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Sand Rivers

Our rating

8/10

Price guide

Highlights

- Stunning open-fronted rooms
- World heritage site
- Fantastic motorboat safaris

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Overview

Sand Rivers is a sophisticated, high end camp located in the Selous area of Southern Tanzania. Enjoying a prime riverside setting, this comfortable lodge is in an ideal location to enjoy everything the Selous world heritage site game reserve has to offer.

One of Selous’ unique attractions is its diverse habitats. From open glades and woodlands to lakes and gorges, Selous has it all. As a result, there is some spectacular scenery and a huge amount of game to be seen. The lodge itself follows the curve of the Rufiji River and has an open air dining room, bar, lounge and swimming pool with sweeping views across the water. It is worth noting that down on the coastal plateau, the camp enjoys more of a tropical climate than you would find elsewhere in Eastern Africa with higher temperatures and humidity.

Activities are centred upon exploring this vast reserve at whatever pace you feel most comfortable. Vehicle, walking and motorboat safaris are all offered at Sand Rivers and Game to be seen includes elephants, lions, hunting dogs and leopards. The main daytime activity is vehicle safari, with twice daily game drives being led by professional guides. However, the motorboat safari is a highlight for many with crocodiles, hippos and often elephants occupying the riverbanks. Other activities include swimming in hot springs, fly camping under the stars and fishing.

The accommodation is in eight open fronted, thatched cottages, all with panoramic views of the river. The rooms are light and airy and centre around an impressive bed. All the rooms have lovely verandahs and outdoor ensuite bathrooms with hot and cold running water and powerful showers. There are also three hillside suites that have the added luxuries of a large living space and private plunge pool. The unique feature of being open fronted brings nature to you and it is a wonderful experience to fall asleep to the sounds of the river and local wildlife. However, it is also worth noting that wildlife may also venture in occasionally so guests should be prepared for a complete outdoors experience. It also makes the accommodation less suitable for families hoping to bring younger children.

The camp welcomes children aged eight and over, however children must be over 12 to participate in the walking activities and fly camping. As a result, we tend to recommend this camp to families with older children in order for the whole family to enjoy the full experience. There are no specific childcare facilities on camp. Families may also like to consider Kiba Point,a private lodge that sleeps up to eight people that is an annex property.

Sand Rivers is a lodge of a very high standard with great staff and in a prime location to explore Selous game reserve. We would particularly recommend to couples or small groups of friends as more family friendly camps can be found elsewhere.

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What customers are saying after travelling with Tourdust

Average Rating

based on 534 reviews

(5.00/5)

  • I was also just about to email you to thank you and the team for arranging yet again, another wonderful experience.

    Mount Kenya was spectacular and wild - I think I prefer it to Kili in many ways. The entire support team was professional, friendly and all round fantastic in making sure that we were safe, well fed and well looked after. In particular, we would commend Peter the guide as well as Paul one of the porters who doubled-up as his deputy on summit day. Our route was often shrouded in mist and rain that rapidly gathered in the valleys and moorlands, and we were very impressed at how Peter managed to navigate us safely through all of that notwithstanding. In addition, we loved learning about the history of Mount Kenya from him in the evenings. And ofcourse, I was blown away by the lovely birthday surprise at the end complete with balloons and a delicious cake that had journeyed with us from day 1. One thing we might recommend because of the sudden change in weather (it would sometimes get extremely cold and wet) is for the equipment list to be a little bit more detailed in terms of its recommendations e.g. layers to be moisture-wicking, walking boots be waterproof, doubling up on socks to avoid blisters etc.

    El Karama is a beautiful conservancy and the lodge a true labour of love. Great hospitality in a relaxed environment. Delicious, fresh food. We enjoyed the drives, even if we didn't see much wildlife as the heavens opened on us for the last two outings. However, since it was very much geared towards families, I am not sure if I would stay again without kids. That said, I think it was perfect for a 3d/2n stay post mountain, and a much better choice than flying to the masai mara given the limited time we had.

    Our transits were smooth. Samuel the driver was always on time, drove safely and kept the vehicle clean.

    So it was a brilliant experience and one which I certainly will cherish for some time to come. It was great to work with you for a third time, and I certainly hope it won't be the last

    MissingJuhae C reviewing Mount Kenya Sirimon Naro Moru Trek on 01 March 2024

  • Thank you, we had an absolute wonderful time, and everything was well-planned and as described. Carla was crying on the day of our departure from Ants Nest, she didn’t want to go home and for it all to end, and when I asked how much longer she would want to stay, she responded “four weeks”

    MissingLars B reviewing Best of South Africa for Families on 01 March 2024

  • We had the most amazing time. It exceeded all my hopes of what the trip would be. The guides, the hotels - everything was of such a wonderful quality. Thank you for organizing everything. I will absolutely recommend Tourdust and use you again.

    MissingClaudia L reviewing Luxury Desert Holiday on 11 January 2024

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