Overview Accommodation Experiences When To Go

Our handsome light-filled lodge with wide-screen technicolour views across an iconic african riverbank.

Our lodge is so much part of the Rufiji’s ebb and flow that it seems almost moored on the banks, with one side entirely open to the river. Views across its brown, swirling waters call to mind adventure movies from another time. Indeed, in the early days, we pioneered legendary foot safaris here, and we still make life in and around the lodge as action-packed and exciting as the fizzing natural world around it.

The view of Sand Rivers Selous from the Rufiji River.

Open and airy with views over the river, our light filled lounge at Sand Rivers Selous.

The central lounge at Sand Rivers Selous.

It's easy to see why Richard Bonham chose this spot for Sand Rivers 20 years ago when he had the pick of locations in the Selous Game Reserve.

The mile wide Rufiji River flows past the open-fronted rooms at Sand Rivers Selous.

Views over the Rufiji River from the open fronted Hillside Suites at Sand Rivers Selous.

Flying over the might Rufiji River in the Selous Game Reserve.

Watching the sunset over the Rufiji River from our Selous Flycamp

Swimming in the Hot Springs in the Selous.

Watching life pass by from Sand Rivers Selous. It is a holiday after all.

Being in the bush doesn't mean a lack of comfort. But it does mean you can have a bathroom with a view.

There are three Hillside Suits at Sand Rivers Selous, equipped with their own private plunge pool and heaps of space to enjoy the endless views over the Rujifi River.

Three Hillside Suites at Sand Rivers Selous have their own private plunge pools.

Walking safaris in the Selous.

Each Hillside Suite at Sand Rivers Selous has its own adjoining living area.

Walking safaris in the Selous.

Game drives in the Selous in open 4WD vehicles allow you to explore further afield.

Dining al fresco at Sand Rivers Selous.

Open air bathrooms at Sand Rivers Selous.

Fishing in Steiglers Gorge from Sand Rivers Selous.

The Rufiji narrows upstream until the walls of Stiegler's Gorge tower overhead.

There is a large swimming pool at the main mess area at Sand Rivers Selous, with perfect views over the Rufiji River.

We seldom see another vehicle here. There are good reasons why founder Richard Bonham chose this area.

Bringing the outside in. The lounge of Sand Rivers is a place of cool in the heat of the day.

Heading out by boat in the Selous is a completely new experience and one of our favorite ways to explore.

A night out under the stars in our Selous flycamp. An experience never to be forgotten.

Three course dinner served on the river bank in our Selous fly camp.

Stopping for breakfast on a sand bar while on a boat safari at Sand Rivers Selous.

Freedom to set out on foot

Here we like to get out on foot, treading lightly through the bush to see what might be round the next thicket.

This is big game country.

Boat safaris and a spot of fishing on the Rufiji River in the Selous.

A boat trip up Stieglers Gorge for breakfast from Sand Rivers Selous.

Cool in the heat of the day, open to nature and the river breeze.

Watching life pass by from Sand Rivers Selous. It is a holiday after all.

Bee eaters are among the many beguiling birds we regularly see here.

Freedom. Feet in the white sand, casting a line into the mile-wide Rufiji in the middle of wild Africa.

Few things beat breakfast on a sandbar in the Rufiji after a boat trip up-river to Stiegler

Shed your inhibitions and your closed shoes. This is Africa.

Observe without being seen. That's the trick.

Sleeping out under the stars on a sandy river bank.

Hippos in the Rufiji River in the Selous Game Reserve.

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Enhancing lives at Sand Rivers

From enhancing dynamic careers to working with local communities and conservation projects, here are some inspiring stories from our camp in southern Tanzania.

Life long learning & growth

Creating career paths

Eighteen years with Nomad, this is Hamza Mmole

Starting out as a walking safaris porter, Hamza has worked his way up the ranks to camp manager at Sand Rivers. But his role extends beyond just that. Helping to identify talent, Hamza mentors and nurtures to provide opportunity in every way possible.  

Conservation & environment

Sharing our love of the natural world

Wildlife photography internships

This initiative provides an opportunity for young Tanzanian photographers and videographers to make use of our camps to access wild places under the mentorship of a professional photographer. And there is nowhere better to provide inspiration that Nyerere. We run several trips each year to Sand Rivers, giving a bunch of budding photographers the opportunity to train their lenses on the wondrous wilderness that is Nyerere National Park.

Life long learning & growth

Creating career paths

Chef extraordinaire to camp manager

Bernie is a shining star in the south. Having joined Nomad many moons ago as a junior chef, she cooked up a storm and quickly progressed to head chef before leading our company wide chef training.

Bernie’s shining personality and natural leadership has seen her progress to a superb camp manager. Working under the tutelage of the wonderful Hamza and Nomad training, Bernie is thriving, and Sand Rivers is in extremely safe hands. Bernie is a real gem and true inspiration to us all.

Conservation & environment

Supporting conservation partners

Sand Rivers support for Tawiri Elephants

Nyerere has been severely affected by ivory poaching in the last decade, and the elephant population has suffered. We are delighted to support the elephant research programme run by Tanzania Wildlife Research Institute (TAWIRI). Their aim is to collect data and knowledge of the population to help planning for their protection.

Southern Tanzania safaris

This is all about experience. A safari spent in the game rich plains of Ruaha, and the endless wilderness of Nyerere, the south is hard to beat.

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Reviews

14.11.2023

T. & K. Green

Review for sand-rivers

Delightful Retreat

Sand Rivers is a delightful retreat with a beautiful view of the river & its wildlife. The food & staff were beyond wonderful! A hidden gem & one of a kind!

Camps visited:
Sand Rivers, Nyerere Serengeti Safari Camp, Serengeti Entamanu, Ngorongoro Kuro, Tarangire

05.08.2024

A. Wong

Review for sand-rivers

"Nice Layout, Good Graphics"

Very friendly to use, nice layout, good graphics

Camps visited:
Kigelia, Ruaha Sand Rivers, Nyerere

26.12.2024

M. & S.

Review for sand-rivers

Variety of Activities

We really enjoyed the variety of activities both on land and water. The camp is very nice and well situated with a direct view of the Rufiji River. The staff were very nice and friendly. Especially Bernie always took good care of us. The surprise on the last day was very nice and unforgettable.

Camps visited:
Sand Rivers, Nyerere Kigelia, Ruaha

28.06.2024

M. Roberts

Review for sand-rivers

Truly Magical Experience

What a truly magical experience at Sand Rivers, one that we will never forget. All the staff couldn’t do enough for us we honestly felt like royalty. Fabulous game drives and many other activities which kept us busy for our 5 day stay. We loved every moment so saying goodbye was very hard. Never sto...

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Camps visited:
Sand Rivers, Nyerere

27.11.2023

A. Springer

Review for sand-rivers

"Wonderful Stay"

A wonderful stay - the best staff, unique rooms perfectly designed, and memories for a lifetime.

Camps visited:
Kigelia, Ruaha Sand Rivers, Nyerere

28.10.2023

D. Crew

Review for sand-rivers

Great Nomad Experience

Really great as you would expect from. nomad! We were sorry we could not get into the Serengeti camp. I liked the old logo though

Camps visited:
Sand Rivers, Nyerere Kigelia, Ruaha

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