Reviews of Sand Rivers Camp
Wildlife sightings and reviews
84 independent comments and wildlife information from our travellers who have visited Sand Rivers Camp and kindly agreed to share their thoughts. They do not necessarily represent the views of Expert Africa
Wildlife sightings by our travellers
Starting in Aug-2018, 26 of our travellers have recorded their wildlife sightings at Sand Rivers Camp.
Lion
92% success
Leopard
36% success
Wild dog
27% success
Buffalo
100% success
Elephant
100% success
Giraffe
100% success
Hippo
100% success
Zebra
100% success
Wildebeest
92% success
Eland
84% success
Spotted Hyena
75% success
Aardvark
0% success
Black Rhino
0% success
Pangolin
0% success
Striped Hyena
0% success
The Y family
Vermont
"the grand finale"
4 nights Arrived 26 Jan 2015
"Sand Rivers had the least game and I would have been disappointed had that been our only camp. But we had seen so much in Ruaha and in the Crater that it was fine to focus on other things like the walking safaris, boat rides ( altho we could only go upriver, not down to Lake Manza) or relaxing at camp.
The pool was an important feature for the midday heat and there were fans in the common areas and above our beds.
It was a beautiful camp with impeccable service." See all these reviews: 11n in Tanzania
The pool was an important feature for the midday heat and there were fans in the common areas and above our beds.
It was a beautiful camp with impeccable service." See all these reviews: 11n in Tanzania
Experience Report
Overall Rating:
Excellent
Location:
Excellent
Service:
Excellent
Activities:
Excellent
Rooms:
Excellent
Food:
Excellent
Facilities:
Excellent
Mr & Mrs W
Chipstead
"Sand Rivers Camp review"
3 nights Arrived 9 Oct 2014
"An interesting contrast with Lake Manze. The cost of staying at Sands River means that one is looking for very high standards throughout, so here gradings of Excellent might be expected.
Bearing this in mind, the food, we thought was far from exciting. Main courses were basically stews of fish or meat, the desserts often microscopic portions of, eg, flan. Moreover, for the main course, everything was dumped on the plate, where, at Lake Manze, at least the vegetables were served separately.
Again, excursions (although excellent in themselves) did not in one respect compare well with the much cheaper Lake Manze (see above). Here the guide was also the driver and we had to share the 4WD/boat with another couple, which reduces flexibility." See all these reviews: 6n in Tanzania; 6n in Zanzibar
Bearing this in mind, the food, we thought was far from exciting. Main courses were basically stews of fish or meat, the desserts often microscopic portions of, eg, flan. Moreover, for the main course, everything was dumped on the plate, where, at Lake Manze, at least the vegetables were served separately.
Again, excursions (although excellent in themselves) did not in one respect compare well with the much cheaper Lake Manze (see above). Here the guide was also the driver and we had to share the 4WD/boat with another couple, which reduces flexibility." See all these reviews: 6n in Tanzania; 6n in Zanzibar
Experience Report
Overall Rating:
Good
Location:
Excellent
Service:
Good
Activities:
Good
Rooms:
Excellent
Food:
Average
Facilities:
Excellent
Feedback Response
The team at Sand Rivers were surprised to hear these comments regarding the quality of the food as they also received very good feedback from guests who were staying there at the same time. We too usually receive very positive feedback about the food at Sand Rivers. So we are sorry if their usually very high standards perhaps slipped a little on this instance - it is something that we will continue to monitor in the future.
The norm in southern Tanzania is for a single driver who is also a guide to take the game drives. There is sometimes an exception when guides are training up; in which case there will be a driver and a separate guide on the game drive. Equally game activities are shared with other guests at most camps, unless there happens to be a spare vehicle or a private vehicle is specifically requested.
It is possible to arrange for a private vehicle, however it is at an extra cost. Had we known that these guests wanted a private vehicle for their stay at Sand Rivers we would have arranged for one, and the team at Sand Rivers would have been happy to accommodate them. We're sorry that we didn't discuss this option with these travellers in more details before their trip.
The norm in southern Tanzania is for a single driver who is also a guide to take the game drives. There is sometimes an exception when guides are training up; in which case there will be a driver and a separate guide on the game drive. Equally game activities are shared with other guests at most camps, unless there happens to be a spare vehicle or a private vehicle is specifically requested.
It is possible to arrange for a private vehicle, however it is at an extra cost. Had we known that these guests wanted a private vehicle for their stay at Sand Rivers we would have arranged for one, and the team at Sand Rivers would have been happy to accommodate them. We're sorry that we didn't discuss this option with these travellers in more details before their trip.
Mr & Mrs R
Atherstone
"Sand Rivers Camp - great boat safaris"
4 nights Arrived 24 Sep 2014
"Another very comfortable and luxurious camp - we'd certainly go there again if we were ever in the Selous again.
Particularly enjoyed the boat safaris when we saw a lot of bird life.
We had a great drive with Geoff (the manager) one morning - he was very good on birds and we were lucky enough to get a very good sighting of a rather rare bird." See all these reviews: 12n in Tanzania; 1n in Kenya
Particularly enjoyed the boat safaris when we saw a lot of bird life.
We had a great drive with Geoff (the manager) one morning - he was very good on birds and we were lucky enough to get a very good sighting of a rather rare bird." See all these reviews: 12n in Tanzania; 1n in Kenya
Experience Report
Overall Rating:
Excellent
Location:
Excellent
Service:
Excellent
Activities:
Excellent
Rooms:
Excellent
Food:
Excellent
Facilities:
Excellent
Mr & Mrs F
Devon
"Sand Rivers Camp review"
4 nights Arrived 16 Sep 2014
"A fabulous wilderness location set on a beautiful river. The banda had a great view and a plunge pool, most welcome! The game drives were somewhat limited especially with a driver/guide.
I have every confidence that the new management will make Sand Rivers Camp an absolute must in the future." See all these reviews: 8n in Tanzania; 7n in Zanzibar
I have every confidence that the new management will make Sand Rivers Camp an absolute must in the future." See all these reviews: 8n in Tanzania; 7n in Zanzibar
Experience Report
Overall Rating:
Excellent
Location:
Excellent
Service:
Excellent
Activities:
Good
Rooms:
Excellent
Food:
Excellent
Facilities:
Excellent
Mr & Mrs H
Finsbury
"Out of this world lodge in stunning setting"
3 nights Arrived 27 Jun 2014
"What can we say about Sands Rivers, other than that it was perfect in every way! A breathtaking location overlooking the river, with hippos and crocs in the waters below. A beautiful lodge, tastefully decorated, with individual, luxurious open fronted safari cabins all with stunning river views. It was a joy waking up to that view every morning!
We also thoroughly enjoyed the range of activities available at Sand Rivers, with walking safaris, river safaris, fishing trips and more available alongside the classic game drive. There was less game here in comparison to the other camp we stayed in (Mdonya in Ruaha), but that didn't matter to us at all, and we still saw lots of animals and birdlife. Our guide here was excellent - his eagle-eyes and knowledge of the birdlife in the area was astonishing. Because of the lower levels of game though, we think our itinerary of staying in another, game heavy park first, followed by Sands River was a great combination.
The food and service at Sands River was excellent - first class every step of the way. The managers, Kate and Cameron, were also incredibly welcoming, professional and friendly, going out of their way to ensure guests enjoyed their stay.
We cant recommend this place highly enough - stay here and you won't be disappointed." See all these reviews: 6n in Tanzania; 3n in Zanzibar
We also thoroughly enjoyed the range of activities available at Sand Rivers, with walking safaris, river safaris, fishing trips and more available alongside the classic game drive. There was less game here in comparison to the other camp we stayed in (Mdonya in Ruaha), but that didn't matter to us at all, and we still saw lots of animals and birdlife. Our guide here was excellent - his eagle-eyes and knowledge of the birdlife in the area was astonishing. Because of the lower levels of game though, we think our itinerary of staying in another, game heavy park first, followed by Sands River was a great combination.
The food and service at Sands River was excellent - first class every step of the way. The managers, Kate and Cameron, were also incredibly welcoming, professional and friendly, going out of their way to ensure guests enjoyed their stay.
We cant recommend this place highly enough - stay here and you won't be disappointed." See all these reviews: 6n in Tanzania; 3n in Zanzibar
Experience Report
Overall Rating:
Excellent
Location:
Excellent
Service:
Excellent
Activities:
Excellent
Rooms:
Excellent
Food:
Excellent
Facilities:
Excellent
Mr & Mrs AR
UK
"Excellent Sand Rivers Safari"
4 nights Arrived 9 Nov 2013
"Sand Rivers Camp is perfect. Decor, hosting, guides, food, trips and facilities all excellent. Kate and Cameron have a great set up there and Laz is a brilliant guide with an exceptional ability to spot animals.
We had a David Attenborough moment where we watched a python swallow an impala whole!" See all these reviews: 4n in Tanzania; 2n in Zanzibar
We had a David Attenborough moment where we watched a python swallow an impala whole!" See all these reviews: 4n in Tanzania; 2n in Zanzibar
Experience Report
Overall Rating:
Excellent
Location:
Excellent
Service:
Excellent
Activities:
Excellent
Rooms:
Excellent
Food:
Excellent
Facilities:
Excellent
Mr & Mrs T
Oxon
"Sand Rivers Camp"
3 nights Arrived 6 Oct 2013
"An excellent camp - high on my list of good camps (I love so many, for different reasons!). The staff were great, the sightings could not be bettered, the rooms came with ambient hippo music (you are on safari!), the monkeys were cheeky, but the numerous storage boxes meant it was never a problem.
Our first 15 minutes in camp went like this:
Nick: How are you guys doing? Are you feeling energetic?
Us: We're great. Just planning to relax a while after the flight.
Nick: Because we've just had a report of wild dogs...
Us: *Run for the cameras and ready to go*
A dash out to a wild dog sighting - now that was a great way to start a trip!" See all these reviews: 13n in Tanzania
Our first 15 minutes in camp went like this:
Nick: How are you guys doing? Are you feeling energetic?
Us: We're great. Just planning to relax a while after the flight.
Nick: Because we've just had a report of wild dogs...
Us: *Run for the cameras and ready to go*
A dash out to a wild dog sighting - now that was a great way to start a trip!" See all these reviews: 13n in Tanzania
Experience Report
Overall Rating:
Excellent
Location:
Excellent
Service:
Excellent
Activities:
Excellent
Rooms:
Excellent
Food:
Excellent
Facilities:
Excellent
Miss B & Mr B
UK
"Wonderful setting"
4 nights Arrived 5 Feb 2013
"First time at Sand Rivers we were surprised how different the landscape was over this side of Selous. Some parts of the road were very difficult to drive over ( bumpy) could be quite uncomfortable at times and wildlife was skitttish.
The highlight for us was the boat trip up the gorge it felt almost prehistoric. Food was always very good and monkeys not too much of a problem in the rooms as long as you are aware and act accordingly." See all these reviews: 8n in Tanzania; 6n in Zanzibar
The highlight for us was the boat trip up the gorge it felt almost prehistoric. Food was always very good and monkeys not too much of a problem in the rooms as long as you are aware and act accordingly." See all these reviews: 8n in Tanzania; 6n in Zanzibar
Experience Report
Overall Rating:
Good
Location:
Excellent
Service:
Good
Activities:
Good
Rooms:
Excellent
Food:
Good
Facilities:
Excellent
Mr M & Ms T
DC
"Sand Rivers Camp review"
4 nights Arrived 14 Nov 2012
"One of the most beautiful rooms we ever stayed in. The staff was great, as was our guide. We had a blast."
See all these reviews: 4n in Tanzania; 4n in Zanzibar
Experience Report
Overall Rating:
Excellent
Location:
Good
Service:
Excellent
Activities:
Excellent
Rooms:
Excellent
Food:
Good
Facilities:
Excellent
Mr & Mrs F
Marlow
"Sand Rivers Camp review"
4 nights Arrived 6 Nov 2012
"Wonderful setting with wonderful, attentive service. Excellent guide who had the ability to spot animals from miles away - we struggled with binoculars! Food was excellent.
We enjoyed the concept of being in a fully catered lodge, where nothing was too much trouble - they even provided everything from sun cream to umbrellas and macs when it rained. The whole experience exceeded expectations." See all these reviews: 6n in Zanzibar; 4n in Tanzania
We enjoyed the concept of being in a fully catered lodge, where nothing was too much trouble - they even provided everything from sun cream to umbrellas and macs when it rained. The whole experience exceeded expectations." See all these reviews: 6n in Zanzibar; 4n in Tanzania
Experience Report
Overall Rating:
Excellent
Location:
Excellent
Service:
Excellent
Activities:
Excellent
Rooms:
Excellent
Food:
Excellent
Facilities:
Excellent
Holiday styles & special interests in Tanzania
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Other lodges in Nyerere National Park
Alternative places to stay in this same area.
Impala Camp
Impala Camp is a comfortable, excellent-value camp with colourful tented rooms raised on platforms, good guiding and tasty food.
Lake Manze Camp
Lake Manze Camp is a rustic, lakeside bushcamp in Nyerere National Park that offers a great wilderness experience and doesn’t cost the earth.
Beho Beho
Beho Beho is one of the best camps we work with in Africa, with gracious hosts, fantastic food and most importantly, excellent guiding.
Siwandu
Siwandu is a luxurious and smoothly run camp with beautiful rooms and superb service offering great views over Lake Nzerakera.
Beho Beho Tree-house
Beho Beho Treehouse is a satellite tree platform for just one couple, managed by Beho Beho and ideal as a one-night honeymoon retreat
Impala fly-camping
While you're staying at Impala Camp in Nyerere National Park, you can enjoy a few nights' fly-camping in the heart of the bush.
Rufiji River Camp
Rufiji River Camp has a lovely location right on the edge of the Rufiji River and while not luxurious, it is one of the lowest-cost camps in the park.
Sand Rivers fly-camp
Sand Rivers fly-camping safaris in Tanzania's Nyerere National Park operate out of Sand Rivers Camp, on the Rufiji River.
Roho ya Selous
Roho ya Selous is a smart tented camp on the west side of lake Nzerakera, close to the park’s best wildlife-viewing areas.
Beho Beho Bailey's Banda
Bailey's Banda at Beho Beho is a luxurious safari lodge in Nyerere National Park which can be booked exclusively for you and your party.
Rufiji River fly-camp
Fly-camping trips can be organised from Rufiji River Camp in Tanzania's Nyerere National Park
Kiba Point
Kiba Point is the private sister camp of Sand Rivers, available on an exclusive basis, with its own private drivers and staff.
Mivumo River Lodge
Mivumo River Lodge is Serena's main lodge in the Selous. Although comfortable, the windows and air-conditioning dispel any wilderness feel.
