Views of the Rufiji River and its wildlife fill your open-fronted room

This remarkable riverside lodge brings the outside in with natural light, cooling breezes, and the sights and sounds of the wild

Main area

Bedrooms

Bathrooms

Dining

Main area

The perfect spot for some afternoon sunbathing

Sand Rivers Selous is an epic base for exploring the wonders of Nyerere National Park, but it's also a pretty lovely setting for soaking up some rays and enjoying the peace and quiet of the wild.

Bedrooms
Main area
Bedrooms

Spacious. Airy. Special.

Our large open-fronted cottages are raised on high concrete platforms that bring sweeping views across the river and beyond.

Bedrooms

Our handsome light-filled lodge…

…with wide-screen technicolour views across an iconic African riverbank - and a pretty perfect spot for watching the sun go down on another day out in the wild.

Bathrooms
Bedrooms
Bathrooms

Epic views from your en-suite

All Sand Rivers rooms have spacious en-suite bathrooms with flush toilets, powerful showers and a view to cleanse the soul.

Bathrooms

Take some time to take it all in

If you're going to contemplate life, you might as well do it from your private plunge pool overlooking the Great Rufiji River at Sand Rivers Selous.

Dining
Bathrooms
Dining

On a mile-wide bend…

…in the Great Rufiji River in a part of the park no one else knows, we've a patch of paradise that lends itself to every kind of adventure you can imagine.

Dining

The ideal spot to slow down on safari

Afternoons spent at Sand Rivers. A good book and a wild view, what more could you need?

Dining

Picture perfect setting for dinner

The sun setting over the horizon, drinks are on ice and your family and friends in one very special place.

Sweet dreams are indeed made of this.

Key details

Open

June to February

5

open-fronted cottages

3

Hillside Suites with private plunge pool

All with ensuite bathrooms

Flush loos

Minimum age:

8

years old

Reviews

M. Kallmeyer

Review for sand rivers

Incredibly Beautiful Retreat

Highly recommend this incredibly beautiful retreat 5⭐️+++!!!!

Camps visited:

J. Dison

Review for sand rivers

Sublime Location, Fantastic Service

Sublime location, and fantastic service and attention to detail which made us feel very special indeed.

Camps visited:

A. Mitchell

Review for sand rivers

Most Beautiful Place

Sands River is the most beautiful place we have stayed. Everything including the view from our room over the river, to sundowners and morning drives was magical. Each of the staff made our experience 1000/10.

O. Henderson

Review for sand rivers

Wonderful Stay at Sands River

Wonderful stay at Sands River! Lovely people, amazing wildlife and being on the banks of the Rufiji river makes it even more special. Asante sana!

Camps visited:

B. Randall

Review for sand rivers

Magical Wildlife Experience

This was an amazing way to experience Tanzania’s wilderness! Seeing wildlife from hides, boats, and during walking or night safaris was a magical experience. The staff and setting at Sand Rivers are superb and not to be missed.

M. Wilkinson

Review for sand rivers

Highly Recommend Sand River Lodge

Clear and precise website. You can use my name and my company as I am the owner of de Bary Voyages and will highly recommend Sand River lodge. Too bad in your life enhanced book you do not have the picture of Sarah your Camp Manager

Camps visited:

FAQs

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.

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.

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 do you get to your safari lodge?

The transport networks in Tanzania are very good with internal flight schedules across the country. It is possible to fly into the parks and land at one of the bush airstrips. From there, most lodges will arrange for a transfer journey from airstrip to the lodge. Depending on the lodge location, this can vary in journey time. Or, if you opt for a driving safari in northern Tanzania, your guide (included as standard with Nomad) will transport you from location to location.

What is the luggage weight limit for internal Tanzanian flights?

Usually it is 15kg per person in a soft-sided bag. This is not a hard and fast rule so do check with your tour operator or aviation company. These are small bush planes, and is a good way of making sure you pack light.

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.

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.

Is English spoken in Tanzania?

Yes, English in widely spoken in Tanzania, especially in camps and by safari guides. Swahili is the main language and knowing a few words and phrases will always earn you a smile.

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