Sand Rivers Selous is a luxurious, intimate safari camp built by wildlife conservationist Richard Bonham in 1984 and now run by Nomad Tanzania, located on the banks of the mighty Rufiji River in southern Tanzania's Nyerere National Park (previously Selous Game Reserve). The camp is perched high on a rocky peninsula on a scenic bend in the Rufiji River, away from the busier parts of the reserve but with easy access to impressive features. It's a remote, exclusive luxury safari gem offering an authentic wilderness experience without compromising on comfort, combining rugged beauty of untamed Africa with sophisticated elegance.
Rooms
The camp consists of just 8 spacious, open-fronted stone and thatch cottages/chalets raised on decks, divided into 5 standard rooms, 2 suites, and the former Rhino Suite. Each cottage features polished white stone floors, enormous beds, weaved wood sides, exposed beam ceilings, and large airy interiors beautifully designed with panoramic views over the river. Standard rooms have verandahs, separate bathrooms, and changing areas; suites differ by hillside position with additional features like plunge pools and private lounge areas. The open-fronted design welcomes the outside in with natural light and cooling breezes right off the river, offering spacious, light interiors with solitude.
Views & Wildlife
The camp enjoys breathtaking views of the Rufiji River from its veranda, which looks out onto the river whose water levels drop considerably during dry season, affording views of exposed sandbanks. Eight cottages provide panoramic views of the river's ever-changing scenes: hippos wallowing, elephants drinking, and crocodiles basking in the sun. Local wildlife is excellent with considerable populations of hippos and crocodiles on numerous sandbanks, wild dogs sighted regularly (most unusual for East Africa), and very healthy resident bird count over 400 species. The Selous/ Nyerere is home to Africa's largest elephant population.
Facilities & Dining
The main area includes a lounge, dining room, library, bar, and veranda with a sparkling swimming pool/plunge pool looking out directly onto the river. Guests can enjoy delicious meals in a charming dining room where food is served on an enormous tree converted into a dining table, creating a unique ambience. Breakfasts are served at the lodge or in pristine bush, and guests often choose to eat together enjoying the service, which is of the highest standard. The camp offers gourmet meals under star-filled skies and sundowners overlooking the river after game drives.
Sand Rivers offers diverse adventures from exhilarating game drives in open 4×4 safari vehicles providing close-up photographic opportunities, to guided bush walks/walking safaris offering intimate connection with African bush. The camp arranges exceptional fly camping experiences and boat cruises/excursions on the Rufiji River, including upstream trips to Stiegler's Gorge traversing unspoiled, game-rich regions of northern Selous. The Rufiji River makes a wide, meandering bend directly in front of camp, providing spectacular views and easy boat access to wildlife-rich river. Guests can encounter elephants, lions, leopards, wild dogs, buffalo, and over 400 bird species.
About
Sand Rivers Selous is perfect for travelers seeking exclusive, intimate luxury safari with personalized service and genuine connection to one of Africa's last great wild places. The camp's eight-room intimate size creates a unique atmosphere combining adventure, comfort, and exclusivity. It's ideal for adventure seekers, nature lovers, birdwatchers, and those wanting to experience the wild heart of Southern Tanzania with expert guides leading through diverse habitats by vehicle, boat, or on foot. The remote paradise delivers unforgettable wilderness experiences in Tanzania's most pristine protected wilderness.
Destination
Tanzania Safaris
Style
Lodge
