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 $1,175 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 $1,175 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 $790 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 $790 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

E. Ekman

Review for sand rivers

"Magic Place, Wonderful Staff"

Magic place with wonderful staff

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...

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!

FAQs

How far in advance should I book my safari?

For peak seasons, between 9 and 12 months ahead is wise. This can vary depending on the places and camp you'd like to visit with some filling up earlier. The best camps and guides are worth planning for.

Is there Wi-Fi in our camps?

Yes we do have WI-FI at our camps - in the most remote locations the Wi-Fi can be limited to your tent or the main mess. We try to keep wi-fi in the tents so the mess and lounge area continue to be social and communal areas.

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 the difference between Serengeti National Park and Nyerere National Park?

The first difference is terrain. The Serengeti is all vast plains and iconic kopjes, whereas Nyerere is riverine wilderness where variety in activity becomes ever possible, boating, fishing etc. Both areas are wild with superb game but very different in landscape.

What are sundowners?

Sundowners are a wonderful part of safari life. At the end of your day in the bush, its time to kick back and celebrate the sightings, the adventures and time with your loved ones. All with something cold in hand!

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.

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.

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.

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