About
Experience the Great Migration from our award-winning boutique and romantic Sayari Camp in the northern Serengeti. Perfectly positioned to enjoy the best of the river crossings, Sayari offers a luxurious base for an exciting safari experience.
From July to October, the chaos of the migration engulfs the northern Serengeti, while from November to March the same area provides serene exclusivity amongst black rhino, resident cats, and very few other guests. Between walking safaris and twice-daily game drives, relax with a refreshing swim in our rim-flow pool, enjoy a soothing massage, or unwind on your private veranda with your binoculars close at hand as the northern Serengeti continues to delight.
ACCOMMODATION & AMENITIES
At Sayari Camp, the 15 spacious and bright tented suites radiate comfort, boasting mahogany floors and king or twin beds with fine linens and colourful cushions. The luxurious bathrooms feature walk-in showers, free standing tubs overlooking the savannahs, and a private outdoor shower on your deck. You can relax on your large wraparound veranda with a book or cold drink while spotting passing wildlife. Two Retreats opened in 2023, providing a private and exclusive experience for families and groups. Complete with a dedicated chef, an experienced and knowledgeable guide and private safari vehicle, The Retreats offer an elevated level of flexibility and luxury.
Sayari is the closest permanent camp to the famous Mara River, offering the best location and quickest access for witnessing the great wildebeest migration river crossings in the northern Serengeti.
From July to October, herds of zebra and wildebeest engulf the camp as they cross back-and-forth through the treacherous waters. Once the migrating herds and mobile camps have moved southwards, the northern Serengeti becomes an exclusive haven for discerning travellers. Offering excellent resident wildlife, including black rhino, lion, leopard, and cheetah, the vast plains can be enjoyed in near exclusivity. The short rains transform the landscape into a green oasis, creating phenomenal photography opportunities and attracting a variety of migratory bird species.
Best time to visit Sayari Camp
Visit Sayari Camp June to March
June - September
Sayari Camp reopens in June after the long rains in April and May, offering lush green landscapes and exciting game viewing before the impending high-season prices. Crocodiles and big cats are eagerly anticipating the arrival of the massive migratory wildebeest herds. July heralds the peak season in the northern Serengeti, as thousands upon thousands of wildebeests fill the plains with almost daily scenes of chaos as they attempt to navigate the treacherous and crocodile-filled Mara River. Like all wildlife-related sightings, river crossings are not guaranteed. However, this time of year offers the best opportunity to witness and photograph them.
October - January
October usually sees the last river crossings as the wildebeest herds return to the Serengeti. The short rains, starting in late October and continuing through to late-December, replenish the landscapes, attracting the migratory birds arriving from Europe and Asia. In January, brief afternoon showers don’t disrupt wildlife viewing, and days are typically warm and sunny. The clean, dust-free air creates perfect photography conditions after the short showers, and it is not uncommon to enjoy complete exclusivity at sightings of lion, cheetah, leopard, black rhino, and elephant.
February - May
February continues with warm and sunny days and the occasional short afternoon shower, providing excellent game viewing conditions. By early March, there are signs of the approaching rains in the gathering clouds, which build through the afternoons. Both February and March offer excellent resident wildlife, alongside both resident and migratory bird species, with few other tourists in the area. The rains usually arrive in late March, as the camp closes for the rainy months of April and May.
Rates & Seasonality*
* Special offers may apply
* Contact us for the best available rates
* Rates are correct at the time of publishing and subject to change
Currency
Rate Includes: Full board accommodation, all house drinks (except premium wines and champagne), limited laundry service, scheduled open vehicle game drives, short walking safari (1 hour 30 min - 2 hours; 1 Jun - 15 Jan), transfers to/from nearest airstrip (Kogatende), Tourism Development Levy.
Excludes: Park fees, concession fees, Asilia conservation charge and other fees specified in the park fees tab, spa treatments, transfers other than to/from nearest airstrip, flying doctors/medical evacuation insurance, flights & airport taxes, gratuities, items of personal nature, additional lunch (picnic or in house) US$25pp.
Walking Safaris: Walking safaris are available 1 Jun - 15 Jan subject to weather conditions. After 15 Jan we may offer walking subject to a safety assessment and therefore walking cannot be guaranteed. Scheduled short (1 hour 30 min - 2 hours) walking safaris can be booked free of charge. Walking safaris are guided by experienced walking guides and an armed ranger accompanies the walks. Exclusive full day walks are available upon request and may carry a surcharge. Minimum age for walking safaris is 12 years. Pre-booking is advisable.
Book any combination of Asilia properties for 7+ consecutive nights and all in country transfers are on us!
All Asilia
Discover the finest safari destinations with All Asilia. An incredible offer to suit endless possibilities.
Minimum 2 adults | Minimum 2 nights per camp | 7+ nights must be consecutive
Your Questions Answered
The nearest airstrip to Sayari Camp in the northern Serengeti is Kogatende, a 20-minute drive away.
Absolutely! We welcome children aged five and older and provide a family tent and two luxurious Retreats designed for families and small groups. Walking safaris carry a minimum age requirement of 12 years.
The best time to witness the Migration from Sayari is usually during July, August, and September. However, river crossings do still occur in October.
You may spot Africa’s big cats, wildebeest and zebra herds, crocodile, elephant, hyena, and more!
Our experienced guides take you in custom-modified 4×4 vehicles to traverse the stunning landscape in search of wildlife. Game drives occur twice daily, and vehicles are equipped to keep you safe and comfortable while providing comforts like snacks and drinks.
Our talented chefs prepare everything from picnic breakfasts to afternoon cakes. A light lunch under the trees with freshly baked breads, or a three-course dinner in the dining room with carefully paired wines, each meal is a flavourful experience that contributes to the luxury of Sayari Camp.
Before your arrival, kindly inform us of any dietary requirements you may have. We would be pleased to make the necessary arrangements to accommodate them.
We suggest wearing neutral-coloured clothing suitable for your season of travel. Light synthetic hiking shoes are also recommended, as they can serve as multipurpose safari footwear. Additionally, it is essential to know that small planes have a baggage weight limit of 15 kg (33 lbs).
Yes, Sayari Camp is solar and generator-powered, and tents feature en suite bathrooms with flushing toilets, hot water showers, and baths.
Awards & Recognition
Sayari consistently achieves top ratings from our guests on TripAdvisor and was recognised for a World Responsible Tourism Award in 2022 and a Tripadvisor Travelers’ Choice Award in 2023.








