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

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

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.

Can children go on safari?

A safari with your family is a magical way to spend quality time with your children, immersed in the wilderness and surrounded by wildlife. Time on safari with your family allows all to disconnect from your busy daily lives. Tailor your family safari with a private guide and vehicle plus make sure you look at family specific properties such as Mkombe's House. When inside the national parks, most camps have age restrictions with 8+ being a general guide. 

Much depends on the age of your children, if on the young side then we'd advise not trying to cram too much in to your days but plan your safari in bitesize chunks bringing new excitement around every corner.

What's included in a safari?

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

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 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.

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 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.

Do I need a visa to travel to Tanzania?

Not all travellers into Tanzania require a visa. You must have a single entry tourist visa or business visa, is the general rule but there are country exemptions from this. On the most part, single entry or business visas can be obtained on arrival but we recommend where possible, to process the visa online ahead of travel - just make sure you allow enough time to do so!

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