Sayari Camp
Tanzania
Sayari Camp
Serengeti National Park, Kogatende, Tanzania
www.asiliaafrica.com/camps-lodges/sayari-camp/
HOTEL INFORMATION
Group
Asilia Africa
Shareholders
Investment fund
Date of Creation
2005
Hotel General Manager
Emmanuelle Moneger: Experienced General Manager / Operation Director with a demonstrated history of working in the high end hospitality industry, in Africa, India and the Indian Ocean. Passionate about service excellence and people. Skilled in Operations Management, Travel Planning, Hospitality Management, Customer Service, pre opening and standard settings. Effective strategist in business development, marketing, branding and sales.
Hotel Positioning
5 star luxury
Development Strategy
Opened in 2005, Sayari Camp was created to bring sustainable tourism to the remote northern Serengeti, where the Mara River plays a vital role in the Great Migration. At the time, this area was largely unvisited and under threat from poaching and unsustainable land use. Sayari’s presence helped establish year-round protection for wildlife while opening up one of Africa’s most dramatic safari landscapes.
Sayari Camp
History & Story
Sayari Camp opened in 2005 as one of the first permanent safari camps in the northern Serengeti. At the time, this remote region was largely untouched by tourism, despite being a crucial part of the Great Migration corridor. Without consistent presence or protection, the area faced growing threats from poaching and unsustainable land use.
Asilia saw an opportunity to protect this vital ecosystem through low-impact, conservation-driven tourism. Sayari was established near the Mara River, where dramatic river crossings take place each year. The camp’s presence helped secure this landscape while creating local employment and long-term support for surrounding communities.
From its earliest days, Sayari was designed to blend into the land. Its curved lines, earthy tones and open-plan layout reflect the surrounding hills and plains. The camp set a new benchmark for style and sustainability, becoming one of the first solar-powered safari camps in Tanzania.
Rather than growing in size, Sayari has focused on refining the experience. Walking safaris, cultural storytelling, and a serene pool overlooking the bush have added layers of comfort and connection. Many of the camp’s team members are from the surrounding region, and their stories and knowledge bring the place to life.
Today, Sayari is recognised as a flagship property in the Serengeti. It continues to lead with purpose, offering guests unmatched access to nature, wildlife and quiet luxury in one of Africa’s most spectacular settings.
Date Renewal
Sayari Camp underwent a major refurbishment in 2020, with upgrades designed to enhance comfort while remaining true to its natural setting. The redesign introduced softer interiors, organic textures, and freestanding bathtubs, along with outdoor showers and private verandahs overlooking the plains. A new infinity pool and refreshed lounge spaces were also added. The work was led by Asilia’s in-house design and operations team, with a focus on sustainability and minimal disruption. Sayari remains fully solar powered and continues to set the standard for eco-luxury in the Serengeti.
Date added extensions
2020
Main Strengths, Special Touch
Sayari Camp offers front-row access to the Mara River and the Great Migration in one of the Serengeti’s most remote and wildlife-rich regions. Its location in the northern Serengeti means guests enjoy exceptional game viewing with minimal vehicle traffic, even during peak migration season.
Location
Sayari Camp is located in the remote northern reaches of Serengeti National Park, just minutes from the Mara River. This area is famed for its dramatic river crossings during the Great Migration, as thousands of wildebeest and zebra move between Tanzania and Kenya.
The region offers incredible year-round game viewing, including resident lion, elephant, leopard and abundant plains game. Unlike the busier central Serengeti, Sayari’s location ensures a peaceful, crowd-free safari experience with wide open views and vast wilderness.
Access is via Kogatende Airstrip, approximately 30 minutes from camp, with daily flights connecting from key Tanzanian hubs.
Key sites/activities in the area
Sayari Camp offers exceptional access to the Mara River, where guests can witness the drama of the Great Migration’s river crossings, often just minutes from camp. Activities include game drives led by expert guides, walking safaris (available December to March), and hot-air balloon safaris for a bird’s-eye view of the plains at sunrise.
Guests can also enjoy cultural visits to nearby communities for insight into the region’s traditions, or book a photographic vehicle equipped for capturing wildlife from every angle. The area is rich in big cats, elephant, hippo and birdlife, with varied terrain from open plains to rocky outcrops and riverbanks.
Every experience is designed to deepen your connection to the landscape and its stories.
Fun Facts
Sayari was one of the first permanent safari camps in the northern Serengeti, opening in 2005 when the area was still largely unknown to travellers.
The camp sits just a few kilometres from the Mara River, making it one of the best-positioned camps for witnessing the Great Migration’s iconic river crossings, often without crowds.
Sayari means “universe” or “planet” in Swahili, a nod to the camp’s wide horizons and deep connection to nature.
Sayari was one of the first safari camps in Tanzania to be fully solar powered, and continues to lead in sustainable safari design.
The area surrounding camp is rich in ancient granite kopjes, which provide shelter for leopard, rock hyraxes, and colourful agama lizards.
Sayari is one of the few Serengeti camps to offer walking safaris in season, allowing guests to explore the bush on foot with a certified walking guide.
Sayari Retreats offer a private camp-within-a-camp experience, perfect for families or small groups seeking exclusivity with all the benefits of a larger camp nearby.
Children’s Corner
Sayari Camp welcomes children aged 5 and above, offering a calm and immersive environment best suited to older children who are ready to engage with nature and wildlife. While there is no formal children’s programme or play area, the team is warm, flexible, and experienced in hosting families. Activities such as game drives can be tailored to younger guests, and guides enjoy sharing animal tracking and bush stories with curious minds.
Walking safaris are available to guests aged 12 and over, offering a more active and intimate way to explore the bush, led by a certified walking guide.
Families looking for extra privacy and space can book one of the Sayari Retreats, which include two en-suite bedrooms, a private lounge and dining area, and a dedicated host and guide. These are ideal for multi-generational families or private group travel.
HOTEL FEATURES
Accommodation
Sayari Camp offers a blend of elegant safari living and immersive wilderness. There are a total of 15 suites, including 12 guest tents and 3 exclusive-use Sayari Retreats, all designed to offer space, comfort and uninterrupted views of the northern Serengeti plains.
Suite Types and Layout
The 12 guest suites are generously spaced and positioned to maximise privacy and views. Each suite features a king or twin bedroom, a private verandah, and an indoor lounge area, allowing guests to relax while watching wildlife move across the plains.
For those seeking more exclusivity, the Sayari Retreats offer a private camp-within-a-camp experience. Each Retreat includes two en-suite bedrooms, a private lounge and dining area, plunge pool, and a dedicated host, guide, and vehicle. These are ideal for families or small groups looking for flexibility, privacy and a tailored experience.
Design and Size
All suites are spacious, contemporary, and light-filled, with interiors inspired by the natural tones and textures of the Serengeti. Freestanding bathtubs, indoor and outdoor showers, and large gauze-panelled windows bring in the breeze and connect each space to the landscape.
Views and Setting
Set on a gentle rise above the Mara River valley, each suite enjoys uninterrupted views of the plains or rocky outcrops. Wildlife, including elephant, giraffe, and migrating herds, can often be seen from the comfort of your verandah.
Amenities and Features
• All suites include:
• King or twin beds with mosquito nets
• Indoor lounge and writing desk
• En-suite bathroom with flush toilet and double vanity
• Freestanding bath and indoor/outdoor showers
• Private shaded verandah
• Robes, slippers and eco-friendly toiletries
• Solar lighting and charging points
• Safe, filtered drinking water, and thermos with hot water
Special Touches
Sayari’s peaceful atmosphere and thoughtful design create a space for rest, reconnection and discovery. Whether soaking in the bath after a morning walk or sipping a coffee as wildebeest move across the plains, each suite is a sanctuary of comfort in the wild.
Restaurants & Bars
Sayari Camp offers an all-inclusive dining experience, with meals and house drinks thoughtfully included throughout your stay. Guests dine in the open-sided dining area, on the deck overlooking the plains, or out in the bush for special moments like breakfast after a morning walk or sundowner drinks at sunset.
The chef-led kitchen focuses on seasonal ingredients and global flavours, with menus that combine East African inspiration with international favourites. Dishes are fresh, colourful, and carefully presented, often tailored to dietary preferences.
The bar area, adjacent to the lounge, is a welcoming space to unwind with a cocktail, glass of wine, or locally brewed beer. The wine list features carefully selected South African wines, and the camp team regularly surprises guests with fireside drinks or scenic sundowners in the bush.
Whether dining under the stars or enjoying morning coffee with a view, the culinary experience at Sayari is generous, unhurried and deeply satisfying.
Wellness
Wellness at Sayari is woven into the natural rhythm of the bush. The camp features a serene infinity-edge swimming pool, perfectly positioned to overlook the plains and offer a cool, peaceful retreat between game drives. Comfortable loungers and shade provide space for rest, reading, or quiet reflection.
While Sayari does not have a formal spa or fitness centre, in-room massages can be arranged on request, using natural oils and carried out by trained therapists. Guests also have the option to join walking safaris during the green season (December to March), offering both physical activity and a deeper connection to the landscape.
With fresh air, wide horizons and a calming atmosphere, Sayari invites a slower pace that naturally restores body and mind.
Corporate & Celebration Events
Sayari Camp offers an exceptional setting for intimate celebrations, milestone occasions, and small private or corporate gatherings. With 15 suites, including the exclusive-use Sayari Retreats, the camp can host up to 30 guests in comfort and style.
The open-plan lounge and dining areas provide flexible space for group meals, fireside conversations, or informal meetings, all framed by panoramic views of the northern Serengeti. Guests can enjoy private bush breakfasts, scenic sundowners, and thoughtfully tailored experiences that create lasting memories for incentive groups, retreats, or special events.
Extra Notable Features
Sayari Camp is all about meaningful connection to the wild rather than built-in distractions. While there are no formal facilities such as a spa, gym, or yoga centre, guests enjoy exclusive experiences that make the most of the camp’s remote location.
The infinity-edge swimming pool offers a peaceful retreat between activities, with views over the plains where wildlife often passes by. For those seeking a deeper connection to the land, guided walking safaris (seasonal) provide a rare and immersive perspective.
Sayari also features a curated safari boutique, showcasing locally made crafts, gifts, and useful items for travel. Thoughtfully designed bush breakfasts, surprise sundowners, and storytelling around the fire are all part of what makes a stay at Sayari feel timeless and deeply personal.
Hotel and restaurant Awards
2023
Sayari Camp was honoured with a Tripadvisor Travelers’ Choice Award 2023, a testament to its consistently outstanding guest feedback and memorable safari experience.
Additionally, the camp received international recognition with a World Responsible Tourism Award in 2022, highlighting Sayari’s ongoing commitment to sustainability, conservation, and responsible travel.
2022-2021
In both 2021 and 2022, Sayari Camp received nominations for Tanzania’s Leading Safari Lodge at the prestigious World Travel Awards, reflecting consistent high regard within the industry.
In 2022, Sayari was also recognised for its leadership in sustainable tourism, receiving a World Responsible Tourism Award, which highlights the camp’s dedication to conservation, community, and eco-sensitive design.
Number of employees
42