Our handsome light-filled lodge with wide-screen technicolour views across an iconic african riverbank.

Our safari lodge is so much part of the Rufiji’s ebb and flow that it seems almost moored on the banks, with one side entirely open to the river. Views across its brown, swirling waters call to mind adventure movies from another time. Indeed, in the early days, we pioneered legendary foot safaris here, and we still make life in and around the lodge as action-packed and exciting as the fizzing natural world around it.

The view of Sand Rivers, Nyerere from the Rufiji River.

Open and airy with views over the river, our light filled lounge at Sand Rivers, Nyerere.

The central lounge at Sand Rivers, Nyerere.

It's easy to see why Richard Bonham chose this spot for Sand Rivers 20 years ago when he had the pick of locations in the Nyerere National Park.

The mile wide Rufiji River flows past the open-fronted rooms at Sand Rivers, Nyerere.

Views over the Rufiji River from the open fronted Hillside Suites at Sand Rivers, Nyerere.

Flying over the might Rufiji River in the Nyerere National Park.

Watching the sunset over the Rufiji River from our Nyerere fly-camp

Swimming in the Hot Springs in the Nyerere.

Watching life pass by from Sand Rivers, Nyerere. It is a holiday after all.

Being in the bush doesn't mean a lack of comfort. But it does mean you can have a bathroom with a view.

There are three Hillside Suits at Sand Rivers, Nyerere, equipped with their own private plunge pool and heaps of space to enjoy the endless views over the Rujifi River.

Three Hillside Suites at Sand Rivers, Nyerere have their own private plunge pools.

Walking safaris in the Nyerere National Park.

Each Hillside Suite at Sand Rivers, Nyerere has its own adjoining living area.

Walking safaris in the Nyerere National Park.

Game drives in the Nyerere in open 4WD vehicles allow you to explore further afield.

Dining al fresco at Sand Rivers, Nyerere.

Open air bathrooms at Sand Rivers, Nyerere.

Fishing in Steiglers Gorge from Sand Rivers, Nyerere.

The Rufiji narrows upstream until the walls of Stiegler's Gorge tower overhead.

There is a large swimming pool at the main mess area at Sand Rivers, Nyerere, with perfect views over the Rufiji River.

We seldom see another vehicle here. There are good reasons why founder Richard Bonham chose this area.

Bringing the outside in. The lounge of Sand Rivers is a place of cool in the heat of the day.

Heading out by boat in the Nyerere is a completely new experience and one of our favorite ways to explore.

A night out under the stars in our Nyerere fly-camp. An experience never to be forgotten.

Three course dinner served on the river bank in our Nyerere fly-camp.

Stopping for breakfast on a sand bar while on a boat safari at Sand Rivers, Nyerere.

Freedom to set out on foot

Here we like to get out on foot, treading lightly through the bush to see what might be round the next thicket.

This is big game country.

Boat safaris and a spot of fishing on the Rufiji River in the Nyerere.

A boat trip up Stieglers Gorge for breakfast from Sand Rivers, Nyerere.

Cool in the heat of the day, open to nature and the river breeze.

Watching life pass by from Sand Rivers, Nyerere. It is a holiday after all.

Bee eaters are among the many beguiling birds we regularly see here.

Freedom. Feet in the white sand, casting a line into the mile-wide Rufiji in the middle of wild Africa.

Few things beat breakfast on a sandbar in the Rufiji after a boat trip up-river to Stiegler

Shed your inhibitions and your closed shoes. This is Africa.

Observe without being seen. That's the trick.

Sleeping out under the stars on a sandy river bank.

Hippos in the Rufiji River in the Nyerere National Park.

Complimentary flights to the South

Book our 7-night Southern Tanzania itinerary, including Kigelia and Sand Rivers - and enjoy free return flights to Dar es Salaam and inter-camp flights.

New bookings only that travel before the end of October 2025
This offer does not include inducement flights.

Enhancing lives at Sand Rivers

From enhancing dynamic careers to working with local communities and conservation projects, here are some inspiring stories from our camp in southern Tanzania.

Life long learning & growth

Creating career paths

Eighteen years with Nomad, this is Hamza Mmole

Starting out as a walking safaris porter, Hamza has worked his way up the ranks to camp manager at Sand Rivers. But his role extends beyond just that. Helping to identify talent, Hamza mentors and nurtures to provide opportunity in every way possible.  

Conservation & environment

Sharing our love of the natural world

Wildlife photography internships

This initiative provides an opportunity for young Tanzanian photographers and videographers to make use of our camps to access wild places under the mentorship of a professional photographer. And there is nowhere better to provide inspiration that Nyerere. We run several trips each year to Sand Rivers, giving a bunch of budding photographers the opportunity to train their lenses on the wondrous wilderness that is Nyerere National Park.

Life long learning & growth

Creating career paths

Chef extraordinaire to camp manager

Bernie is a shining star in the south. Having joined Nomad many moons ago as a junior chef, she cooked up a storm and quickly progressed to head chef before leading our company wide chef training.

Bernie’s shining personality and natural leadership has seen her progress to a superb camp manager. Working under the tutelage of the wonderful Hamza and Nomad training, Bernie is thriving, and Sand Rivers is in extremely safe hands. Bernie is a real gem and true inspiration to us all.

Conservation & environment

Supporting conservation partners

Sand Rivers support for Tawiri Elephants

Nyerere has been severely affected by ivory poaching in the last decade, and the elephant population has suffered. We are delighted to support the elephant research programme run by Tanzania Wildlife Research Institute (TAWIRI). Their aim is to collect data and knowledge of the population to help planning for their protection.

Southern Tanzania safaris

This is all about experience. A safari spent in the game rich plains of Ruaha, and the endless wilderness of Nyerere, the south is hard to beat.

Reviews

V. Byczynski

Review for sand rivers

Exceeded Our Expectations

Sand Rivers exceeded our expectations, nothing was too much trouble and our first safari to Africa wonderful.

Camps visited:

A. Licciardello

Review for sand rivers

Wonderful Guiding in Bush

Wonderful guiding in remote bush, gracious hosting, and an open suite overlooking the water. We lived Sand River Lodge.

Camps visited:

K. Gibson

Review for sand rivers

Unique Activities Here

There are so many unique activities here that make Sand Rivers special. Fly camping at the lake was so special and like nothing we have ever experienced before, but boat safaris, fishing, and hot springs were also great! The staff here are like mind readers and were incredibly accommodating

A. Feirer

Review for sand rivers

Magnificent Honeymoon Stay

The entire stay was simply magnificent! Starting with this beautiful lodge, the warmth of Sarah and Hamza and the entire staff, and the impressive safaris! We saw so many amazing animals, which was truly a unique experience!
We cannot imagine a better place for our honeymoon!

S. Durman

Review for sand rivers

Simply Stunning Safaris

Sand Rivers is simply stunning! The landscape, hosting, accommodation is incredible. And the safaris are so private and able to see the animals in such intimate settings.

Camps visited:

L. Millington & M. Johns

Review for sand rivers

Favourite African Camp

This camp is by far our favourite in all of Africa and our fourth visit recently!
If you want to experience a truly authentic African experience full of diversity in wildlife, nature and activities this is for you.
Sand Rivers team are truly the best at what they do and looking after your every nee...

FAQs

What is the typical food when on safari?

Fresh, locally sourced, and surprisingly varied given the remote locations of some camps. Imagine homemade bread, seasonal veg, cooking with delicious Swahili spices. All accompanied by far-stretching views or enjoyed under a shady tree.

What is the difference between Serengeti National Park and Nyerere National Park?

The first difference is terrain. The Serengeti is all vast plains and iconic kopjes, whereas Nyerere is riverine wilderness where variety in activity becomes ever possible, boating, fishing etc. Both areas are wild with superb game but very different in landscape.

Do lodges offer honeymoon packages or upgrades?

Many do, yes - private dinners, spa treatments or surprise sundowners that add thoughtful moments to the trip. Occasionally, there are discounts for one spouse and it can be worth researching.

What is the most popular safari in Tanzania?

Northern Tanzania is probably the most well known part of the country with the world famous spectacle, the Wildebeest Migration, drawing travellers year round. A full northern circuit brings incredible wildlife from Tarangire to the Ngorongoro Crater and that's before you even get to the Serengeti. Prepare for a density of wildlife like nowhere else in Africa. That being said, the south offers a quieter safari experience in Ruaha and Nyerere. Here you can get off the beaten track in explore some superb game areas. And for us, the ultimate safari combo comes in the west - a big game, wilderness experience in Katavi combines with jaw dropping chimpanzee encounters in Mahale. Over 7-days this safari will blow you away.

Are there age restrictions for safaris?

Yes, some camps have minimum age limits, in camp and especially on walking safaris. But there are many brilliant private or family properties that can tailor the age restrictions.

What to wear on Safari in Tanzania?

Pack lightweight is the first tip. Next neutral colours are great - khaki, beige and olives - however not every item needs to be khaki by any means. There is no harm in a splash of colour in the bush. Long sleeves and trousers are a necessary addition to protect you from the sun and insect or mosquitoes in the evening. You are on the move a lot so always have a pair of comfy, sturdy shoes whether that be walking boots, trainers or safari style boots. This is especially important if you are embarking on a walking safari. Bring a light, warm jacket for those early mornings and sometimes even a beanie may be required depending on the time of year. Finally, do bring a good hat - wide brimmed or just a baseball cap - needed to protect you from the African sun.

What is the best month to travel to Tanzania?

Tanzania is a year round destination, especially in Northern Tanzania. So your visit often depends on family schedules or particular wildlife experiences on the bucket list. We love January to March in Ngorongoro and southern Serengeti Plains when the air is clear, nice temperatures and the migration arrives in town for calving season. This is an extraordinary time to be there.

Can I go on safari and visit Zanzibar in one trip?

Yes absolutely, Tanzania has superb transport links from the mainland to Zanzibar as well as neighbouring islands too. Many travellers choose to spend some time in the wild on safari before heading to the coast for some R&R.

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