The camp I stayed at for four nights in Northern Serengeti is the Sayari Camp, part of the Asilia group of camps and lodges. Lying across the border of Kenya by the famed Mara River, this is where the migratory herds of wildebeest brave the crocodile-infested waters of Mara River to reach the grasslands of the south this time of the year.

Sayari Camp is comprised of 15 tents spaced 20 to 25 meters from one another. There is a main camp with a lounge and dining room where it opens up to a pool overlooking the game-rich plains.

The game drives are held twice a day – first thing in the morning starting at 6 am till noon and in late afternoon from 4:30 to park closing time of 7 pm. Not only does this provide one an escape from the heat in the middle of the day (around 30C), there are also less animal sightings mid-day. For my stay, I went on a total of seven game drives which were all fascinating – that includes the thrill of spotting a game or witnessing a crossing.

Service at the camp is excellent. The food served is of high quality and daily wake-up calls include delivery of hot coffee or tea. In the evenings, one is accompanied by a staff member in your walk to or from the main tent as precaution from animals roaming the grounds. On my first night, I was awoken by zebras that have been eating right outside my tent. The following evening, it was a hippo that I heard (and confirmed by staff) that walked past my tent. On the third night, it was a couple of wildebeest grazing – but I’ve become a pro by then and just went back to sleep.

 

 

Last but not the least, many thanks to Kivuyo – a masterful spotter, guide and driver. He took me out for a total of seven game drives. I am still in awe on how he would manage to spot a tiny baboon up on a tree, while I can’t see a giraffe 10 feet away! Asante!