The name Serengeti stems from the Maasai word "Siring" referring to "endless plains", and that’s really what it is. The Serengeti National Park is vast, stretching from the endless grass plains in the South to the woodlands in the north up to the Kenyan border. The size of the Park – circa 15,000 square kilometers - covers circa half of Belgium and the Serengeti eco-system as a whole is virtually the same size as Belgium.

The Serengeti hosts the largest concentration of wildlife in the world, thought to be more than 3 million, and is home to one of the great wonders in the world, the Great Migration. Over a million of Wildebeest move annually from the southern plains, where they give birth in January - March, to the Maasai Mara in the north, and back, accompanied by Zebra and other migratory mammals. Lion, cheetah, hyena, hunting dog and crocodiles make sure only the strongest survive.

Sayari camp is a seasonal camp that follows the migration. It is located in Piaya, in the southern plains from January to April, moves to the Mara river area (north-western Serengeti) for June to September and is based in Soit Sambu in the north-eastern part of the Serengeti from October to mid January (the camp is closed during April and May, the season of the long rains). The locations of the camp are all located near the border of the national park (Mara just inside the park and Piaya and Soit Sambu just outside the park), to allow for the superior combination of top wildlife viewing and walking safaris and interaction with local cultures (e.g., Masaai) just outside the park

The Serengeti can be visited throughout the year, except perhaps during the season of the long rains from mid April to May. Altitudes in the Serengeti range from 900 to 1,800 meters - higher than most of Europe. Temperatures therefore vary from 15 degrees to 25 degrees Celsius, with chilly evenings from June to October.

A stay at Sayari Camp normally forms part of a package-safari arranged by professional tour operators that also arrange transfers to/from the camp. Sayari Camp does arrange free transfers to/from the nearest airstrip enabling fly-in/fly out safaris. Other transfers can be arranged on request. The Serengeti has several airstrips for scheduled flights and charters.

The camp has just twenty luxury safari tents, which are arranged in pretty random fashion around the lodge. The earlier ones that we inherited from the previous owners are in a kind of military straight line. The later ones we have tried to locate in more imaginative fashion amongst the granite outcrops that surround us. Each of the tents has an ensuite bathroom, with permanent plumbing and electricity is provided by our generator evenings and mornings. Sockets are UK 3-pin 230 volt.

The honeymoon tent is located away from the other tents in a raised position up in the trees on Poacher's Lookout. For those so inclined there is a outdoor small hot tub in which to enjoy a glass of champagne. We also try to come up with a few special surprises for honeymooners, like bush dinners served on the top of the hill or down under The Big Tree. Feel free to email with your own romantic suggestions.

We also have a family tent, which is made up of two normal tents, joined by a large shared bathroom, which will sleep a family of up to six people in comfort. Lavish tents, richly furbished in wood and leather and with an internal floor space of 45sq metres and a 360°C verandah. Each tent has its own ensuite bathroom with double vanity.

Sayari Camp is an intimate seasonal tented camp of 8 guest tents. Sayari is Kiswahili for universe/planet, capturing the vast plains and endless skies in which the camp is immersed.

Guest tents : Guest tents are very originally designed, spacious and are equipped with fully en-suite bathroom facilities. Each tent has its own spacious private verandah with a very comfortable couch and chairs, overlooking the vast Serengeti that is spread out before you. Inside the tent, very comfortable king-size beds with beautiful cloth and contemporary furniture give the tent a very stylish yet homely feel. Lighting in the tent can be made both atmospheric and at reading strength. The spacious bathroom has a shower, double sinks and a ceramic flush toilet that is environmentally friendly.

Common facilities : Central to the camp are two stylish common tents. When the camp is occupied by multiple small groups, one tent will serve as a dining tent and the other one as a lounge, where drinks are served and safari stories are shared. When a somewhat larger group (e.g., 8 people) visits in the camp, one of the common tents can be made the exclusive lounging/dining tent for that group. The other tent will then be set up as a lounging/dining tent for the other guests of Sayari Camp.

The lounge tent welcomes you to completely relax, sipping on your drink while looking out over the Serengeti, reading a book or discussing the adventures of the day. A sea of cushions, a wide range of quality drinks & snacks and a wealth of books on nature & wildlife in the area make this a place where you can easily loose track of time. Dining is intimate in the dining area, but can also be enjoyed privately under the millions of stars in the Serengeti sky. Either way, our amicable staff will prepare you a meal you wouldn’t dream possible in the middle of the camp’s remote wilderness locations. At night, be overwhelmed by the many stars whilst sitting next to the camp fire. Sayari’s shop offers local artifacts and camp gadgets: presents for the ones staying behind or reminders for an unforgettable time in the middle of one of the world’s natural wonders.

Activities :

Fly camping : Fly camping is a wonderful way to sleep under the stars and enjoy the pure tranquility and raw excitement of the bush. Ten foot square tents made of heavy duty mosquito mesh ensure that you are close to nature but apart from only bugs.

Fly camping in the Serengeti eco-system is a once-in-a-lifetime experience. The freedom of movement, the intimacy of the light camp and the thrill of being so close to nature is the pinnacle of many guests’ safaris. Our fly camp is light enough to move easily and strike quickly, but still retains the everyday luxuries that characterize Asilia’s tented Camps – hot showers, comfortable bedding and cold drinks served with gourmet food.

Walking : Walking in the bush is an unforgettable safari experience that brings you the feeling of really being part of the nature around you. Wildlife is frequently encountered, but the sheer beauty of the nature or true interaction with local cultures can be just as rewarding! Walking safaris from Sayari can differ in length and pace according to you choice; the emphasis can be on taking it slowly and having time to smell flowers or on chasing animal trails into the unknown. Walking safaris can be combined with fly camping to give guests the ultimate safari experience: walking into your own private camp – where food and drinks await you - after a day of walking through majestic Serengeti area. Walking safaris are professionally guided. Vehicle pick-up and drop off if required. Walkie-talkie radios allow contact with vehicles and camps.

Game drives & photography : The local guides at Sayari Camp have a fantastic knowledge of the area surrounding the Camp. We use open vehicles and enjoy the freedom of off-road driving to access hidden areas and rare wildlife. Sayari Camp operates in the remotest areas of the Serengeti eco-system, allowing for long game drives undisturbed by other vehicles and affording our guests private and unique sightings.