Kiba Point: Our full report

Standing about a mile away from its sister-camp Sand Rivers, Kiba Point is a private camp run by the same team. It has the same simple and elegant style as Sand Rivers, but operates as its own entity, with private drivers, vehicles and even chefs, making it perfect for families, or groups of friends travelling together.

Each of the four rooms are spacious and open-fronted, with their own private plunge pool.
In the communal areas, there is also a large pool and plenty of areas to relax around.

The great draw of Kiba Point is that fact that you have total flexibility to set your own schedule.

Just like Sand Rivers it is an up market, stylish and very comfortable safari camp, with plenty of space and excellent food and service.

Geographics

Location: Selous Game Reserve, Tanzania

Ideal length of stay: 3-4 nights – or 5-7 nights if you choose to include a fly-camping trip

Directions: Fly for 35 minutes into the Selous Game Reserve, where you will land at Kiba airstrip. It's then a short safari drive back to Kiba Point. Alternatively, it is around a 6-hour drive from Dar – depending on the weather and therefore the state of the roads.

Food & drink

Usual board basis: Full Board

Food quality: The dining times for breakfast and lunch are completely flexible since Kiba Point has its own chefs, separate from the main Sand Rivers Camps.

Breakfast usually consists of tea/coffee, fruit, cereals, toast and a cooked breakfast with eggs of your choice.

Lunch is then a self-service buffet with plenty of salads, fresh vegetables and cold meats. There's an 'afternoon tea' at about 4pm – with tea, coffee, juices and delectable cakes.

Dinner has 3 courses with a choice for the main and is usually a mix of international cuisine. Dietary requirements can be easily catered for with prior notice. On our last visit in December 2009 we enjoyed spring rolls to start, chicken pasta with butternut squash for main, and a delicious coconut crème brulee for desert. Dining takes place in a variety of imaginative locations.

When we last visited the food at Sand Rivers was very tasty and imaginative with extremely fresh produce used throughout.

Dining style: Group Meals

Dining locations: Indoor and Outdoor Dining

Cost of meal e.g. lunch: Included

Drinks included: At Kiba Point most drinks are included – from all soft drinks to house wines and local beers & spirits. However, this excludes champagne, vintage wine and certain imported spirits.

Children

Attitude towards children: The camp are happy to welcome children over the age of 8 years.

Equipment: None

Generally recommended for children: We would recommend this camp for children over 8 years

Notes: Kiba Point is not a suitable camp for very young children as all of the bedrooms and the lounge and dining area have open fronts with a drop down to the Rufiji River. Furthermore parents should also be aware that this camp is not fenced and wildlife can pass through at any time – children who do stay should not be left unaccompanied.

Central communications

Power supply: Generator

Communications: For all intents and purposes you should consider yourself out of contact, though there is usually mobile reception at the airstrip for emergencies. Sand Rivers has a satellite phone and basic email in the office – however these are for camp use and emergencies only.

TV & radio: There is no TV or radio – this is deepest Africa!

Health & safety

Malarial area: Yes

Medical care: Members of the Sand Rivers team are first-aid trained and there is some first aid equipment on site for minor illnesses and injuries. For more serious emergencies Sand Rivers has links to the flying doctors in Dar es Salaam.

Security measures: Askaris are on guard around the clock; you will be escorted to and from your room at night. There are also whistles in all of the rooms in case of an emergency during the night.

Fire safety: There are fire extinguishers in each room and the communal areas.

Extras

Disabled access: On Request