Description
The Selous has been made a World Heritage Site, and this huge reserve, at a massive 50,000 square kilometres, has given over 1000 square kilometres in the north, to wildlife and safaris. It is the second largest protected wilderness area in the world. It also forms part of the Selous - Niassa eco-system, which covers 155,000 square kilometres across southern Tanzania and northern Mozambique.
One of the Selous’ unique attractions is its diverse habitats, which include open glades, woodland, river, palm fringed lakes and rocky gorges. Sand Rivers is the ideal safari retreat and is situated in the heart of this beautiful reserve. This comfortable and stylish lodge features an open-air dining room, bar and lounge which have been beautifully constructed on a sweeping curve of the great Rufiji River, offering stunning views across the water.
The lodge also has a swimming pool overlooking the river. Sand Rivers prides itself on its high standards of guiding, and for the ultimate private safari experience, guests can spend a night flycamping under the stars with their own private guide and chef. The Rufiji River provides an utterly unique view of life in the Selous. Upstream from the lodge, the river meanders its way past sand islands and lush forests. You can often see game on the banks as you slowly drift past.
Accommodation
Accommodation at Sand Rivers Selous is in spacious, open-fronted cottages made of stone and thatch, and raised up on the banks of the Rufiji with amazing views out across the river. There are five standard rooms, and three suites. The suites and the standard rooms all have large, open, en-suite bathrooms, with flush toilets and powerful showers.
Childcare
There are no specific childcare facilities and the camp is not suited to very young children. However, children over 8 are most welcome in camp and please note that only children of 12 and over can participate in walking and fly-camping activities.
Facilities
Each of the three suites has its own plunge pool for cooling off. There is also a larger pool overlooking the Rafiji River for all guests to enjoy.
Activities
Activities are tailored to suit each guest, whether its game drives, walking safaris, fishing, boating, or a combination of all of these, it never disappoints and there is always something thrilling to see.
When to travel
Sand Rivers is closed in April and May.
Tanzania is a large country, with a varied climate. Generally, the long rains run from March to May - the temperature is warm and the humidity is high. June to October is the long dry season, and the short rains are in November and December, much lighter than the long rains. January and February are again dry (the short dry season) so this is another good time to visit.
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Best time to visit
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Average time to visit
Not applicable
Location and directions
Selous Game Reserve, Tanzania
Sand Rivers is situated in the Northern part of the Selous Game Reserve, on the banks of the Rufiji River. The lodge is at the centre of many diverse habitats - from gorges to open plains, woodland to lakes.
How to get there
9.5 hour international flight to Dar es Salaam, followed by a 1 hour domestic flight to Kiba airstrip and from there it is 20 minutes by road to camp. There are numerous daily flights to Kiba airstrip from Dar es Salaam, Zanzibar, Ruaha, Mafia, Pemba and northern Tanzania.
