunities during the dry and wet seasons. Most tourists arrive in July and August for the famous wildebeest migration herds in the northern Serengeti that can usually be seen until October. With relatively dry conditions and fewer crowds, January, February, September, and October are great months to travel.

JANUARY – MARCH

There are the rains over January and February before the long rains begin in March. The migratory birds are in the region, and photographic conditions are perfect, with lush grasses and clear skies. There are fewer tourists in the north at this time.

APRIL – JUNE

Sayari is closed throughout April and May. June is dry and a good time to travel, just before peak season. This is when the wildebeest herds begin moving into the north.

 JULY – SEPTEMBER

This is the peak season for travelers who want to see the wildebeest herds gathering around the Mara River, which they must cross to reach Kenya’s MasKenya. The river crossings occur throughout this period, though seeing one is not guaranteed. The dry season is a beautiful time to travel, and the conditions are perfect for spotting wildlife.

 OCTOBER – DECEMBER

The Serengeti crowds thin out from late September as the wildebeest herds go southward. They see the final river crossings in October as the herds travel back to the Serengeti from the Mara. The short rains replenish the landscape, and the migratory birds begin to arrive from Europe and Asia.

 

Airport: The closest airstrip: is Kogatende, a 20-minute drive from camp

Wildlife area: Yes

Best time to visit: June to October

RAYMOND

Raymond

Online

Looking for a private safari for your dates?

Contact us. Our team is always here to help.

Activities at Sayari Camp

Blending seamlessly with the outdoors
Sayari Camp

Sayari has been carefully designed to include two lounges and dining areas. Both blend seamlessly with the outdoors, with large glass sliding doors allowing uninterrupted views of the rolling Serengeti plains. Both the lounge and dining areas provide a place to unwind in nature and enjoy a delicious meal shared with fellow guests. Choose to dine indoors or al fresco, depending on your preferred setting.

Framed by natural rock formations, the camp’s beautiful infinity pool boasts impressive views of the Serengeti. It is the ideal spot to escape the heat and spend a lazy afternoon gazing at the game-filled plains.

A typical day on safari at Sayari Camp
Sayari Camp

We take advantage of the more excellent conditions and head out on game drives in the early mornings and late afternoons. This is when the wildlife, especially predators, are more active. Start the day early with a wake-up call where tea or coffee is delivered to your suite. Enjoy breakfast before you depart for a morning game drive (or have it packed as a picnic to take with you). You’ll return to camp late in the 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 followed by sundowners around a campfire. You’ll be back in time for drinks at the bar and dinner under the stars.

If you have booked a private vehicle, your guide will quickly get to know you and your preferences, and you’ll enjoy the convenience of exclusivity and flexibility.

Game drives
Serengeti National Park

Game drives are typically enjoyed twice daily: early morning and late afternoon. Our robust, custom-modified 4×4s and highly trained driver-guides cover rough terrain to discover incredible new slices of nature, crossing low rivers and overcoming steep gullies to cruising over vast, open plains. We have closed and open-sided game vehicles specially fitted with charging points for your phone or camera and fridges for refreshing drinks on the go.

Walking safaris
Walking safaris

Experience the thrill of observing Africa’s magnificent wildlife on foot while walking through its breathtaking landscapes on a walking safari.

A walking safari offers a unique opportunity to observe and learn about the behaviors of animals in their natural habitat. Accompanied by your knowledgeable guide, you’ll have the chance to get close to smaller animals and birds and even discover fascinating insects along the way.

Photographic safaris
Photography Safari

Sayari Camp is home to one of our specially modified photographic vehicles. The open vehicle allows keen amateurs and professional photographers to shoot at eye level with wildlife. It has all the gear to ensure award-winning images, from beanbags and camera rests to 360° swivel seats.

Please enquire to ensure the availability of the vehicle and confirm any additional fees.

Cultural and community visits
Cultural and community visits

If you’d like to learn more about local Kuria culture, we can take you to the nearby Merenga village. Stop off at the community vegetable gardens — part of a sustainable development program managed by Asilia — and collect fresh produce for your dinner.

Hot-air balloon safaris
Serengeti Hot Air Balloon Safari

hot-air balloon safari sees you soaring above the Serengeti plains as the sun rises in the early morning. During migration season, this is a great way to appreciate the full scope of the herds. Hot-air balloon trips are at extra cost and are weather-dependent.

Spa
Spa

Our wellness offerings are specially developed to enhance the well-being of both your body and mind, including massages and treatments that are based on the natural healing methods of local traditions. Join us for a rejuvenating experience at the Asilia Spa at Sayari. A little bit of extra indulgence and pampering compliments any safari trip. Please note that spa treatments are charged at an additional cost.

Microbrewery
Sayari Camp

Join us for a drink at the Serengeti’s first solar-powered microbrewery. The brewery produces four unique beers for Asilia – perfect for safari sundowners! It can also make soft drinks, purified water, and sparkling water using solar power. Our brand-new brewery also means there is no longer a need to bring plastic bottles and aluminum cans into Sayari Camp, ultimately reducing our plastic waste and our transport impact on the environment.

Library and information centre
Sayari Camp

Sayari features a library and information center with a cultural focus on the Kuria tribe. Music is integral to Kuria culture, playing a pivotal role in ceremonies and daily life. Our new information center will also contain plenty of interesting facts about The Great Migration. The migration passes by Sayari from June through October, and the camp is in a prime location for witnessing thousands of wildebeest crash across the Mara River as part of their Great Migration.

Family safaris
kichwa tembo tented camp family walking safari 590x390 1

We welcome families with children over five years old.

Sayari has three triple tents that sleep up to three family members each and one family tent that sleeps up to five. Should you require suits for large families, please see our Sayari Retreats.

Sayari does not have a specific program for children. Please speak to your safari consultant for information about booking a private vehicle.

Meals and refreshments
Sayari Camp

We pride ourselves on having a dedicated and innovative team of chefs who enjoy creating exciting, healthy menus of the highest standard.

Breakfast can be received in camp or packed as a bush picnic, with a choice between a continental or a full English. Lunch is a light buffet with a main course, salads, and fresh bread, while dinner is a three-course meal with starters, mains, and desserts.

Meals are served as opt-in communal dining and can be enjoyed in the dining areas or al fresco. Individual dining can be arranged if you would like some privacy or to dine separately.

Photos Sayari Camp

Accommodation options at Sayari Camp

Rooms

The beautifully furnished interiors are spacious and comfortable, with mahogany flooring and sliding doors running the room's width, opening onto an expansive private viewing deck.

The suite interiors are decorated in traditional color palettes, and large, comfortable beds are covered with fine linen and draped netting. Each bathroom enjoys a view over the plains and has a standalone tub and a large walk-in indoor and outdoor shower.

SAYARI CAMP
Sayari Retreats

The Retreats deliver an elevated level of exclusivity and flexibility, creating a personal space for a family or group of friends, complete with a private guide and vehicle, Retreat host, and dedicated chef.

The two individual Retreats share a separate pool and lounge, with an additional dining room for larger groups occupying both Retreats.

Sayari Camp

Facilities

Room types

Ameneties

  • 15 tents (including 1 family tent)
  • En-suite bathrooms
  • Hot-water showers and bath
  • Flushing toilets
  • Private decked verandas
  • Swimming pool
  • Suitable for disabled guests – please contact us
  • In-room lockable box
  • Complimentary laundry service
  • Solar and generator power
  • Battery-charging facilities
  • WiFi
  • Spa
  • Microbrewery

Sayari Camp on the map

Request a park

We are always here to help

Enquire form

Planning an adventure in Tanzania?

Our team is always here to help

Enquire form