Where the wild things are

The past few weeks have been a whirlwind of wildlife activity in the Masai Mara as the great wildebeest migration has been in full flow. And one camp whose location makes the most of this annual spectacle is Sala’s Camp. Even outside migration season this is a sensational spot for wildlife, with elephants, buffalo, giraffes and diverse birdlife on display in a remote and private setting. But when the wildebeest herds arrive, Sala’s explodes with life.

Dramatic river crossings can be witnessed from Sala's Camp

Sala’s Camp is located in the heart of the African wilderness, at the fringes of the Masai Mara and overlooking the Serengeti just over the border in Tanzania. What makes Sala’s particularly special during the migration is the camp’s proximity to where the Sand and the Keekorok rivers meet. This delivers the thrillingly dramatic sight of countless thousands of wildebeest and zebra making their life-or-death bid to swim the river whilst also evading eager attackers.

The camp is passed by the migration both on its way north into the Serengeti and on its way back south. It is the return journey that the camp has reported seeing over recent days. The unimaginable abundance of wildebeest in the region at this time has, as you would expect, attracted more than a little attention from predators. The area’s resident lions have been out in force, providing some intimate big cat sightings for the lucky recent guests at Sala’s.

A tented bedroom at Sala's Camp

But we love Sala’s Camp for more than just its amazing animals. It’s also a pleasure to take guests there because of its great hospitality and comfort. Wild it may be, but there’s no shortage of creature comforts to provide the luxury and relaxation that are crucial ingredients of every Africa House safari.

If you like the sound of Sala’s Camp, we’d love to take you there. Whether it’s timed to coincide with the migration and its incomparable drama, or at another time of the year, a safari at Sala’s guarantees an action-packed slice of Africa.

The perfect spot for migration spectacle

There are few greater wildlife spectacles on Earth than the great annual wildebeest migration. And with the colossal herd just starting to arrive in Kenya now, there are few better places to witness the event than at the perfectly positioned Sala’s Camp.

Preparing for dinner at Sala's Camp

Located on the very southern edge of the Masai Mara, Sala’s Camp has the privilege of being the very first camp in the game reserve to observe the arrival of the wildebeest from the Serengeti. The camp is just a short drive away from the river which the animals must cross as they arrive on Kenyan soil. This allows guests to get a sensational view of the high-drama struggle of thousands upon thousands of wildebeest making the crossing. Predators, which are numerous in this area, stalk the travelling herds, awaiting their opportunity to attack. As well as the numerous big cats found here, there are leopards, zebras and a plethora of other wildlife, making it a dream for wildlife-lovers.

Despite being set in the world famous Masai Mara reserve, Sala’s Camp enjoys a surprisingly remote location with the magical Sand River providing a beautiful feature. This makes for a true African wilderness experience, and a tranquil and serene stay – aside, of course, from those countless thousands of hooves which are passing through around now!

Sala's Camp at night

In addition to its remarkable location, Sala’s offers world-class hospitality. The hosts are warm and welcoming, and have a knack for making guests feel special with their great food, attentive service, and activities to enthral kids. And although this is simple tented accommodation, the camp is stylish, with a distinct feel of cosy African homeliness.

Sala’s Camp would be an enticing prospect at any time, but with the migration converging here, the camp also becomes a front row seat for one of the most breathtaking scenes in nature’s great theatre. The latest news on this year’s migration is that the wildebeest have been slow to make the passage across from the Serengeti into the Masai Mara but that the move is now underway, led by a herd of zebras, the wildebeest’s travelling companions – so guests at Sala’s Camp can expect an incredible show.

Migration news

It’s that time of year again when one of the greatest wildlife spectacles in Kenya – and on Earth – takes place. The first waves of migrating wildebeest arrived last month at the Mara River to make the treacherous crossing over the water from the Serengeti into the Masai Mara. Herds of zebras added their mass monochromatic decoration to the busy scene as they followed behind.

Masses of wildebeest and zebras have made their way
into the Masai Mara.

We have been lucky to see the action unfold while in the Masai Mara with guests again this year. And the groups we’ve hosted have been treated to some of the most dramatic scenes we remember seeing here in July. The sheer number of animals making the crossing has been striking, with thousands upon thousands of wildebeest already seen struggling to traverse the Mara River. There has been an awesome sense of excitement in the camp – and a wonderful show for the big family group and a regular Africa House safari-goer who have been here with us during these magical few weeks.

This movement into the Masai Mara is part of a wider circular migration which takes place in East Africa every year. Over a million wildebeest, together with hundreds of thousands of zebras and gazelle, make the continuous journey in search of fresh grass to eat. The animals follow a clockwise path around the Serengeti ecosystem of Tanzania and the smaller Masai Mara region which extends into Kenya.

The river crossings, which begin at variable times around the middle of the year, are considered a highlight of the migration. Large concentrations of the travelling animals gather to make the dangerous swim across the Mara and Talek rivers, facing the threat of crocodiles from below and the prospect of lions and cheetahs at the other side. This spectacle shows African nature at its most bountiful and most brutal.