Reviews of Sand Rivers Camp
Wildlife sightings and reviews
79 independent comments and wildlife information from our travellers who have visited Sand Rivers Camp and kindly agreed to share their thoughts. They do not necessarily represent the views of Expert Africa

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"Sand Rivers Camp review"
Our guide both times is the best we have had in all our many camp and lodge experiences.
The staff is super friendly and every effort is made to assure guests have a great time.
The rooms are unique in that they are open (mosquito netting around bed) with a view of the river and hippos frequently roaming nearby. It's so pleasant having early am coffee and watch the monkeys on nearby trees." See all these reviews: 14n in Tanzania

Buffalo
Multiple sightings

Elephant
10 sightings

Giraffe
10 sightings

Hippo
10 sightings

Lion
4 sightings

Spotted Hyena
3 sightings

Wildebeest
4 sightings

Zebra
10 sightings
"We were treated like Royalty!"
The accommodation is wonderful - though the completely open front might be a step too far for some people! We loved being able to lie in the enormous bed, encased in the mosquito net and watch the stars! However the open front and the rain did mean there were huge numbers of insects in the room - though our army of friendly geckos helped keep them under control!
The communal areas are very attractive and comfortable and we enjoyed excellent meals - some at our own table and some with other guests and staff, including a very enjoyable Swahili BBQ. The swimming pool looked very inviting.
The staff were all wonderful, including the man who did our laundry perfectly, the chef, waiter and driver who 'appeared ' to cook our breakfast in the bush, and Hamsa, Bernadette and Sarah who kept everything running very smoothly and were good company.
Ernest, our guide, was excellent and took us on memorable drives and boat trips to lots of different areas of the reserve.
He was a bird enthusiast too so was the perfect companion for us." See all these reviews: 8n in Tanzania

Buffalo
3 sightings

Eland
2 sightings

Elephant
6 sightings

Giraffe
10 sightings

Hippo
10 sightings

Leopard
1 sighting

Lion
1 sighting

Spotted Hyena
1 sighting

Zebra
10 sightings
"Sand Rivers Camp review"
SRC is one of the best we have visited over many years. Our accommodation was the size of a small house and excellent. We loved the view from our open room over the river watching crocs and hippos. The waterfall shower was great!
The staff are all very friendly and helpful, nothing too much trouble giving us a fantastic evening for our 50th wedding anniversary. Special mention of camp manager Bernadette and our guide Pay who gave us some new and interesting safari experiences." See all these reviews: 10n in Tanzania

Buffalo
5 sightings

Eland
3 sightings

Elephant
10 sightings

Giraffe
10 sightings

Hippo
10 sightings

Leopard
3 sightings

Lion
10 sightings

Spotted Hyena
1 sighting

Wildebeest
4 sightings

Zebra
6 sightings
"Sand Rivers Camp review"
We requested less safari focus on the pursuit of big cats to more diverse viewing and activities. The accommodations were none short of spectacular with a gorgeous view of the river and outdoor living. The staff was superb and another opportunity for community dinners was a wonderful touch to get to know the staff, and the few additional guests, and lucky for us to dine with the founder of the camp and his son for two days. They shared many wonderful stories and contributed to the relaxing conversational tone of the evening.
We participated in a walking safari which was superb with a ranger/guide and our guide. The ranger/guide was fascinating to watch as he lead the way into the bush listening and keenly watching our surroundings for things of interest and potential dangers...he was spot on hearing a bird call alerting the lone buffalo of our proximity. We diverted our path and all was good!
Our guide was personable and exciting, however, his experience of fewer years was evident in the approach during drives sometimes chasing an animal or tossing a stick in the air to elicit a movement. This impacted our respect and trust in the guide, particularly regarding safety. While we were never put in danger, the concern existed that choices could be made with less than favorable results. The boating safari was very nice, but it was somewhat anxiety-producing due to the crocodile-infested waters and tenuous hippo behavior. Fishing was experienced with the catch of the day being three crocodiles!
The food and service were wonderful and the best hibiscus iced tea ever made was enjoyed! Sarah was most personable, kind-spirited, and interested in learning about the guests and how to best meet their desires.
All in all...a wonderful ending to a fabulous two weeks!" See all these reviews: 13n in Tanzania

Buffalo
Multiple sightings

Elephant
Multiple sightings

Giraffe
Multiple sightings

Hippo
Multiple sightings

Leopard
1 sighting

Lion
1 sighting

Spotted Hyena
1 sighting

Wildebeest
Multiple sightings

Zebra
Multiple sightings
"Sand Rivers Camp review"
We enjoyed all the activities. There was a good variety of game drives, walking and boating.
However we would have found it helpful to have a written description of the activities on offer when we arrived so we could have planned our stay better. For example, we were unaware that the hide/platform did not have any shade and had to abandon our visit there." See all these reviews: 8n in Tanzania

Buffalo
8 sightings

Eland
2 sightings

Elephant
4 sightings

Giraffe
10 sightings

Hippo
10 sightings

Lion
5 sightings

Wildebeest
4 sightings

Zebra
4 sightings
"Sand Rivers Camp review"
The camp was just at the end of the season and preparing to close. There was only one other couple there when I arrived and I even had the whole camp to myself for one night when they left and before another guest came in.
My guide was Johnny by sheer chance. It was the same Johnny who also guided my wife and I in Katavi back in 2018.
Days mostly consisted of long early morning game drives with breakfast in the bush and late afternoon drives with a sundowner in search of elusive predators. The area is very remote and you won’t really bump into any other vehicles unless they are from the same camp. The scenery is spectacular at this time of the year (my previous visit was in October 2003 when it was parched dry).
I did a morning river cruise which broke the monotony of banging around in a vehicle and gave a fresh view of the wilderness I was in. With plenty of crocodiles, hippos and birds to see. You can no longer travel as far up the river as the rapids as there is now a big dam with a hydroelectric generation plant currently being installed.
A night drive also gave a new slant on what was becoming familiar territory after 5 days. We finally caught up with the small local pack of wild dogs that Johnny had seen on the way to meeting me on my transfer day. First time I have seen dogs on a night drive, unfortunately they were gone in the morning. Possibly due to the lions calling in the night.
Food was of the high standard you would expect from a lodge of Sand River’s standing. With plenty of wine to accompany. Staff were very attentive and are always looking for ways to improve in the already excellent service.
The room was immaculate with a large comfortable bed and an open view of the river. I had bats visit me every morning to clean up the insects while I was having a wash." See all these reviews: 14n in Tanzania

Buffalo
10 sightings

Eland
10 sightings

Elephant
10 sightings

Giraffe
10 sightings

Hippo
10 sightings

Lion
1 sighting

Spotted Hyena
7 sightings

Wild dog
1 sighting

Wildebeest
10 sightings

Zebra
10 sightings
"Sand Rivers Camp review"
Good wifi although a pity this was limited to the pool area.
Our room was very comfortable and had a great view of the river. We especially appreciated the good size of the room and the bathroom facilities worked well.
The game drives were longer than other camps we had been to but much appreciated and we were absolutely thrilled to have such a good leopard sighting along the river.
We took the chance to do the walking safari, night safari and fishing on the river trip to emphasise the range of camp activities we were able to enjoy." See all these reviews: 6n in Zanzibar; 4n in Tanzania

Buffalo
1 sighting

Eland
1 sighting

Elephant
1 sighting

Giraffe
Multiple sightings

Hippo
Multiple sightings

Leopard
1 sighting

Lion
Multiple sightings

Spotted Hyena
Multiple sightings

Wild dog
1 sighting

Wildebeest
1 sighting

Zebra
Multiple sightings
"Sand Rivers Camp review"
Staff very friendly, good balance of interaction and time on our own. Bernadette very attentive and our guide Hussain was very friendly and knowledgable.
We feel they got the food just right, quantities and quality. Especially loved the high quality packed breakfasts which Hussain set up for us on our morning drives. The breakfast sandwiches, pancakes, and the fresh fruit juice were particular favourites.
Buffet lunches were spot on and quick to serve ourselves before getting back to our rooms for a siesta.
Pool area was lovely, Wi-Fi in that area was a bonus if you wanted it!" See all these reviews: 11n in Tanzania; 5n in Zanzibar

Buffalo
Multiple sightings

Eland
1 sighting

Elephant
Multiple sightings

Giraffe
Multiple sightings

Hippo
Multiple sightings

Lion
Multiple sightings

Spotted Hyena
1 sighting

Wildebeest
1 sighting

Zebra
1 sighting
"Sand Rivers Camp review"
The rooms are in an open banda. You can hear the noise of the hippos at night. The interior isn't luxurios, but you have everything you need." See all these reviews: 21n in Tanzania

Buffalo
10 sightings

Eland
2 sightings

Elephant
2 sightings

Giraffe
10 sightings

Hippo
10 sightings

Lion
2 sightings

Spotted Hyena
4 sightings

Zebra
3 sightings
"Sand Rivers Camp review"

Buffalo
3 sightings

Eland
3 sightings

Elephant
2 sightings

Giraffe
10 sightings

Hippo
10 sightings

Leopard
1 sighting

Lion
2 sightings

Wildebeest
2 sightings

Zebra
5 sightings
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