Perched where the Mara merges into the Serengeti, Sala’s Camp is a seven-tent haven with a five-star location. It’s amongst the first to greet the Great Migration wildebeest herds in July and the last to see them on their way back in September or October. Beyond the herds, a typical game drive might find a leopard draped in a tree or a black rhino death-staring out from its bushy hiding place. And these epic encounters are balanced with lovely stuff like leisurely breakfasts in the bush, afternoons cooling off in your private plunge pool and massage sessions on the spa deck.
Nesting arrangements
Dotted along the riverbank, with wooden decks, ensuite bathrooms and private plunge pools, the seven tented suites are either doubles or family tents with two bedrooms. The décor is classic East African safari: Persian rugs, wicker-back chairs, neutral tones with pops of red and brass basins.
Spend your afternoons on the deck, maybe practicing yoga if it’s not too hot (you’ll find a mat in your room) or otherwise wallowing in the pool. The sunken seating area makes for a perfect nook to curl up with a book, while the hammock is the ultimate siesta spot – just try to keep your eyes open.
Food philosophy
One of the best ways to start the day is with an early game drive – hopefully catching an active pride of lions before they conk out – and wrapping it up with a full breakfast in the shade of an acacia tree. Sala’s vehicles have built-in stoves, so – how do you like your eggs?
Another feature of Sala’s custom-built vehicles: a well-stocked vintage bar cabinet that reveals itself at sunset. There is simply nothing like a G&T in the bush, but (BBC voice) other beverages are available.
Dinner might be a candlelit affair with tables set up along the dry riverbed, with chefs preparing your food on a barbecue. You can also dine privately on your deck, if you need a bit of…alone time.
Secret sauce
On safari, it’s all about location. And Sala’s Camp has a great one – not least because it’s relatively common to do a game drive without seeing another vehicle, which is gold dust in the Mara.
If you’re visiting between July and October and hoping to see the Great Migration, you’re in the best place. Sala’s Camp is in the southern Mara, where the wildebeest herds arrive on their journey from the Serengeti. You can often see them around camp – on the plains or gathering on the riverbanks, preparing to take the plunge and cross the croc-filled waters.
At any other time of year, you’re still able to take advantage of the prime location on your twice-daily game drives, watching elephants browsing, cheetahs scanning the plains, lions hunting – plus giraffes, rhinos, buffalos and hundreds of bird species.
One more thing…
Maximise your afternoon downtime with a treatment or two, be that a deep tissue massage or a moisturising facial to combat the dry air of the bush. The spa tent has two double rooms, which can be booked for an individual or a couple. Both have private decks, where you might indulge in an al fresco aromatherapy massage to the sounds of bird song and leaves rustling in the breeze.
