The Retreats at Sayari Camp

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The Retreats at Sayari Camp offer elevated exclusivity and flexibility, creating stylish and personal spaces for families and groups of friends travelling together.

Offering two Retreats, each Retreat comprises two en suite bedrooms, a lounge and dining area, and an expansive veranda leading to a secluded and private firepit. Between the two Retreats is a shared pool area, and a larger lounge and dining room for use when one group is occupying both Retreats. Each Retreat features a host, dedicated chef, private safari vehicle and knowledgeable guide, allowing complete flexibility to each day. Specialised photographic vehicles at both locations are available to avid enthusiasts, offering 360° views and low angle options of wildlife and landscapes, ensuring you capture the perfect and most memorable moments.

CLOSED: APRIL TO MAY

CLOSEST AIRSTRIP: KOGATENDE IS A 20-MIN DRIVE FROM CAMP

FAMILIES: CHILDREN AGED 5 AND OLDER

OPEN: JUNE TO MARCH

The warm, wood-paneled lounge at Sayari Retreat with plush seating, woven chairs, and soft lighting opens through glass doors onto a covered deck with a dining table, overlooking green savannah trees and open wilderness beyond.

Come together or steal a quiet moment in the private lounge area at Sayari Retreat.

Sayari Retreat, Serengeti National Park, shared main area with couch, wicker chairs, tables books, shanga glass ornaments, bar and kitchen in the back

Rustic textures and modern comfort combine in The Retreats warmly styled lounge.

Sayari Retreat, Serengeti National Park, guest relaxing on a lounger by the pool surrounded by green trees

Unwind poolside in total seclusion, shaded by canvas and surrounded by wilderness.

Interior of a cosy private lounge at Sayari Retreat, featuring warm wooden walls, woven chairs, a plush sofa, soft ambient lighting, and large glass doors opening onto a deck, creating an intimate safari-lodge atmosphere.

Relax in the warm, elegant private lounge at Sayari Retreat.

Interior of a Sayari Retreat double room featuring a king-size bed draped with mosquito netting, rich wooden walls and floors, soft ambient lighting, leather lounge chairs, a writing desk with round mirror, and a calm, intimate safari-lodge atmosphere.

An elegant double bedroom at the Sayari Retreat with warm wooden interiors.

Interior of a twin bedroom at Sayari Retreat featuring two canopy beds with white linens, warm wooden walls, soft ambient lighting, leather lounge chairs, and a cosy, refined safari-lodge design.

The elegant twin room at Sayari Retreat.

Interior of a family room at Sayari Retreat featuring two canopy beds, warm wooden interiors, soft ambient lighting, woven rugs, lounge chairs, and large glass doors opening onto a private deck overlooking the surrounding landscape.

The spacious family suite at Sayari Retreat with private deck and Serengeti views.

Sayari Retreat, Serengeti National Park, view of guest room interior from the deck, chairs and table with book, double bed with pillows and throw blanket, doors open

Spacious tented suites open seamlessly to private decks and panoramic views.

Sayari Retreat, Serengeti National Park, guest bathroom with bath, mirror, dressing gowns, and amenities, double vanity with lights

Elegant bathrooms open onto private decks with sweeping Serengeti views.

Sayari Retreat, Serengeti National Park, guest bathroom double shower with glass door

Spacious ensuite bathroom with stone detailing and rainfall showers for indulgent post-safari refreshment.

A chef from Sayari Retreat crouches beside an open campfire, stirring food in a cast-iron pot set over flames, with smoke rising, cooking utensils and bottles nearby, and the lodge buildings visible in the background on a grassy lawn.

Enjoy food cooked on the open fire at Sayari Retreat.

Guests sit around a glowing campfire on a grassy lawn at dusk, with lanterns and chairs arranged in a circle, while the warmly lit Sayari Retreat lodge stands behind them under a deep blue, cloud-filled evening sky.

Guests enjoy campfire moments beneath dramatic skies at Sayari Retreat.

An elegant fine-dining plate featuring sliced, medium-rare beef served with tender green vegetables, roasted baby carrots, smooth carrot purée, and crisp golden garnish, presented on a rustic ceramic plate atop a wooden table.

Elegant meals served by the private chef at Sayari Retreat.

Sayari Retreat, Serengeti National Park, wildlife, wildebeest crossing the river in the water and on the banks

Witness the epic drama of the Great Migration, right from Sayari Retreats' doorstep.

Close-up of a lioness standing in tall green grass, her golden eyes fixed forward and mouth slightly open, with sunlight highlighting her tawny coat and the surrounding Serengeti savannah.

A lioness on alert in the sunlit Serengeti grass.

Close-up of a young baboon nestled against an adult, partially hidden by sunlit grass, with warm golden light highlighting fur textures and the baboon’s watchful eye in the Serengeti.

A quiet moment among baboons in the golden grasses.

Sayari Retreat, Serengeti National Park, wildlife, serval standing with it's ears up in the grass

Graceful and elusive, servals are one of Sayari Retreats' most thrilling feline sightings.

Sayari Retreat, Serengeti National Park, wildlife, herd of zebra and wildebeest grazing in dry grass

Iconic striped herds roam in harmony across Sayari’ Retreats' surrounding plains.

ACCOMMODATION & AMENITIES

The two Retreats at Sayari Camp are identical in their layout, with a shared swimming pool and additional lounge area situated between them for the use of Retreat guests. Each Retreat has two spacious bedrooms with wooden framed glass sliding doors leading out onto the expansive deck. The en suite bathrooms are opulent, featuring side-by-side showers, a large free-standing bathtub, and an additional outdoor shower on the deck tucked around the corner for privacy.

The deck runs the full length of the Retreat, providing an outdoor dining option, perfect for late breakfasts or afternoon tea. The lounge and dining area between the two bedrooms offers a comfortable and well-appointed space in which to relax, leading onto the deck and to the private firepit beyond. For groups or friends or families looking for a private and exclusive safari experience, the Retreats are your perfect solution. The spa, swimming pool, and bar at the main camp are all available to guests in the Retreats.

COMPLIMENTARY LAUNDRY SERVICE

EN SUITE BATHROOMS, DOUBLE VANITIES & INDOOR SHOWERS

HOST, DEDICATED CHEF, PRIVATE VEHICLE AND SAFARI GUIDE

MOSQUITO NETS AND WALL FANS

PRIVATE OUTDOOR BATHTUBS

SPACIOUS PRIVATE DECK AND FIREPIT

SWIMMING POOL SHARED BETWEEN THE TWO RETREATS

USB CHARGERS AND BATTERY-CHARGING FACILITIES IN EVERY ROOM

WI-FI

Situated in the northern Serengeti, close to the Mara River, The Retreats at Sayari Camp offer a luxurious base from which to experience the world-famous river crossings, where migrating wildebeest brave the crocodile-infested waters.

Depending on the time of year, the Retreats offer two different experiences—the incredible Africa migration or, once the herds have moved on in November, a tranquil and calm exclusivity to enjoy lower tourist volumes, reduced rates, and sensational game viewing of resident wildlife. From your private veranda and sunken firepit, you can savour breathtaking views of the vast savannah plains and the many smaller species that reside in the immediate vicinity of camp.

Best time to visit the Retreats at Sayari Camp
Visit Sayari Camp June to March

June - September

High: 25.5°C / 78°F Low: 12.5°C / 54.5°F Rainfall: 23.75MM / 0.95IN

The Retreats at Sayari reopen 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.

Sayari Retreat, Serengeti National Park, Activity, guests and guide on walking safari through the trees near some rocks, mountains in the background

October - January

High: 27°C / 81°F Low: 15°C / 59°F Rainfall: 81MM / 3.2IN

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.

Sayari Retreat, Serengeti National Park, rocks, trees and bushes over the landscape with giraffe and ballooning in the background

February - May

High: 27°C / 81°F Low: 15°C / 59°F Rainfall: 109.50MM / 4.3IN

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 Retreats close for the rainy months of April and May.

No visit to East Africa is complete without exploring the diverse cultures and traditions of the people of this region, take a step into the world of Africa.

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A Pride of lions relaxing with their cub in the Serengeti

Big 5 Safari

An exhilarating and captivating big 5 safari opens a window into the wondrous worlds of elephant, lion, rhino, leopard, and buffalo.

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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

Minimum 2 adults | Minimum 2 nights per camp | 7+ nights must be consecutive

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asilia africa safari vehicle driving along a dusty road at sunrise in southern tanzania

Your Questions Answered

How do I get to Sayari Retreats?

The nearest airstrip to Sayari Camp in the northern Serengeti is Kogatende, a 20-minute drive away.

Does Sayari Retreats allow children?

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.

What are the best months to visit Sayari Retreats to see the Great Migration?

The best time to witness the Migration from Sayari is usually during July, August, and September. However, river crossings do still occur in October.

What wildlife can I see at Sayari Retreats?

You may spot Africa’s big cats, wildebeest and zebra herds, crocodile, elephant, hyena, and more!

What happens on a game drive?

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.

What will we eat at Sayari Retreats?

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.

What should I do if I have dietary restrictions?

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.

What should I wear on safari to Sayari Retreats?

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).

Does your camp have electricity and running water?

Absolutely! The suites and Retreats at Sayari have en-suite bathrooms with flushing toilets and hot water. These amenities are powered by solar energy, and there is also a backup generator standing by.

Are you looking for something different? A stay at Sayari Camp is extraordinary, but why not take a moment to explore other Asilia Camps and Lodges located in East Africa to find your perfect match?

Don’t just take our word for it; here is what other guests had to say about their holidays with Asilia.

Sayari Retreat, Serengeti National Park, wildlife, leopard in a tree through some branches

lady in a bubble bath with a glass of champagne at asilia africa's sayari retreat in tanzania east africa

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.