Sayari Camp

The majestic landscape of the northern Serengeti is one of the best kept secrets of African safaris. Far from the tourist track, the area offers undisturbed exploration of the fantastic Serengeti National Park, with off-road driving still allowed in some parts. Endless rolling plains and riverine woodlands are home to lion, leopard, cheetah, elephant, large herds of antelope and many, many other animals. The stunning Mara River, filled with hippos and crocodiles, cuts through this land and hosts one of the greatest spectacles nature has to offer: the dramatic wildebeest crossings of the Mara River. Between mid July and November, the Great Migration typically visits the area and crosses the Mara River back and forth in search of green grass.

Accommodation

Sayari is Swahili for universe or planet, capturing the vast plains and endless skies in which the camp is immersed. Sayari Camp was designed to strike the perfect balance between luxury and immersion in the extensive Serengeti. The 8 spacious guest tents blend perfectly into the majestic landscape. Each tent is beautifully designed with original and traditional cloth and furniture and has a king-size bed, en-suite bathroom and a private veranda with a comfortable couch, overlooking the Serengeti. The dining area, lounge area and campfire create a perfect bush setting, with Africa as the backdrop.

Far away from any other sign of human life, the Sayari camp crew ensures that every guest feels at home in this remote location. Sayari Camp's talented cook offers guests a fusion of European cuisine with authentic African elements. The camp's naturalist guides offer a wealth of knowledge on the wonderful surrounding land and its inhabitants.

The camp was chosen as one of the "Special Places" in Africa by Africa Geographic.

The (Hi)story

Sayari Camp opened in June 2005 on the south bank of the famous Mara River in the northern Serengeti. This area has been almost untouched by tourists and even now, Sayari Camp is still the only permanent camp in the remote north-western Serengeti.

The reason why there are no lodges and camps in this area is because of its remoteness. Far away from the park headquarters in the central Serengeti, the land was subject to poaching in the 1990's. However, an anti-poaching campaign has since ensured the land belongs to nature and its wildlife. Sayari Camp plays an important role in the long-term conservation of the area: people from villages bordering the Serengeti are employed in the camp and income from the camp goes towards educating and providing jobs for the villagers, thereby providing an alternative livelihood to poaching.

There is a spectacular concentration of wildlife year-round here and it is also famous for the Great Migration. In short it is a fantastic wilderness area and the Sayari permanent camp was established here in June 2006.