The Selous has been made a World Heritage Site and this huge reserve, at a massive 50,000 square kilometres, has given over 1000 square kilometres in the north to wildlife and safaris. It is the second largest protected wilderness area in the world. It also forms part of the Selous - Niassa eco-system, which covers 155,000 square kilometres across southern Tanzania and northern Mozambique.
One of the Selous’ unique attractions is its diverse habitats, which include open glades, woodland, river, palm fringed lakes and rocky gorges. Sand Rivers is the ideal safari retreat and is situated in the heart of this beautiful reserve. This comfortable and stylish lodge features an open-air dining room, bar and lounge which have been beautifully constructed on a sweeping curve of the great Rufiji River, offering stunning views across the water. There are eight stone and thatched cottages - five Riverside rooms, with en-suite bathrooms, hot and cold running water, flush loos and powerful showers and three Hillside Suites. The Suites have all the above, but also a large living space and a small plunge pool. There is also Kiba Point which is taken on an exclusive basis and has only four open-fronted rooms set back from the river in the forest line, each with a plunge pool - perfect for a group travelling together.
The lodge also has a swimming pool overlooking the river. Sand Rivers prides itself on its high standards of guiding, and for the ultimate private safari experience, guests can spend a night flycamping under the stars with their own private guide and chef.
The Rufiji River provides an utterly unique view of life in the Selous. Upstream from the lodge, the river meanders its way past sand islands and lush forests. You can often see game on the banks as you slowly drift past.
