Near the Mara River where the famous annual Wildebeest crossing occurs each year is the beautiful Sayari Camp. The newly remodeled camp boasts the only functioning brewery in the Serengeti! With a goal to reduce waste, Sayari is not only reducing their use of single use plastic, but they are now reducing the use of glass bottles by brewing their own beer!
Sayari is among the largest Asilia camps currently operating and there’s good reason why. There’s just so much to see, that one needs to share with other travelers! Despite the larger size of the camp, 16 rooms I believe, it still feels quite small and comfortable. The camp is divided into two separate areas connected by the pool, Spa and gift shop. Even from the larger bar and dining area, one cannot see the 10 rooms on this side of camp. Everything feels intimate.
Sayari Tent Suites
During our stay, we were fortunate enough to stay on the smaller side of camp with 6 rooms which were half occupied. There is good distance between each suite, but some suites are more private than others. For example, from our deck we could see the back of most tents, meaning those rooms could see our deck from their windows. Others are more secluded.
The suites here are huge! Larger than many inner-city apartments! Each room offers an oversize bed or two full size beds. There’s a coffee and tea station, a mini bar, and a workstation in each room. Although if you’re doing any work while here, you’re doing something wrong!
A large sliding barn door , like that on Universal Windows Direct of Syracuse, divides the room in two and open up to an oversize bathroom. Once again, like all Asilia resorts there’s a private water closet in the bathroom. It’s always nice to separate the toilet from the rest of the bathroom. At Sayari the rooms offer large soaking tubs, just inside a large glass door. Soak in your tub and enjoy the view of the grazing wildebeest and Zebras! Double sinks, an oversize indoor shower opens up to an outdoor private shower! A large deck provides privacy to sunbath and relax while enjoying everything nature has to offer.
Why Choose Sayari Camp
Rather you are traveling on a romantic vacation or as a larger group, Sayari has options for you. Although the camp is larger than other camps, the way it’s spread out and separated by two different common areas and bars, makes it feels intimate. The staff is amazingly friendly and proactive, and most importantly if you time your stay here right, you’ll enjoy the amazing wildebeest crossing!
The crossing is spectacular. I have several videos, but most include a wildebeest or two being eaten by a croc. The short video above, does not include any croc dining on the wildebeest. Yet, the main reason to stay at Sayari this time of the year is to see the thousands of wildebeest making their migration, following the rain to greener areas.
The staff at Sayari were one again among the best. Doris our waitress was spectacular. First, she took special care of my diary allergy. Then, when we left Sayari for Namari she called ahead to the next camp to inform them our wine preferences without telling us! In addition, on our second game drive she packed away our favorite wine in the cooler. Always ensuring we were well taken care of! Doris didn’t skip a beat. Always ensuring we were well fed and hydrated. Keeping us comfortable at all times. One night, I mentioned that I really enjoyed the soup, and Doris was quick to get the recipe from the chef for me! Service like this is truly legendary.
Finally, even if you’re not visiting Sayari during the Wildebeest migration season, there is a lot to see in the area. The resident leopard was spectacular. We were fortunate to find mom and her two cubs. One day, the male leopard was also spotted near camp. Truly picturesque!
In addition, this area of the Serengeti is home to lions and cheetahs. Although we did not see cheetahs, we did find a pride of lions having dinner and a gang of hyenas enjoying the scraps. Our Maasai guide, William, eye is impressive, spotting animals in the distance that I could not see with my naked eye! Guides like him make for a great experience.
Our Sayari Itinerary
Day 1:
Transfer via plane from The highlands, pick up from Kogatende airstrip. Snacks upon arrival.
Game drive and we were lucky to witness a wildabeeat river crossing within an hour of arrival.
Lunch at camp, but there was an offer for the camp to drive lunch out to us as we were waiting to view the crossing.
Evening game drive.
Dinner at camp.
Day 2:
Early morning wakeup call and game drive.
Breakfast on the Serengeti, game drive continues
Lunch back at camp
Late afternoon game drive
Dinner at Camp.
Day 3:
Breakfast at camp. Mini Game drive
Return to Kogatende airstrip for transfer to Namari Camp.
Booking Options
There are several ways to book if you’re heading to the Serengeti. I booked my own flight, with Qatar Airways Qsuites from LAX. For within Tanzania, one can book via Scott & Thomas Travel (Ask for Rocky) and they will help you plan your trip and even domestic airfare. Be sure to check out these deals which includes discounts up to 75% off! After all, now is the perfect time to visit Tanzania! Asilia’s staff is responsive, but due to time zone differences it can be sometimes hard to connect. Most of their staff work out of South Africa, Kenya and Tanzania. Do not worry, they will call you to finalized details etc.
