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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 517 reviews

(5.00/5)

  • Yes everything went incredibly smoothly , excellent guide and set up u have . I might need a new pair of calves though !!! Thanks for sorting ALL the changes out. Regards Charlie

    Missingcharles b reviewing 6 Day Toubkal Circuit on 03 May 2023

  • Hi Lisa, We had a fabulous time thank you. The accommodation and other ideation were all terrific - that’s so much for your help. The apartment in Cape Town was particularly good - we would never have found that: Boschendal was great as well and game lodge was superb. Thanks again, Alistair

    MissingAlistair A reviewing Cape Town, Garden Route and Kruger on 28 April 2023

  • Dear Lisa
    Well, we are back and still buzzing. We have had a marvellous time. The weather helped. We left Manchester in the snow and arrived in Marrakesh at 30 degrees. We were well looked after in the Riad. I'm glad we booked a meal for the first evening - ate it on the roof terrace. We can recommend that. It was delicious. We ate at the Foundouk, as per your recommendation and on the following night we ate at Le Jardin - got lost on the way to it!. We can really recommend Le Jardin.
    The following day we went to Majorelle gardens. Fortunately we had looked it up before we travelled because you have to book in advance online only from Jan 2023. We found our own way to the Medera Ben Yousef and Latifa took us to Bahia Palace - both were stunning.
    The following morning our lovely taxi driver Mohammond collected us to go to the EcoLodge. Yet another Mohammond made us very welcome. Again we ate well! You were right, the pool was freezing, but I can't sit next to water and not get in. Once you're in you forget how cold it is! I wasn't the only person to try the pool.
    Rashid, our guide for our walk collected us. He was brilliant. It was hard work, but worth it. I was determined I would make it. Kevin is fitter than me! The Berber family were lovely. We stopped when we were nearly there to see how rag rugs were made. When we got back Rashid and Mohammond confessed that Mohammond had said to Rashid that he should get us to a road if we got too tired and they would send a taxi (or a mule!) to collect us - or me, but Rashid was sure that I'd be OK. He was right. I think they wondered about these 2 70+ year olds. We can't praise Rashid enough. He had walked over from Imlil in the morning and was going to walk back after he left us.
    Thank you so much for putting our holiday together. We never thought it would be 3 years before we went. We are so glad we persevered. We did wonder what we had let ourselves in for as 2 oldies!
    Fiona and Kevin

    MissingFiona B reviewing Boutique Marrakech & Atlas Mountains on 21 April 2023

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