Reviews of Sand Rivers fly-camp
Wildlife sightings and reviews
14 independent comments and wildlife information from our travellers who have visited Sand Rivers fly-camp and kindly agreed to share their thoughts. They do not necessarily represent the views of Expert Africa
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"The highlight of our safari"
When we arrived at the shore of Lake Tagalala shortly before sunset (after just having seen a pack of wilddogs hunting impala) the campfire was already on and the bar waiting. The dinner table was set at the lake just for the two of us and we listened to the hippos in the lake while enjoying a wonderful 3 course dinner, which had been freshly prepared in the bush kitchen. We even had a hot shower before falling asleep under the stars and listening to the sounds of the bush.
We would have loved to stay longer to spend more nights fly-camping!" See all these reviews: 14n in Tanzania
Buffalo
1 sighting
Giraffe
10 sightings
Hippo
10 sightings
Wild dog
2 sightings
Zebra
1 sighting
"Sand Rivers Fly-Camping - What an experience!"
We went on an afternoon game drive which ended at our fly camp location. Milton and the staff had set up a beautiful campfire and dinner table. The chef cooked us a fancy candlelit dinner, no different than at the lodge but we were in the middle of the bush! They had set up a toilet and even a bucket shower at the campsite if we wanted to take one! The accommodations were very comfortable with mattresses and tents made out of mosquito netting-like material. They even set up two regular tents next to our see-through tents since it rained earlier in the day as a precaution.
Sleeping under the stars with occasional sounds of wildlife and waking up to the sounds of thousands of birds was a unique experience. The next morning, we had a sit down breakfast at our campsite, and then Dayo, our guide, took us to the hot springs where we took a dip and then completed the rest of our morning game drive and headed back to camp. Dayo kept a rifle with him the whole time we were at the fly camp and monitored the perimeter. We felt very safe.
Our son and daughter (15 and 12) were questioning why we would forego sleeping in our suite to camp outdoors, but even they had a really good time. We also had a great discussion with Milton and Dayo and learned a lot about the history of Tanzania. If you like outdoor adventure, then try fly-camping!" See all these reviews: 9n in Tanzania
Buffalo
1 sighting
Elephant
1 sighting
Giraffe
4 sightings
Hippo
2 sightings
Lion
2 sightings
Wildebeest
2 sightings
Zebra
2 sightings
"Fly Camping at Sand Rivers"
The facilities I rate as excellent, but be aware that this IS a fly-camp, so it's a short-drop toilet and a bucket shower. I would not want it any other way.
[Ed: in their review of Sand Rivers, these travellers commented:
"The highlight was a fly-camp, sleeping (very well) under a net on a very comfortable bed roll, with the 'car-door slam' of hunting crocodiles in the nearby lagoon to remind you where you are (don't worry, the tents are well back from the shoreline)!" ]" See all these reviews: 12n in Tanzania
"Excellent Fly Camp"
We had a net to sleep under and (reasonably) comfortable beds to sleep in. There was also a tent to get changed in, which can serve as alternative sleeping accommodation, if the whole experience is too scary (it wasn't). Our guide had his own tent, although he stayed awake all night to watch out for danger and to escort us to the toilet. A bucket shower was also available.
There was a team of about half a dozen other camp employees to prepare the food and to carry out the other necessary duties. They provided an excellent dinner and breakfast.
The only nighttime disturbance came from a few noisy impala, although we did hear lion and hyena some distance away.
A very worthwhile experience." See all these reviews: 12n in Tanzania
"Excellent experience: Sand rivers Fly-camping"
Excellent experience, extremely well organised." See all these reviews: 10n in Tanzania; 6n in Zambia
"Sand Rivers fly-camping review"
You drive or walk out from the main camp to a tiny temporary camp site - in our case on the edge of a lake. The team have gone ahead and set up your tent (a mosquito net) and the bucket shower and long-drop toilet (yes, there is safari glamping!). You sit around the camp fire as the light fades, have a great dinner made from the bush oven (make sure you see the kitchen); and then fall asleep looking at the stars.
You can hear the animals around you in the night but the fire, lanterns, and your friendly ranger with his gun mean that you are not likely to have visitors. This is a magical Must Do!" See all these reviews: 9n in Tanzania
"Sand Rivers fly camping"
"Tanzania in the (very) Wet Season"
After a couple of hours we arrived at the fly camp. Roughing it ?? No - all creature comforts in a lovely setting beside a small river. Our tents were in two parts a cube made od mosquito netting with bedding - a comfortable 'mattress' with sheets - inside. Adjacent to the cube was a dome tent provided for changing etc or to use in case of rain or if anyone found sleeping 'al fresco' too scary!! Behind each tent was a table with towels , toiletries , mirror etc and beside it a tripod supporting a canvas wash bowl which was filled with warm water when required. To one side of the camp a long drop toilet had been dug and a bucket shower erected - all very private.
A table was set up with drinks for our sundowners and then we sat at a nicely laid table beside the campfire for a delicious three course meal.
We all slept well and woke refreshed and ready for our bush breakfast - yummy!
Our only disappointment - not enough animal noise during the night although Ernest assured us that there had been at least one leopard walking through the camp during the night." See all these reviews: 12n in Tanzania
"Sand Rivers fly-camping review"
All visitors should do this!!" See all these reviews: 10n in Tanzania
"Sand Rivers fly-camping review"
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