Sand rivers selous

The Selous Game Reserve, at a massive 50,000 kilometres square, is wilderness on a huge scale – the largest in Africa. Set on a wide curve of the mighty Rufiji River, Sand Rivers Selous was originally built by Richard Bonham in 1984 who used this area of the Selous for his famous portered walking safaris, when the area was all but unknown.

Sand Rivers Selous is the base for some of Tanzania’s best safari guides who are there to take you out for daily adventures; boating on the Rufiji, weaving past hippopotamus and crocodile; driving on the trail of lion or wild dog; an elephant bush walk; a night sleeping out under the stars, or fishing in solitude, barefoot on a river rock.

One of Sand Rivers most coveted trip is our Selous Walking Safari – a four day wilderness walk in the seriously remote parts of the park. Explore the remotest corners of the area over a set period, with fly-camps moving every night. Walk through magical and diverse landscapes, seeing things not always visible from a vehicle. Each day is designed to be different, and to offer unrivalled exposure to the area. Walks are concentrated around the early morning and late afternoons, with opportunities for fishing, and relaxing in the middle of the day.

Accommodation at Sand Rivers Selous is in spacious open-fronted cottages made of stone and thatch, and raised up on the banks of the Rufiji with amazing views out across the river. There are five standard rooms, and two suites, and now we have the new one-bedroom private house – The Rhino House. The suites and the standard rooms all have spacious, open, en-suite bathrooms, with flush toilets and powerful showers.

The main mess and dining area is set close to the river, and is a generous space. It’s grand yet cosy, the atmosphere is familiar, and the service at-your-whim.

There are two Suites at Sand Rivers, and although separate from the standard rooms, they are within walking distance of the main mess/dining area and large swimming pool. Whilst all meals are eaten in the main mess, the suites have their own private lounge area, and plunge pools set into the main deck. The bedrooms, with large and comfortable beds, are open fronted and the en-suite bathrooms are bush-deluxe. And throughout, the cooling sounds of the river run. The two Suites expand the space and luxury for the happy hippo in all of us, with big sofas and plunge pools for constant wallowing.

The Rhino House is our new private and exclusive one-bedroom ‘house’, located near to the main lodge. Its the perfect private hideaway; meals are served in your own dining area, and you have your own small pool for an afternoon of chilling out, with the fully stocked bar close by. The bedroom is deeply romantic, and has a wide open front looking down over the river and open woodlands. Its perched up on a hillside, providing the ultimate view. It’s a hideway home for two, offering total bush bliss, day and night, and the greatest luxury of all, a private piece of the great beyond. As well as this you, have your own private car and guide to take you out for game drives when you wish.

In the Selous, game viewing takes on a very different, and exciting pace. Whether its game drives, walking safaris, fishing, boating, or a combination of all of these, it never disappoints, and there is always something thrilling to see.
For the more adventurous, fly-camping at Sand Rivers Selous offers the outdoor experience of a lifetime, and is one of the most raved about things to do. Mosquito net tents are set up on sandbanks, or near to a busy waterhole.Simple yet fully equipped, these small camps have comfortable bedrolls to curl up in, a short drop toilet and bucket shower just behind, great food, and ice cold drinks; it’s the perfect combination of intrepid adventure and bush comfort.