Sand Rivers

Sand Rivers has reputation as one of the best game lodges in Africa and it does not disappoint. Lying on the banks of the Rufiji River, Sand Rivers is an idyllic place from which to explore the untamed Selous wilderness. The largest waterway in East Africa and the lifeline of the Selous Game Reserve, the Rufiji provides a captivating viewpoint from which to watch the wildlife going about its business. 

 

Sand Rivers’ central building has been beautifully designed using local wood and stone. Outside the mess area is the swimming pool, set in the shade of a Baobab tree on the rivers edge. There are eight rooms set in pairs along the river bank. Each of the chalets are approximately 150 sq. metres and are completely open fronted, with expansive views directly onto the giant Rufiji River. Beneath the high vaulted ceilings, the rooms have huge beds and a spacious bathroom, with hot water powered by solar energy.

 

Sand Rivers offers a wide variety of holiday activities and safari guests can choose to do what they want to do, and when they want to do it. Sand Rivers' 4x4 Landrovers have been specially adapted for the best game viewing, open on all sides, with raised seats and a shade canopy. Guests can take a morning or afternoon game drive or take a picnic lunch and head off for full day drive. Guests can chose to take a flat bottomed aluminium boat and drift downstream game viewing and bird watching, or alternatively take the boat upstream to Steigler's Gorge. Here, the river narrows into a deep rocky gorge where leopard can often be seen and the landscape changes dramatically. The shaded rocks and sands along the river banks make perfect picnic spots and somewhere to cast a line for a fearsome tiger fish.


Sand Rivers Picture Gallery

 

Fly Camping & Walking Safaris at Sand Rivers

For the more adventurous, fly camping offers the outdoor safari experience of a lifetime. Mosquito nets laid out on the sand banks or nearby a busy waterhole. Simple yet fully equipped, these camps have ice cold drinks, great food, comfortable bedrolls, and toilets & showers set well behind the camp. The perfect marriage of intrepid adventure and bush comfort. Each camping spot is specially chosen for its view or the game in the area and allows you to completely absorb yourself in the Selous wilderness.

 

Each fly-camp is managed by a team of staff. On your arrival you will find a fully stocked bar has been set up with cold drinks and ice, and then after a steaming bush shower set up under a tree, you are served a three course dinner set at a table laid under the stars.

 

It is the quality of its walking safaris that has earned Sand Rivers its reputation as one of the foremost lodges in Africa. There are very few places where it is possible to experience the bush and its wildlife on foot - yet it is undoubtedly the most exciting and fulfilling way to explore Africa. Walking safaris at Sand Rivers explore the remotest corners of the northern Selous area over a set period, with fly-camps moving every night through a wonderful array of habitats & landscapes. For all walks, you will be joined by an armed guide, whose knowledge and understanding of the game and wildlife will allow you to creep up on animals big and small, to watch them undisturbed as they go about their business.