Sand Rivers fly-camping: Our full report
If you're staying at Sand Rivers Camp then it's easy for us to pre-arrange for you to have a night or two ...
... fly-camping from there for travellers who are after a bit of adventure out in the bush.When fly-camping you'll set off with your guide and a vehicle in the afternoon, usually mixing driving with walking. Around dusk you'll arrive at your fly-camp, often in a dry, sandy riverbed. It will be set up in advance by the camp's team, with a fire, hot water for showers and cold drinks at the ready. Dinner is cooked on the fire – the quality will still be the same excellent standard you’d expect from the main camp.
Later you'll retire to your comfortable bedroll under a mosquito net frame, and your armed guide will be positioned close by keeping watch. The team also bring a dome tent, in case anyone feels nervous. Once your eyes adapt to the dark, you’ll be amazed at what a thrilling experience sleeping under the stars is, and how attuned you become to the smallest sounds and movements around you. The following morning, after breakfast, the Sand Rivers team often includes a refreshing visit to the hot springs.
Our view
We can’t recommend fly camping highly enough – especially at Sand Rivers, where the simple mosquito net “tents" mean that you get even closer to the surrounding environments. If you're still unsure exactly what fly-camping is all about, then visit the main page for Nyerere National Park where you will find more details. Or just call and ask us. It isn’t for everyone – so do chat it through with us first.
Tanzania expert
Geographics
- Location
- Nyerere National Park, Tanzania
- Ideal length of stay
- 1 or 2 nights maximum - as part of a safari to Sand Rivers
- Accessible by
- Fly-and-Transfer
Food & drink
- Usual board basis
- Full Board & Activities
- Dining style
- Group Meals
- Dining locations
- Outdoor Dining
Special interests
- Birdwatching
- Nyerere National Park is a great area for birdwatching in Tanzania - and these fly-camps deep in the bush, combined with walks around the fly-camp area, allow you to really experience Nyerere National Park and get to know the birdlife there.
- See ideas for Birdwatching in Tanzania
- Walking safaris
- Sand Rivers fly-camps usually include time spent walking as well as driving, and the guides here are first-rate - walking safaris are one of the camp's specialities.
- See ideas for Walking safaris in Tanzania
- Wildlife safaris
- Nyerere National Park is an excellent game reserve, and these walks offer a great chance to explore - and covering the ground on foot, and fly-camping out, is a superb way to really experience Nyerere National Park.
- See ideas for Wildlife safaris in Tanzania
Children
- Attitude towards children
- Property’s age restrictions
- 12+
- Generally recommended for children
- No
Our travellers’ wildlife sightings from Sand Rivers fly-camp
Since mid-2018, many of our travellers who stayed at Sand Rivers fly-camping have kindly recorded their wildlife sightings and shared them with us. The results are below. Click an animal to see more, and here to see more on our methodology.
100% success
100% success
100% success
100% success
100% success
50% success
50% success
50% success
0% success
0% success
0% success
0% success
0% success
0% success
0% success
Communications
- Communications
- For all intents and purposes you should consider yourself out of contact, though there is radio contact with the main camp for emergencies.
Health & safety
- Malarial protection recommended
- Yes
- Dangerous animals
- High Risk
- Fire safety
Activities
4WD Safari
Birdwatching
Boat trip
Fishing
Fly-camping
Guided walking safari
Extras
- Disabled access
- Not Possible
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.
Sand Rivers Camp
The stylishly put together Sand Rivers has an outstanding reputation, with a wonderful location on the Rufiji River and great guides.
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.
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.
