Sand Rivers Lodge, Selous

Introduction

Sand Rivers is located in Selous Game Reserve, one of Tanzanias finest parks, famous for its exclusivity and diversity. The varied topography allows you to sample the different ecosystems provided by gorges, open plains woodlands and lakes. Due to its excellent positioning, Sand Rivers, has been the location for safari buffs for years. Set on a rocky peninsula with magnificent views over a vast sweep of the Rufiji river, its exposed sandbanks are home to hippo, crocodile and spectacular bird life.

Camp Description

Discerning travellers consider Sand Rivers to be one of the finest and most genuine lodges on the continent, with its unique blend of timeless safari elegance combining with the rigours of a genuine bush adventure. The lodge is small but perfectly formed; the cottages are grand and open fronted, the mess imposing, the cooking excellent, and the service excellent and at-your-whim.

Outside the central mess area is the swimming pool, set into the rocks on the river's edge, and shaded by an ancient baobab tree thought to be more than 1500 years old. This is the perfect place for relaxing, and gazing out over the view of endless water. Armchairs and sofas abound, and the bar is close by along with a library well stocked with books on the area.

The main dining table is made of an enormous tree that was washed down the river by a storm, and is the focus for lunch and dinner

Accommodation

There are eight large and airy double, or twin-bedded cottages, each with its own spacious bathroom with flush toilets and powerful showers. Beds are four-poster with soft mosquito netting that ties back during the day. Each cottage is completely open-fronted, with an expansive veranda set on stilts, giving each a stunning and private view over the river. Electric lights, standing fans, and hot water are solar powered.

Game Viewing

Quality Game Viewing is synonymous with Sand Rivers. With team of Tanzania's most professional and committed safari guides, one of them will be on hand to take you out for adventures; a day on the river, weaving past hippo and crocodile, drives on the trail of lion or wild dog, an elephant bush walk, a night sleeping out under the stars, or simply fishing barefoot off a large rock.  Sand Rivers provides a variety of ways to experience the Selous wilderness.

ON FOOT

The lodge's most coveted trip - a four day wilderness walk in the seriously remote parts of the Selous. The walking safaris explore the remotest corners of the area over a set period, with fly camps moving every night. For all walks, you will be joined by an armed guide, whose knowledge and understanding of the game and wildlife allows you to watch them undisturbed as they go about their daily lives.

BY BOAT

The river provides an utterly unique view of life in the Selous and Sand Rivers. Upstream the river narrows into a deep ravine called Steiglers Gorge, the steep sides thick with lush forest and huge boulders where leopards are often seen and monkeys leap through the treetops. Downstream of the lodge the river is wide and expansive with vast tracts of sandy banks, home to monitor lizards and bee-eaters. The lodge has several aluminium boats to take you out for daily river adventures.

FLY CAMPING

For the more adventurous, fly camping offers the outdoor experience of a lifetime. This is a highly recommended part of any safari to Sand Rivers, and available at an extra supplement. The fly camps are shared, and guests sleep under spacious mosquito nets equipped with safari bedrolls. A bucket shower with hot water, and a short drop toilet is set up behind camp. A full complement of staff provide a full breakfast, light lunch and a three-course candlelit dinner.  This is the perfect combination of adventure and bush comfort. Each camping spot is chosen for its view or the game in the area and allows you to completely absorb yourself in the wilderness

Camp Facts

Sand Rivers is open year round except 15th March - 15th May when the camp closes for maintenance.

Please note that  children under the age of 8 are not permitted at Sand Rivers Selous. Only children of 12 and over can participate in fly camping and walking activities. All children stay at their parents own risk.

Pricing

Please contact us for current rates:

Suggested Daily Activity Schedule

Please contact us for suggested itineraries.

How to get there

There are numerous daily flights to Kiba from Dar es Salaam, Zanzibar, Ruaha, Mafia, Pemba, and northern Tanzania.

Read more about:

Selous Game Reserve