crazyaboutafrica

Hi, i am really interested in staying at sala's camp, due to it's location, but cannot find decent photos or reviews about the camp anywhere on the net. It's odd as pratically all camps have reviews and pics on the net on trip advisor or elsewhere.

Also the game drives, are conducted with a driver guide only, or a driver guide and spotter, and how good are the game drives and how well are the in house guides qualified

Also the quality and luxury of the tents and bathrooms, how are the tents compared to other high end lodges ?

Mostly was worried about the food and specially veggie food as the only review i found for this camp was on africa travel resource, and the lady complained that she fell sick after consuming food from the camp

IF ANYONE HAS VISITED PLS GIVE YOUR INPUTS, THANKS

KatieHow

Hi,
Have you looked in the gallery of The Safari Collection website? http://www.thesafaricollection.com/g...operty_id=1064. Sala's camp is one of the properties in the collection including Giraffe Manor, Sasaaab and Solio Lodge. There are a few nice pictures there if you click on the thumb nails.
We were at Sala's and Sasaaab only a few months ago and absolutely LOVED it. The game drives at Sala's has both a driver and a guide (usually a local Masai guide) and they are all qualified and highly professional. the vehicles have very large comfy seats, but of course you spend most of the time on the roof!! The camp itself is a tented camp (7 in total), all with ensuite facilities and I would definitely say that they compare very favourably with other high end tented camps, although there are none close to Sala's due to it's location, which as you pointed out initially is SUPERB. Surprised to hear your thoughts on the food. I found it to be consistently excellent at both Sasaab and Sala's camp. There were alot of fresh salad's every day (cous cous, lentills and such) which would be great for you if you are a veggie. We did not hear of any 'bad experiences' whilst there.
All together we had the safari of a lifetime and linked with Sasaab before (which I would also HIGHLY recommend!) it made a perfect Kenyan holiday.
Hope this helps.....

crazyaboutafrica

Thanks Katie, which month were u at sala's and how was the animal viewing, had the migration arrived and how was the population of cats near sala's, did u manage to see a number of cats or a few, thanks, this was helpful

sandi

I spent 2/nts at Sala's early June (also 2/nts at SaSaab) and loved both, but they are distinctly different. SaSaab with very large specially built luxurious canvas cottages, spread out up/down the hills on which the camp is built. Whereas, Sala's is the complete opposite, as a "true" safari camp, canvas tents and while they have flush toilets, for showers you're provided water for a traditional bush shower and for washing are provide water (no running water).

All tents have comfy beds, all facing the Sand River which is actually the border with Tanzania. Food was outstanding and one night we actually had souffle!... in the bush... whoopie. I like my meat, but there was more than enough for those who are vegetarians... you just have to advise your food preferences.

My game drives were with a very qualified guide/driver and a tracker (as do most camps... rare to find a driver, guide and tracker; not necessary). And, since it was only me, we went all over the place and had lots of fun.

This year, early June from a few thousand of the migrating herds arriving early in the Mara, but as soon as they arrived we were able to watch them cross back to the Serengeti. Wildies do this regularly. And, one afternoon enjoying at late lunch (2:30pm), we actually watched a Sand River crossing... a total surprise. But the usual crossing areas are farther north in the reserve come Aug or Sept. We did not see any cats down this way, but if I had stayed another day we might have. There are never any guarantees of what game you will see from day-to-day.

One very nice thing about being located in this area of the Mara (south), you do not see the "day-trippers" in their safari vans... definitely need 4x4 down this way. And, there are no other camps nearby. Closest to the east is Keekorok Lodge (the airport used by Sala) or that poorly-positioned Somak/Ashnil tented camp about 1/hr north of Sala.

sandi

Depending on budget, Sala's doesn't come cheap! Just so you know.

spassvogel

sandi
I am also curious regarding Sala's. Not because of the tents or luxury. Just in view to the game.
Of course if the migration is in that vicinity it's fabulous. But what the heck you see there outside the migration?

I know Cottar's - same or similar situation and the game was far from being called "terrific" in Aug 2006.
Loooong dives to the action.

Is Sala's similar - besides the interieur/ambiance which I assume is of higher standard at Cottar's.

THX

sandi

Good question. If hoping to see a crossing other than at the beginning of the season, i.e., Jun/Jul, when the herds first arrive, but rather during Jul-Sep, then Sala's might not be the best. But you can probably catch crossings as the wildies' return to the Serengeti (Sep-Oct, even Nov).

Otherwise, there's still plenty of game about during peak periods even if you often have some driving, which for me is part of the adventure as I've always been surprised by something.

crazyaboutafrica

Thanks Sandi, for your input, I have heard serena gives night game drives, do they do the gamedrives in the mara triangle or outside the mara triangle, in the conservancy areas that allow night game drives

KatieHow

Hi there
In response to game, I wasn't there during the migration ( I hear it is best during August). I was there in June and we had some great sightings of lion and rhino amongst the eles and some antelope. You don't have to drive too far for it either which is great. Migration time I here though is very good as it passes almost infront of camp (saw some photos of the migration actually from camp which was impressive!)
Hope this helps a little

sandi

Serena Mara Lodge night game drives (if they're still doing these) are expensive at $90/person. These are done around a small area below the lodge (which is sited on a hill). Personally, I don't believe it's good value for the $$$.