Luxury Sand Rivers Safari Camp Selous Game Reserve, Tanzania

Established by renowned guide Richard Bonham in the early 1990s, Sand Rivers Selous is currently managed by Nomad Tanzania. Nomad operates a total of ten resorts, including the exceptional Serengeti Safari Camp, Entamanu Ngorongoro, and Greystoke Mahale. Sand Rivers has been awarded a Certificate of Excellence by TripAdvisor! The lodging is reserved on a full-board basis, encompassing all meals, a variety of alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages, Wi-Fi, and laundry services. The camp operates from mid-March to early June each.

Access & Location:

The camp is reachable by a 15-minute road transfer from Kiba airstrip. It is located on a wide bend of the Rufiji River and encircled by forests, in a tranquil area of Nyerere National Park (previously Selous).

Accommodation & Facilities At Sand Rivers Safari Camp

The guest accommodation has eight cottages, each elevated on decking and constructed from timber, stone, and thatch. Five are designated as Riverside Rooms, while the other three are classified as Hillside Suites. The Hillside Suites are situated at a higher elevation than the Riverside Rooms. Each suite features an individual room and a private plunge pool. All homes are exceptionally big and, being totally open-fronted, offer unobstructed views of the river and its resident hippopotamus. Vervet monkeys may also be observed traversing the trees. Each bedroom is equipped with a king-size bed featuring mosquito nets, bedside lights, and, for the Riverside Rooms, a seating space furnished with a sofa and coffee table. En-suite amenities include a flush toilet, a washbasin with hot and cold running water, and a walk-in shower. A variety of toiletries is provided.

The community areas of Sand Rivers provide stunning views of the River Rufiji. Aside from the swimming pool, they are located within an open-sided structure composed of timber, stone, and thatch. The lounge features comfy armchairs and sofas arranged around coffee tables, along with reading materials and several captivating artworks. In the dining room, elegant individual tables are strategically placed to provide guests with optimal river views. Breakfast and lunch timings are adaptable, and both meals are offered in a buffet format with a wide array of choices to accommodate diverse preferences. Afternoon tea is typically served at 4 PM, while supper consists of a gratifying three courses. Private eating options are offered at several locations across the site. The bar is adequately supplied, while the curio shop offers apparel, jewellery and branded merchandise. Adjacent to the lodge, the pool is encircled by sun loungers and deckchairs, providing an ideal setting for relaxation between activities while admiring the river and its diverse fauna, including animals and birds.

Activities At Sand Rivers Safari Camp

The camp offers a great range of activities:

  • The broad plains, forests, and aquatic resources of Nyerere harbour a remarkable diversity of animals.
  • The highlights encompass the Big Five species – lion, rhinoceros, leopard, elephant, and buffalo – among several smaller predators and herbivores, including cheetah, hyena, jackal, wild dog, giraffe, wildebeest, zebra, and an impressive variety of antelopes.
  • There are approximately 440 species of birds recorded to date.
  • The game drives at Sand Rivers, conducted in the early morning and late afternoon, are excellent for traversing all regions of Nyerere.
  • Walking safaris offer opportunities for meticulous examination of the reserve’s flora and entomofauna. This sport is sometimes paired with a 4×4 excursion; for instance, your guide may halt the vehicle to allow you to stealthily pursue large game on foot.
  • Boat excursions provide a discreet means of seeing animals, as the vessel operates almost silently while gliding across the water.
  • Notable river species include hippopotamuses, crocodiles, and great white pelicans. Fishing and swimming in the reserve’s lakes are both available activities for you.
  • Fly camping is offered at an additional fee. For further details regarding this activity or any other enquiries about accommodations at Sand Rivers, please reach out to a representative of The Bespoke African Safari Co. team.

Note: This property is unfenced and situated in a wildlife region, allowing for the passage of large and potentially hazardous animals. If you want to remain here, remain vigilant while traversing the camp and seek a staff member for accompaniment if you have any apprehensions. All guests are accompanied after dusk as a standard procedure.

Selous Safaris

Nyerere National Park, formerly referred to as Selous Game Reserve, is the largest national park in Africa, located in the southeastern part of Tanzania in East Africa. The formidable Rufiji River generates lakes and deltas within the park, establishing a distinctive amalgamation of habitats between marshes and arid grasslands, so attracting a diverse array of wildlife.

An abundant ecology hosts diverse fauna and numerous bird species, while exhilarating activities provide an alternative safari experience through exploration of canals by boat and seasonal wetlands on foot. This lesser-known area is consequently less congested than the renowned northern parks in Tanzania, resulting in a more untamed and secluded ambiance. The park hosts numerous species, including a substantial population of wild canines and the Big Five, which inhabit the Miombo woods and swampy floodplains.