The White Floored Corner of Masai Mara

Sand River area lies at the edge of South East extending to southern edge of the Masai Mara. It is named after the Sand River, a sub-seasonal river that flows from East to South of Masai Mara to meet the Mara River. The river forms a geographical boundary between Kenya and Tanzania, as Masai Mara and Serengeti in this respect.

 Many safari guides and safari goers may talk of sand river as a place with less or unproductive in wildlife sightings. However, the place has quality sightings alongside unending beauty of a scenic background. Actually any landscape photo taken here will stand out among all others taken in the Masai Mara.

Actually any landscape photo taken here will stand out among all others taken in the Masai Mara.

On the Kenyan side of the river the land is characterized by thicket and bushes. As one approaches the area, signs of strong erosion that has been changing the landscape here over the centuries is revealed by huge kopjes of granite rocks. On the other side of the river, the Serengeti land rises forming a short stretch of grassland followed by an abrupt range of hills, including the Sleeping Masai, forming an amazing background.

Finding wildlife here can be very easy, yes! As easy as their unpredictability. The only tools you need here are patience and a good guide. Sand River is my favorite game area in the Masai Mara and today I have decided to share our best experiences of it. This is a photo story of the Sand River.

Early morning start for the best possible encounters. In most cases we start as early as six in the morning.

Leaving the camp early for any game drive is very  essential. Most of the animals use cooler times of the day to maximum. Early morning gives you a good percentage of finding live or active game. It is the best time I prefer when am in search for elusive leopard and rhinoceros

Thickets and bushes in this area give predators a cover when they are hunting. This youngster lion was able to ambush a zebra but he had no enough experience and skill to make a kill.

It was a late breakfast for the upper sand river pride. This pride has now grown big, comprises of at least six females, eight cubs, three big males and two sub-adult males.

It is always magical getting the pride on the kopjes

And the elephants shines the day as the sun shines. You will always meet herds maybe crossing to or from Serengeti.

This pride is often found along lower sand river area; southern. They are so entertaining. At one instance we have counted 22 individuals who are members of the pride! This pride is so powerful and they always go for big prey. Buffalos and Elands is what they relish on.

Sand River is a major competitor for Mara River. It has the best crossing points for the migration. What's more it is always private and quite predictable. The only thing that lacks here is the giant crocs to feed on them. But its not a big deal maybe even in the Mara River they would be just lying away from the crossing points.

Every coin has the other side. Here water disappears when the sun rules for longer than natures agreement. Most of the animals such as buffaloes antelopes among others suffers for a thirst. However elephants always got great deal with the river bed. They understand very well that rearranging the sand particles can bring water. Predators also use the river bed as resting and hunting ground.

For sure, this is one place that has ever inspired my best days in wild.

Until next time