Sand Rivers
Nyerere
An alluring wilderness no matter what time of year you visit.
The dry season which runs from June until the end of October sees water sources drying up, and the wildlife congregating around the rivers and numerous waterholes. This makes for excellent big-game viewing, particularly when it comes to predator action as the herbivores constant quest for water makes them vulnerable to opportunistic hunters. The movements of the wildlife in the park are a little more predictable and so our intrepid team of guides traverse the winding water ways, in vehicle, on foot and by boat in search of exciting wild action.
From November the rains begin to arrive in Tanzania and this heralds the arrival of youngsters of all shapes and sizes. The impala and many other antelope choose this time of plenty to have their babies, which again yields exciting opportunities to witness predators in action. A huge highlight of this time of year is the birding. Migratory bird species arrive in the area and don their very impressive breeding plumage, often an explosion of unexpected colour in the bush as they flit from tree to tree. Boating is excellent as the river level rises.
June
July to August
September to October
November to December
January – March
Dry season approaching
The water recedes, grasses dry out, leaves begin to fall. Wildlife is in top condition. Many birds still have their breeding plumage, June is an exciting month for new lion cubs and pride dynamics.
June is a common month for many plants to flower. June is typically cool, with some rainfall early in the month. Days are often overcast, which makes for great afternoon and late morning safaris. Good time for fly camping.
Prices from $750 per person per night
June
Cool, dry, and superb wildlife
Wildlife is concentrated along the river and lakes. Walking is superb as the vegetation opens. The sand river and jungle game drive route comes into season. River sightings are excellent as sand banks are exposed for hippos and crocodiles.
The marshes are well watered and become popular spots for herbivores, and therefore predators. Elephant sightings in camp occur regularly, even daily. Predator sightings are typically excellent.
July and August are typically the coolest months with overcast skies but 0mm of rainfall. Cool, overcast mornings allow for fantastic long walks. Excellent for fly camps.
Prices from $1,120 per person per night
July to August
Wildlife gatherings at rivers and lakes
River and lakes team with wildlife. An excellent month for predators; game loses condition and becomes vulnerable around drinking spots. Elephants continue to gather at the river to feed and begin to dig drinking holes in the dry riverbeds.
By the end of October, even some of the smaller lakes and the garden become dry. Elephants resort to stripping bark off trees for sustenance. The first migratory birds begin to arrive. Excellent time for boating and fly camping.
Nyerere becomes ever drier, water sources become more critical. Weather completely dry and temperate. October often brings isolated storms and rain showers. Temperature and humidity increase considerably. Best month for sunsets.
Prices from $1,120 per person per night
September to October
Return of the rains but wildlife still excellent
November is typically still quite dry, but we may see the first rains. The grasses sprout 5-7 days after the first sustained rainfall. Migratory birds begin to arrive.
December is typically a month of change. Migratory birds become ubiquitous, trees begin to grow new leaves, and by the end of the month, the green season has set in. December is a very hot and humid month. Fly camp may be disrupted by rainfall.
Temperatures are consistently warm, and rainfall is erratic, with some years bringing isolated showers and other years bringing more sustained rainfall.
Prices from $750 per person per night
November to December
Green, lush and full of life
Depending on the rain, wildlife may be dispersed so you might have to work a bit harder, but the rewards are always great. The bush is also beautiful and green, trees in flower and full of life. Birds starting to get breeding plumage.
January is normally quite a hot month and there is the chance of the odd shower. Walking best done early or in the cool of the late afternoon.
February is often one of the most beautiful months here, but a lot depends on the rains which are erratic at this time of the year - it can either be quite green or reasonably dry.
March in Nyerere still likely to be green and beautiful and this is one of the best months for birding, boating, and walking. The river normally rises and there's still the odd chance of a shower and expect dramatic cloud formations.
Prices from $750 per person per night
January – March
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.
Reviews
24.10.2023
C. Ward
Review for sand-rivers
Fantastic Camp, Beautiful Scenery
A fantastic camp, beautiful scenery and good wildlife sightings. The rooms are stunning, the staff service is amazing; they all truly look after you and nothing is too much trouble, they think of everything. We would definitely recommend and will be back.
Camps visited:
24.06.2023
D. Beebe
Review for sand-rivers
"Special Nomad Camp Experience"
I am so glad we made the decision to stay at Sand River Selous. After enjoying traditional safaris in Ngorongoro, Central Serengeti, Northern Serengeti, and Ruaha, this camp offered a nice change of pace and scenery. We stayed in late June and the rainy season had only recently ended, so everything ...
I am so glad we made the decision to stay at Sand River Selous. After enjoying traditional safaris in Ngorongoro, Central Serengeti, Northern Serengeti, and Ruaha, this camp offered a nice change of pace and scenery. We stayed in late June and the rainy season had only recently ended, so everything was still very lush and jungle-like. Instead of daily land safaris, we elected boat safaris instead on the Rufiji River. In addition to uncountable hippos and crocodiles, we saw bushbuck, waterbuck, baboons, buffalo, fish eagles, and numerous other species of birds. One highlight was stopping for breakfast on an elevated side of the river, and then witnessing wild dogs capturing and consuming their kill directly across the river from us. Amazing! When we did take the truck out on land safaris, we rarely encountered other tourists (actually it only happened once when we stayed for 45 minutes watching a lion pride). This national park is much quieter than the sites farther north. The Nomad camp itself was also special. The rooms are open and look directly out into the river. We listened to sounds of hippos, hyenas, frogs, owls, and bush babies each night. Sometimes the local vervet monkeys would visit our rooms. One night a wood owl roosted in the rafters of our suite. This Nomad camp also offers the most amazing pool area, with the shade of a fully leafed baobab tree and the backdrop of the river. Our family never experienced the nuisance of flies like we endured in the Serengeti, although there were a small number of mosquitoes. Chef Michael created tasty meals and was very willing to customize meals to our group’s dietary needs. In summary, I highly recommend adding this location to a multi-stop trip to Tanzania.
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24.10.2023
C. Ward
Review for sand-rivers
Fantastic Camp, Beautiful Scenery
A fantastic camp, beautiful scenery and good wildlife sightings. The rooms are stunning, the staff service is amazing; they all truly look after you and nothing is too much trouble, they think of everything. We would definitely recommend and will be back.
Camps visited:
28.10.2023
D. Crew
Review for sand-rivers
Great Nomad Experience
Really great as you would expect from. nomad! We were sorry we could not get into the Serengeti camp. I liked the old logo though
Camps visited:
18.09.2023
A. Bryan
Review for sand-rivers
Most Magical Experience
We had the most magical experience. The staff are so passionate about what they do, so dedicated and so knowledgable. Everybody made us feel so special and we were so well looked after. The most incredible holiday and one we will never forget
Camps visited:
27.11.2023
A. Springer
Review for sand-rivers
"Wonderful Stay"
A wonderful stay - the best staff, unique rooms perfectly designed, and memories for a lifetime.
Camps visited:
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