Sand Rivers

Rooms

Sand Rivers has five stone-and-thatch cottages set beside the river, as well as three hillside suites. All rooms are set within the riverine forest and can open up to give you peaceful views of the river. Each offers plenty of space and comes furnished with a large double bed draped with mosquito nets, an armchair, dressing table and en suite bathroom with flush toilet, basins and a hot shower.

The stylish suites have a large lounge area and a deck complete with loungers and a private plunge pool where you can relax while taking in views over the river. All of the furniture throughout the lodge is made from locally sourced materials.

Location

The property occupies a beautiful, remote spot on the banks of the mile-wide Rufiji River, in the heart of Nyerere National Park. Its position gives you plenty of opportunity to view hippo partially submerged in the water, birds flitting across the banks or monkeys up in the trees.

Food and drink

The main dining and bar areas are under thatch and have lovely views over the river. Meals are served around the carved wooden table, giving you a chance to get to know other guests and the camp staff, and swap stories from your safari experience. Complimentary drinks are available at all times and all meals are cooked on site, comprising fresh vegetables and salads and good quality meats.

Families

Children aged eight and over are welcome at Sand Rivers, though only those aged over 12 can participate in walking safaris. One of the hillside suites includes an attached children’s annex. 

Facilities and activities

There is a large swimming pool in the main area, ideal for cooling off in the heat of the day, and a small curio shop. All proceeds from the curio shop go toward the lodge's chosen charities.

During your stay, you can take half- and full-day game drives in open 4x4s, boat safaris and fishing trips on the river, and visit the Tagalala hot springs. The lodge also offers specially tailored fly-camping trips for a true wilderness experience. Sand Rivers was one of the first lodges in the area to take guests out on walking safaris, and is still at the forefront of bringing the bush and wildlife ever closer for a more authentic experience. 

Environmental and social responsibility

Nomad Tanzania, the management behind Sand Rivers, works closely to support the Selous Rhino Trust. This is dedicated to securing the future of the black rhino in Nyerere National Park. This huge wildlife reserve, one of the largest in Africa, is one of the few places left in the world where black rhino still naturally roam free. But, following years of uncontrolled poaching, there are only a handful left of the 3,000 that could be found there in the 1970s. The Selous Rhino Trust’s mission is to protect these remaining rhinos and to create a secure and peaceful environment within which they can start to thrive once more. Further details can be found at www.selousrhinotrust.org.