Sand Rivers Selous

The luxurious Sand River Selous is situated on a wide curve of the mighty Rufiji River in the Selous Game Reserve, which forms part of the Selous-Niassa eco-system in Southern Tanzania. It also lies in close proximity to Steiglers Gorge, Lake Tagalala and the Beho Beho hot springs and is one of the most striking locations of all the Tanzanian camps. The scenery is diverse with an interesting mixture of riverine forest, miombo woodland, acacia thicket, palm groves and open grasslands interspersed with steep wooded hills, lakes, marshes and sand rivers.

The Sand River Selous strikes a fine balance between luxury and authenticity. The eight spacious en-suite bandas are built on stilts with a shaggy overhanging thatch, each with one side open to the river offering perfect views of the palm studded grasslands and the glistening wetlands from a grand net covered bed. The central building has been beautifully designed using local wood and stone. The swimming pool is set into the rocks at the river’s edge and is shaded by an ancient baobab tree. The food is excellent and the service impeccable.

Despite the obvious luxury of this camp, Sand River Selous has a strong focus on wildlife and was started as a base camp for walking safaris with superb guided bush walks, extended fly camping expeditions and Tiger fishing safaris at Steiglers Gorge. The abundant ground water from the innumerable springs means that there is no need for the mammals of the Selous to migrate in the dry season. Consequently the area is a great destination for year round game viewing and the resident hippos, elephants, hippo, lion, plains game, wild dog and the amazing birdlife; including goliath heron and eagle owls, are often visible on the sandbanks. Game viewing in a 4x4 vehicle or by boat are also popular activities at this camp.

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