The Selous, 55,000 square kilometres of pristine wilderness, is the largest Game Reserve in Africa. Abundant ground water from the innumerable springs fed by dependable rainfall means that there is no need for the large mammals of the Selous to migrate in the dry season. Consequently, this scenic area boasts an impressive variety of game, birdlife and wild flowers. Sand Rivers Selous Lodge stands on a rocky outcrop beside the Rufiji River, in the northern section of the Selous Game Reserve offering a variety of cottage and suite accommodation. Its sister safari house called Kiba Point lies 2kms downstream and can be taken exclusively or per cottage by arrangement. Both camps are closed mid-March to the end of May. SAND RIVERS SELOUS - MAIN LODGE & ACCOMMODATION Central facilities
The sitting room, bar and dining room are all together in one huge, open-sided room in the main building. A large dining table dominates the centre of the room, where mouth-watering lunch buffets are often laid out. In the evening, more formal (but casual dress) dinners are served. A lovely swimming pool lies further up the terrace in the shade of a baobab tree. This is a delightful, immaculately run lodge with an understated style, and is, in our opinion, one of the very best in Africa. The game viewing - in boats, 4x4 or on foot - is excellent with top guiding in very comfortable Land Rovers (with fridges to keep your drinks cool). The variety of game found on the private concession, which contains marshes, lakes, hills, hot springs, forests, savannah and the mighty river, is outstanding. Rhino is the only absentee but there is, however, notable elephant, lion, buffalo, leopard, wild dog and bountiful plains game. Pods of hippo and floats of crocodile populate the river together with a terrific variety of birdlife. There is good fishing for bream, vundu and tiger.
Accommodation
All the stone and thatched rooms are raised up on the banks of the river, affording excellent views. Though open fronted the bedrooms are equiped with a huge mosquito tent to keep any bugs at bay. There are three room options:
Standard Cottages: The five standard cottages at Sand Rivers Selous have delightful river facing bathrooms and spacious openfronted bedrooms with spectacular views over the river and surrounding woodland. The bathrooms in all the rooms (Suites and Rhino House included) have flush loos, powerful showers and all the the comforts of home.
Suites with private plunge pools (Tagalala & Kipalala):
These two suites are built of stone and thatch and are within walking distance of the main lodge. The rooms are expansive and openfronted, with large king-size beds and a private lounge area. A plunge pool overlooks the river. All meals are served in the main dining room at Sand Rivers Selous, and all activities are shared. The Suites offer more private space, the rooms are fabulously stylish and welcoming, and the private pool is the perfect place to retreat to in the heat of the day.
The Rhino House: Honeymoon House
This is a private house consisting of a one-bedroom cottage set high up above Sand Rivers, looking way out over the Rufiji River and surrounding woodland. The living space is generous and stylish, and the large open-fronted bedroom has a king-sized bed and en-suite bathroom. Guests can choose private dining, at a time to suit, enjoy and the plunge pool has a well-stocked mini-bar close at hand. A private 4WD vehicle and guide are on hand to take guests out on game drives, and walks are also offered (shared with guests at the main lodge). The option of exclusive fly camping is available at a supplement. It’s the perfect hideaway for two, offering total bush bliss, day and night, and the greatest luxury of all: a private piece of the great Selous. Activities
Game drives in open-sided 4WD vehicles, walks, fly-camping, boating, fishing, birding, picnics, hot springs, visits to First World War trenches, Selous' Grave, gorge expeditions by boat, bush lunches and dinners. Fly-Camping
This is a highly recommended part of any trip to Sand Rivers, and is one night during your stay. It is one of the most popular activities 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 etc and guard the camp at night. Fly-camping should be booked in advance, and is available at an extra supplement.
KIBA POINT
Kiba Point is the fabulous new base for your private Selous safari with family or friends. This 8 bed camp can be booked on a shared or totally exclusive basis and includes all activities: game drives, walking safaris, birding, boating and fishing trips.
Located on the banks of the Rufiji River, just downstream from Sand Rivers Selous, it is the perfect spot for private groups of friends and/or families. However, due to the openness of the camp, it is unsuitable for young children under 6 (please see child policy below).
The accommodation is provided in 4 spacious, airy cottages (2 doubles/2 twins), made of stone and thatch, and raised up on platforms above the river line. The interiors are cool and elegant with huge beds, softly draped mosquito nets, planters' chairs and sun-beds for chilling out. The bathrooms are spacious and open, with hot/cold running water, flush loos, and both an indoor and an outdoor shower. There are plunge pools for every room and a large swimming pool at the main mess area. The mess/dining area has plump sofas, a library of books, your own bar, and lots of space to make your own. The food is fantastic, and the drinks are always ice-cold. All the activities at Kiba Point are exclusive to the camp, i.e. not shared with Sand Rivers Lodge. Private 4x4s and guides are on hand to take you out for daily adventures: early morning game drives, walking, boating, fishing, and fly-camping.
Children aged 6 and over are welcome at Kiba Point but please note that only children of 12 and over can participate in walking and fly-camping activities.
KIBA POINT | No. of Bedrooms | Main Lodge: Eight cottages (standards, suites and Rhino House) constructed from local stone and timbers from fallen trees. High thatched roofs allow cooling breezes from the open side to circulate the room. The beds (twins or doubles) are large and comfortable with huge bug proof mosquito net tents above.
Kiba Point: Four cottages (2 x doubles, 2 x twin) constructed of stone and thatch on raised platforms. | | Activities | Game drives in open 4x4 vehicle.
Walking safaris - one of the best ways to enjoy the Selous.
Fly camping - delightfully presented and fun for a family.
Fishing
River safaris and picnics together with trips to hot springs and Gorges
Bush breakfasts | | Open/Closed Seasons | Both camps are closed mid-March to the end of May. Short Rains are in November and hot and humid in February. Best December and June/July but, other than the closed months, this is an all-year round destination and 3 - 7 nights are ideal. Combines well with Zanzibar and the Quirimbas Archipelago in Mozambique where the same company, Nomad Tanzania, operate and manage Vimizi Island Lodge. |
Find Similar Properties |
