Highlights
- Stunning open-fronted rooms
- World heritage site
- Fantastic motorboat safaris
Start planning your tailor-made trip by calling one of our specialists on 855 686 7694
EnquireSand 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.
Dear Lisa. On behalf of the three generations of the Rowland family. Thank you, so much, for organising our wonderful holiday to Botswana and the Victoria Falls. The trip of a lifetime. The week mobile camping in the bush, with our guide Nandos and his crew was a fantastic adventure. How they manage to cook such wonderful food on an open fire is amazing. The sites were constantly visited by monkeys and once by elephants. We were even lucky enough to see two packs of wild dogs, once with a kill. Waterberry Lodge on the Zambezi River is a wonderfully tranquil place. Ideal to relax after the adventures of our safari and visiting Victoria Falls. Very many thanks once again
Godfrey R
reviewing Private Mobile Family Safari in Botswana
on 25 September 2023
We had a great time - even with the flight between Governors and the coast being two flights and a car! We also experienced a power cut At Nairobi airport on the way home so 2+ hours late taking off. Governors. Wonderful people and dealt with the flight delay very well - taking us back and letting us know that we could stay there if the flight was delayed overnight. The game drives were excellent and our guide (Erick) obviously very experienced and managed to find all the key animals - no rhino in that part of the Masai Mara but everything else in abundance - never seen so many herbivores (many many elephants as well as all the others) as well as two prides of lions. Could not have asked for more. The ‘tent’ was excellent and comfortable and well serviced. The only ‘complaint’ would be that the food - especially dinner - could be improved (I think we got a bit bored of soup as a starter for every meal bar one) and the main courses were not at the same level as Kinondo Kwetu and while all were explained there was no choice offered. The breakfasts were just what was needed after an early game drive. Kinondo Kwetu. What a great location and the welcome when we arrived at just gone 11.00pm was better than you could have ever thought possible - they we’re disappointed that we did not at that time want the full dinner experience! The rooms we’re comfortable. The food was excellent but again no choice was offered - other than for allergy reasons (which we do not have). May be some choice would be nice. Having said that the food we did have was excellent as were the wines (albeit a short list!) and other drinks. There were (as you know) lots of facilities/sports options - but we spent our time relaxing which was exactly what we needed and there were lots of places to do that. Overall. We would go back to both places - perhaps a few more nights at Kinondo Kwetu next time but 3 nights at Governors was perfect for us. Thank you for organising and recommending both places. That you and your colleague for trying to find out about the plane (flat tyre) but communication by the flight company left a lot to be desired (Governors were furious that they were not told and had taken us to the airstrip). Phil
Philip R
reviewing Masai Mara Safari & Kenya Beach
on 01 September 2023
It was certainly a holiday of a lifetime for us and we loved every minute!! The standard and location of each accommodation was excellent, as was the variety of each different accommodation type. Our schedule was perfect and we managed to achieve everything on our to-do task list. Your documents were also really helpful, as were the driving directions. We all thank you for making this such a wonderful holiday. Happy to leave a review publicly if you point me the right way. Best Steve
Stephen H
reviewing Classic Garden Route & Eastern Cape Safari
on 01 September 2023