Overview Accommodation Experiences When To Go

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.

See more images
See less images

50% off flights in the South

Book our 7-night Southern Tanzania itinerary, including Kigelia and Sand Rivers - and enjoy a 50% discount on return flights to Dar es Salaam and inter-camp flights.

New bookings only and 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.

Discover more

Reviews

02.11.2025

E. Ekman

Review for sand rivers

"Magic Place, Wonderful Staff"

Magic place with wonderful staff

Camps visited:
Mkombe's House, Serengeti Sand Rivers, Nyerere

30.10.2025

A. Turner

Review for sand rivers

Magic Memory Makers

Nomad is insane. Magic memory makers. They conjure up spectacular animal sightings while pulling life enhancing experiences out the hat. Everything is done with authenticity and generosity of spirt with the whole team working so hard to give you the best holiday you’ve ever had. And abracadabra they...

Read more

Read less

Camps visited:
Kigelia, Ruaha Sand Rivers, Nyerere

18.10.2025

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:
Sand Rivers, Nyerere

14.10.2025

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:
Sand Rivers, Nyerere

14.10.2025

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

Camps visited:
Kigelia, Ruaha Sand Rivers, Nyerere

07.10.2025

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!

Camps visited:
Kigelia, Ruaha Sand Rivers, Nyerere

FAQs

View all

What I wish I knew before going on safari

Always take a good pair of binoculars. And slow down. Take time to enjoy and area or the safari camps. There is sometimes nothing more special than spending the afternoon or early morning on your veranda and letting the wildlife come to you.

What's included in a safari?

Typically: accommodation, meals, drinks, park fees, your expert guide and activities.

How much do I tip my safari guide?

Firstly, you should only tip of you genuinely feel that the service you have received warrants it. Tips are never expected, but always appreciated. Tipping amounts very much depends on your experience but we tend to work with a range of 10-15 US dollars per guest per day. Equally, it's not unusual for a family or group to pitch in slightly below this as a group tip.

Is it safe to drink tap water in Tanzania?

We advise against drinking the tap water in Tanzania and as such, we provide safe drinking water in all camps and vehicles so guests can remain well hydrated throughout their trip.

Is there Wi-Fi in our camps?

Yes we do have WI-FI at our camps - in the most remote locations the Wi-Fi can be limited to your tent or the main mess. We try to keep wi-fi in the tents so the mess and lounge area continue to be social and communal areas.

Can I charge my devices whilst on safari?

Yes you can charge your devices whilst on safari. Most camps have connection points in the tent or room. Also, in most safari vehicle there is charging points available so you can keep all your cameras and phones topped up and never miss that wonderful sighting.

What is the difference between a lodge and a tented camp?

Lodges are more permanent, often with solid walls and more amenities available. Tented camp are light touch, with canvas walls, open air and the sounds of bush throughout!

How long are the drives between camps?

It depends, some are short hops, others can be full-day journeys. Often, the journey is the experience and can become the ultimate game drive as you traverse different areas of National Parks.

Follow us

Discover