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 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.

What's included in a safari?

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

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.

What should I take on Safari in Tanzania?

This is the trip of lifetime so you must have a good camera (or phone) to capture those wonderful memories. More importantly is a decent pair of binoculars - essential for your time in the bush. Sunscreen and insect repellant should be in the bag as well as a good water bottle, although you will be provided with a Nomad water bottle as part of your stay - hydration is really important on safari and in dry climates. Check your luggage restrictions with your tour operator as there are restrictions on luggage allowance for domestic flights in Tanzania. Also, if you react to insect bites be sure to bring antihistamines. It is a good idea to carry loperamide (commonly sold as Imodium) just in case.

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.

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.

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 does a safari cost?

The cost of a safari does vary, from simple bush camps or tented camps to high-end luxury or private houses. In Tanzania, there is a wide spectrum of accommodation allowing travellers to mix and match, building tailormade itineraries to suit a budget. Specialist tour operators are able to advise on the best options for your budget. Included in the safari cost is access to the wild, expert guides and unique experiences.

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