About Sand River Camp
In the Northern part of the Selous Game Reserve on the banks of the Rufiji River
The lodge is situated under large Tamarind & Pod mahogany trees, on a rocky peninsular overlooking a vast sweep of the Rufiji River. Hippos, crocodiles, plains game and amazing birdlife are often visible on the sandbanks right in front of the lodge. There is a swimming pool set under a large baobab tree overlooking the river.
Sand Rivers Selous is a haven of natural luxury, a small, peaceful yet vibrant safari hub within the vast Selous wilderness, with high standards of hospitality and a wide variety of things to do. Stunningly situated on a wide curve of the Rufiji River, it has been designed in an expansive open style to take advantage of the wild setting and extensive views. The eight grand open-fronted guest cottages are constructed from local wood and stone, each with large en-suite bathrooms and running hot and cold water. There is an imposing mess and lounge area, and swimming pool set on the banks of the river, and the service and dining (both private and communal) is excellent.
Sand Rivers Selous is set in one of the most beautiful and scenically diverse parts of the Selous, where habitat ranges from gorges to open-plains, swamps, sand banks & lakes, so walks and games drives are filled with discovery. The fishing is great, made all the more exciting by the legendary fighting Tiger Fish. Overnight fly camping is a speciality at Sand Rivers, offering an opportunity to experience a night ‘out in the open’, in especially adapted mosquito nets under the night sky. Each guest group has access to their own private vehicle, and their dedicated guide is on hand at all times.
Accommodation
Eight double cottages all built from stone and thatch, they are cool and shaded and raised on wooden platforms. The front of each cottage open and veranda style with wonderful views across the wide Rufiji River and its sand banks and hippos. En suite with flush toilets. Powerful showers with hot water available in the evenings.
The Safaris
Game drives in open 4WD vehicles, walks, fly camping, birding, fishing, boating (on the Rufiji, including Steigler’s Gorge, and on Lake Tagallala), picnics, bush lunches.The sight and sound of the river; the great variety of African adventures, from the riverside to the deeper woodland. Resident pack of wild dog often seen on game drives and walks. Good leopard and lion in the early mornings. The constant river residents– hippo and crocodile- and fabulous birds.
Safari Seasons
June – Sept: Dry
Oct – Nov: heavy concentrations of game around inland lakes and river. Elephant and buffalo often seen wallowing in the water. Lion and leopard moving close by waiting for game to drink. Hyena and wild dog lie in the shallow water. Migrant birds start to arrive and the trees start to sprout leaves. Crocodiles are at their most active. Weather becoming dry and hot.
Dec – March: Miombo is in leaf and pans have started to fill with water. Lots of elephant and general game in woodland. Prolific bird life, especially waders and water birds. Most animals calving, so lots of newborn and youngsters. Hot with possibility of rain, and increasing humidity.