Everything you need to know
Location - In the northern part of the Selous Game Reserve, on the banks of the Rufiji River.
Setting - The stone and thatch lodge is set under large Tamarind and Mahogany trees, on a rocky peninsula overlooking the wide expanse of the river.
Accommodation - All the stone and thatched rooms are open-fronted, and raised up on the banks of the river, all with amazing views. There are three room options:
Standard cottages: There are five standard rooms which are open and airy, with en-suite bathrooms, flush toilets, powerful showers, and hot and cold running water.
Suites (Tagalala & Kipalala): The two suites offer more private space; as well as a large bedroom and en-suite bathroom there is a lounge area, and small plunge pool set into the deck.
The Rhino House: This is our new one-bedroom honeymoon cottage. It has a large bedroom, en-suite bathroom, lounge and open dining area for private meals. It also comes with its own 4WD vehicle and private guide to take you out on your own game drives as and when you wish.
Activities - Game drives in open-sided 4WD vehicles, walks, fly-camping, boating, fishing, birding, picnics, and bush lunches and dinners.
Fly-Camping - This is a highly recommended part of any trip to Sand Rivers, and is one of the most popular things on offer at the lodge. The shared fly camps are set up on a sand bank, or close to one of the lakes, and consist of spacious mosquito-net tents with comfortable safari bedrolls. There is a bucket shower - with hot water - and a short-drop toilet set up just behind camp. A full complement of staff provide all the meals you could possibly eat: full breakfast, light lunch, and a three-course candlelit dinner. Fly-camping should be booked in advance, and is available at an extra supplement.
Gratuities - we often get asked about what to tip. We find that most people will leave around $10 per person per day, which then gets split amongst the general staff, with the guides being tipped separately. Obviously tipping is not taken for granted, but if you've had a fantastic safari and would like to leave something for the guys, then great. Can we please ask however, that any tips are left in cash. In Tanzania, any staff tip payments made through our bank (via credit card or cheque) will likely be charged VAT and our staff will certainly charged income tax. Thank you for your understanding.
Selous Walking Safaris - See separate information on our 4 night (minimum) fabulous walking safari. A must-do experience.
How to Get There - There are numerous daily flights to Kiba airstrip from Dar es Salaam, Zanzibar, Ruaha, Mafia, Pemba and northern Tanzania.
Child Policy - We are delighted to accept children of 8 and over at Sand Rivers Selous, but please note that only children of 12 and over can participate in walking and fly-camping activities.
Seasonal highlights - June to September; warm days and cool nights, best time of year for walking safaris. Great elephant and buffalo sightings. October-November: heavy concentrates of game around the inland lakes, weather dry and hot. December-March: prolific bird life, many animals calving, weather starts to get humid, with possibility of rain.