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Sand Rivers

Sand Rivers

Nyerere National Park, Tanzania

Set on a bend of the Rufiji River and blending well into its surroundings, Sand Rivers has spectacular views of the unspoiled wilderness beyond. There is a small resident pod of hippo nearby and it's not unusual to see African skimmers on the sandbanks in the middle of the river. The laid-back, traditional style of Sand Rivers evokes a bygone era.

You can stay in one of the five riverside stone-and-thatch rooms, each with sides that open up so you can sit and take in the sights and sounds of the river and its wildlife. Or, opt for one of the three hillside suites, which come complete with a private plunge pool.

The main mess area sits under thatch and is the life and soul of the lodge, offering panoramic views over the reserve. Nearby, you can watch bright yellow weaver birds building their bauble-like nests in the trees, while evening drives give you a chance to see bush babies up close. 

OUR OPINION:

Sand Rivers occupies a superb location, and we love just sitting on the terrace watching hippo and birds in the river at any time of day. We think the stylish rooms are very comfortable, the guides are extremely knowledgeable and the service is impeccable.

OUR RATING: Deluxe

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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.

Tour ideas in Nyerere National Park

Our itineraries are there to spark ideas for how you could include a stay at Sand Rivers as part of your trip. Treat them simply as suggestions, because every aspect of the trip we create for you will be yours to define.

Location & places nearby

Places & hotels on the map

    Alternative places to stay nearby

    Where possible, we like to offer a range of accommodation for each stop of your trip, chosen by our specialists as some of their favorite places to stay. To help you make the right choice, we give each property a rating based on its facilities and service, but we also look for hotels with distinct character or a location that can't be bettered.

    Nyerere National Park and nearby places