Riverside Safari Camp — Nyerere National Park, Tanzania
On the Banks of the Rufiji
Eight open-fronted stone and thatch cottages perched above a sweeping curve of the Rufiji River — Nomad Tanzania's original camp, founded by legendary guide Richard Bonham in the early 1990s.
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Overview
A Legend on the Rufiji
Founded by safari pioneer Richard Bonham in the early 1990s, Sand Rivers remains one of Africa's most storied camps — set on a rocky peninsula above the mile-wide Rufiji River.
Nyerere National Park (formerly the Selous Game Reserve) is the second-largest protected wilderness area in the world, and Sand Rivers sits in one of its most rewarding corners, on a broad curve of the Rufiji where hippo pods and Nile crocodile are a constant presence. The camp's eight open-fronted stone and thatch cottages — five riverside rooms and three hillside suites — bring the outside in, with natural light and cooling breezes drawn straight off the water. Days move between game drives, walking safaris, and boating up to the dramatic walls of Stiegler's Gorge, where the Rufiji narrows and towers overhead.
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Stone & Thatch Cottages
2nd
Largest Protected Wilderness on Earth
440+
Bird Species Recorded
15min
From Kiba Airstrip
Cottages
Open-Fronted, River-Facing Rooms
Five riverside cottages and three hillside suites, all with open-air bathrooms and mosquito-netted beds looking straight onto the Rufiji.
Cottage — Open to the Rufiji
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Open-fronted designRooms open directly onto the river, blurring the line between the cottage and the wilderness beyond.
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Open-air bathroomsEn-suite bathrooms with flush toilets, basins and hot showers double as a place to watch the river while you wash.
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Hillside Suites with plunge poolsThree suites set higher up the hill add a spacious living area and private plunge pool overlooking the water.
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Locally sourced furnitureAll furniture throughout the lodge is made from locally sourced materials, reflecting Nomad’s low-impact ethos.
Experiences
Walking, Boating and Fly-Camping
Sand Rivers is built around exploring Nyerere on foot and by water — activities that few other camps in Tanzania can match at this level of remoteness.
Signature
Walking Safaris
Guided walking safaris offer close scrutiny of Nyerere’s plant, insect and bird life, often combined with a vehicle stop to track big game.
On the Water
Boating Safaris
Boat trips up the Rufiji to the walls of Stiegler’s Gorge are a quiet, stealthy way to watch wildlife drift by.
Fishing
Tiger Fishing
Fish for tiger fish and catfish in the Rufiji and Stiegler’s Gorge, a signature activity for many guests.
Overnight
Fly Camping
Spend a night at a remote fly camp deep in the reserve, with nothing but canvas and the sounds of the bush.
Wellness
Hot Springs
Nearby hot springs offer a natural, warm soak — a highlight for many guests during their stay.
Game Drive
Day & Night Game Drives
Open 4WD game drives explore further afield, tracking lion, wild dog, and the reserve’s remaining black rhino population.
Dining
Dining on an Ancient Table
Meals are served on an enormous tree converted into a dining table, with breakfasts often taken in the bush and three-course dinners overlooking the river.
01The tree-slab dining table, river views
02A bush breakfast, mid-safari
03The pool deck, for lunch
04A sundowner stop, in the bush
05Fly-camp dining, under canvas
Dinner — On the Rufiji
Location
The Rufiji River, Nyerere National Park
Sand Rivers sits on a rocky peninsula above the Rufiji River, in a remote and rarely-visited part of Nyerere National Park in southern Tanzania.
Nyerere National Park protects the Big Five alongside cheetah, wild dog and one of Africa’s few remaining wild black rhino populations.
Nomad Tanzania supports the Selous Rhino Trust, dedicated to securing the future of Nyerere’s remaining black rhino.
The camp is closed annually from mid-March to early June, when seasonal rains make the reserve difficult to access.
The property is unfenced; guests are escorted between their cottage and the main area after dark as standard practice.
Fly
Scheduled light aircraft connect Dar es Salaam and other Tanzanian parks to Kiba Airstrip.
Transfer
A 15-minute road transfer from Kiba Airstrip brings guests directly to camp.
Arrive
Check-in from 12:00, checkout by 10:00 — the camp is closed mid-March to early June annually.
Bonus Night
Stay 4, Pay 3
Book three nights at Sand Rivers Selous and receive a fourth free on selected 2026 dates.