Read 3 traveller reviews of Sayari Camp

Sayari is situated in the far north of the Serengeti, just south of the Mara River – and the famous 'Lamai Wedge'. This is an area of hills and rolling plains which is rather more undulating than much of the Serengeti, and so makes for spectacular views at times. The permanent Mara River cuts through this land, a fairly wide, shallow river flowing apace, and is home to many crocodiles and hippos.

Sayari's far-flung area of the park is relatively isolated compared with the bustle of vehicles sometimes encountered in the southern and central Serengeti. It's far from any well-beaten tourist tracks, and so feels very remote: a real wilderness area.

There is a good population of permanent game here, drawn by the river and the variety of vegetation around it, and Sayari can make a wonderful base from which to watch the great migration between about August and November.

The last time we visited (in September 07), herds of wildebeest and zebra surrounded the camp, grazing quietly on their way to and from the river. The game-viewing was spectacular, and we'd see only a few other vehicles each day – usually beside the river waiting for animals to cross; it was easy to spend hours driving whilst seeing nobody else.

During the two days that we spent at Sayari, we learnt that these famous 'crossings' aren't so easy to chance upon. Despite spending hours beside the Mara River, in the company of several different large herds, we still didn't see any wildebeest or zebra actually cross the river!

Sayari itself is a simple camp, though it has been well designed and thought out. All of the camps nine fairly large tents are well spread out and equipped – all with proper beds and en-suite bathrooms including a flushing toilet and a shower. We noted that the linen looked a little tired – although it was due to be changed shortly.

The staff were charming and very welcoming. Whilst we were there, guests wanted to witness a crossing, and so the camp stationed a team member with a radio on the river bank during lunchtime, to alert dining guests in case of a crossing. Impressive service!

For a truly remote corner of the Serengeti – a real wilderness area – we think that Sayari is probably the best camp in the national park. It is remote, and so can take more time (= money) to get here than to reach most camps, but we think it's worth it.

Visiting during the migration is simply amazing. It's certainly worth timing your trip to see this if you can. However, don't dismiss the idea of coming to Sayari when the migration is not here, as you'll find plenty of game – and even less other visitors.

Click on a link for more details of:
Tent at Sayari Camp

Lodge overview

Lodge type: Safari

No. of bedrooms: 9 tents

Season: the end of May to the end of March.

Ideal length of stay: 3 nights.

Central facilities: There are two main central areas at Sayari – the dining tent and the lounge tent. Dining at Sayari is done at individual tables. The tent is simple but cosy. There are round, woven mats on the floor and a bright African picture hanging on one of the “walls”. The tables are covered with white table cloths and the chairs are comfortable, canvas director's chairs. At one end of the tent is a table with flowers on and a bright floral table cloth. The “lounge tent” is down a little path, to the left of the dining tent. This tent is a similar size to the mess tent and houses an array of different furniture. There are comfortable chairs and small sofas to relax on during the heat of the day. Again, there is a bright African painting hanging on one of the “walls” and there are many mats on the floor. There are more director's chairs set just outside the tent and around various wooden board games. As in the sleeping tents, the furniture is a real mixture of styles, designs and materials. This gives the camp a very relaxed feel. There are a few wooden tables dotted in between the chairs and sofas, all with something to look at or play on them. There is a lovely photo album documenting the various stages of erecting and dismantling Sayari and the staff, playing cards, various sizes of Bao boards, chess tables etc…ensuring that the hours spent at camp are far from boring! The only other central area is only used at night and is the fire pit. Here, guests gather for an evening drink and a catch up of the day's events before heading into the mess tent for dinner. It also makes a lovely spot to relax at after dinner.

Geographics

Location: Serengeti Migration Area, Tanzania

Directions: The camp is 9km 4WD drive from the airstrip.

Accessible by: Fly-and-Transfer

Key personnel

Staff: Camp/Lodge Manager: Timothy Mrocky

Food & drink

Usual board basis: Full Board

Food quality: Breakfast at Sayari can be eaten before or after a morning game drive. You can choose from a cold buffet – fresh fruit, cereals, yoghurts etc, followed by a cooked breakfast – scrambled eggs, sausages, bacon, toast….all washed down with fresh fruit juices, tea or coffee. Lunch is a very relaxed buffet. The last time we were there, we had the choice of ham, salads, quiche and bread. This was simple, fresh and well presented. Dinner is a three course meal and again very relaxed. After a drink around the campfire, we sat down and were served a hot aubergine and cheese stack as our starter. Our main course was a bush barbeque – pork chops, chicken, kebabs, beef…accompanied by salads and vegetables. There was plenty of choice and plenty of food. Again this was simple but very tasty and all very fresh. At each meal, there was always a vegetarian option and plenty of food for everyone. As people choose their own timetable, with their own driver/guide, there is a relaxed feel at meal times and clients eat pretty much at their leisure.

Dining style: Inidividual Tables

Dining locations: Indoor Dining

Room service: Yes

Cost of meal e.g. lunch: Included

Drinks included: Most drinks are included at Sayari, except for champagne and premium wines and spirits.

Special interests

Wildlife: Sayari sits just south of the Mara River. It is a great base, especially between the months of August to November, when the annual migration is around on its way between the Serengeti and the Maasai Mara. During the rest of the year, there is good permanent game here too. - See more of our suggestions of the best places for Wildlife

Children

Attitude towards children: Children are welcome at Sayari, as long as they are over the age of 7.

Age restrictions: Children must be 7 years or older to stay at Sayari.

Activities: There are no special services at Sayari.

Equipment: Sayari doesn't have any cots or high chairs.

Generally recommended for children: Sayari would be a lovely camp for mature children. They would have to be aware of the remote location and the high risk of wild animals. It is also a peaceful camp, so they would have to be old enough to respect this.

Central communications

Power supply: Generator

Communications: There is no cell phone reception at Sayari.

TV & radio: None.

Health & safety

Malarial area: Yes

Medical care: Sayari Camp has links to the Flying Doctors. Some of the staff are first aid trained and they have a first aid box on site.

Dangerous animals: High Risk

Security measures: There are 6 'askaris' (who act as watchmen, escorts and guards) during the night who will escort you to and from your tent at night. There is also an armed ranger on duty at night.

Fire safety: There is a fire break around Sayari and there are fire extinguishers. Some of the staff are trained to use the extinguishers.

Extras

Disabled access: On Request

Laundry facilities: Laundry is included at Sayari. Clothes are sun-dried, so getting it back is weather dependant.

Money: Sayari Camp accept US Dollars, English Pounds, Euros and Tanzanian Shillings.

Accepted payment: Sayari do not accept travellers cheques or credit cards.

^ Top of page