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.

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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.

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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...

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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

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When is the green season?

From late November to May. It's a gorgeous time to be in Tanzania - expect dramatic skies, lush landscapes and superb wildlife. Also, less people.

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.

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.

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!

What is a typical daily schedule on safari?

Early starts with golden light as the bush awakens, and a fresh cup of coffee by the morning camp fire. Either breakfast in camp or take a bush breakfast to go. Enjoy early morning game drives to observe wildlife before the day gets too hot. In the heat of the day, find a shady spot for a siesta go. After tea, its time for an afternoon foray and sundowners with a view. Evenings are quiet, firelit, and full of stars.

How many days is enough for a Tanzania safari?

Many people underestimate how immersive a safari experience is. Time in the bush can be tiring – most mornings you will be up before sunrise as the wild wakes up your day continues into long evenings spent under the stars. If you’re travelling with children, we always recommend a private guide and exclusive vehicle (included as standard with Nomad) that means a lie in here and there is always possible. 

There is no rule for the number of days on safari but we would recommend taking your time in each location and not rushing through safari parks. Give yourselves time to stop and immerse yourself in the area. Many travellers consider a pit stop at the beaches of Zanzibar or Mafia Island to re-charge post safari and before they head back to the real world.

Is Tanzania a good honeymoon destination?

Absolutely. Wild, remote and deeply romantic. We believe a safari honeymoon strikes the perfect balance of adventure and calm. No two days are ever the same and what better way to kick off married life.

How much driving is involved in a Tanzania Safari?

The driving distances on a Tanzania safari can vary depending on the area you are visiting and also your appetite for driving. Northern Tanzania allows for a full driving circuit with National Parks within reasonable distances. We love to drive when we can as we believe it allows for an exciting adventure through towns and villages and you learn so much about Tanzania and its wonderful people.

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