Reviews of Sand Rivers Camp
Wildlife sightings and reviews
80 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
Wildlife sightings by our travellers
Starting in Aug-2018, 23 of our travellers have recorded their wildlife sightings at Sand Rivers Camp.
Lion
91% success
Leopard
35% success
Wild dog
30% success
Buffalo
100% success
Elephant
100% success
Giraffe
100% success
Hippo
100% success
Zebra
100% success
Wildebeest
91% success
Eland
83% success
Spotted Hyena
82% success
Aardvark
0% success
Black Rhino
0% success
Pangolin
0% success
Striped Hyena
0% success
Dr B & Dr M
Canada
"Sand Rivers Camp review"
6 nights Arrived 19 Feb 2010
"Overall we were disappointed in Sand Rivers. The food and service were both very good; however, the rooms were not as well maintained as they should have been. For example, the mosquito nets had holes in them, the pillows were old, lumpy, and flat, and our toilet seat was very loose and shifted every time we sat on it. The "door" to our bathroom was broken and seat and throw cushions were stained with monkey feces. The rooms are designed to be very open concept so it is virtually impossible to prevent monkeys from accessing the rooms; however, simply wiping down the cushions after a monkey invasion is insufficient and unsanitary.
Most disappointing was the guide. Although our guide was very knowledgeable and enthusiastic, his guiding philosophy was diametrically opposed to ours. We prefer to observe wildlife, without interfering or stressing out the animals. Our guide seemed to feel his role was to get us the best photo, even if that meant driving off road and literally chasing down animals. In one instance, his enthusiasm for a close-up resulted in a very unsafe encounter with an angry mother elephant. As I said, our guide was very knowledgeable but he lacked adequate respect for the environment, the animals, and the safety of guests." See all these reviews: 15n in Tanzania
Most disappointing was the guide. Although our guide was very knowledgeable and enthusiastic, his guiding philosophy was diametrically opposed to ours. We prefer to observe wildlife, without interfering or stressing out the animals. Our guide seemed to feel his role was to get us the best photo, even if that meant driving off road and literally chasing down animals. In one instance, his enthusiasm for a close-up resulted in a very unsafe encounter with an angry mother elephant. As I said, our guide was very knowledgeable but he lacked adequate respect for the environment, the animals, and the safety of guests." See all these reviews: 15n in Tanzania
Experience Report
Overall Rating:
Poor
Location:
Good
Service:
Good
Activities:
Average
Rooms:
Average
Food:
Good
Facilities:
Average
Feedback Response
We have sent our travelers’ feedback to the Sand Rivers management who are, understandably, very disappointed to receive such negative comments as this is very rare for Sand Rivers. The MD of the company that owns Sand Rivers, John, responded personally to this feedback, commenting on each issue individually.
He told us that “The mosquito nets are being replaced across the whole lodge as part of the refurbishment for the beginning of June 2010, as are cushions, linen etc. We have a tailor in camp and if any holes appear in nets, they are usually stitched up the same day”
He also commented that “stained cushions are usually washed in the laundry; the managers try to deal with issues like this very quickly if they are made aware of them.”
We do think that it’s worth any travellers noting that the chalets at Sand Rivers are open-fronted; it is not unusual to have wildlife getting in. The camp is working with the Selous Game Reserve management to find a way of resolving the monkey issue.
Our travellers’ comments about the poor guiding here was very worrying. The MD, John, said: “We pride ourselves on our high standard of guiding and what these travellers describe is at total odds with our philosophy. It is very tempting for a guide to get that little bit closer to game in order to please his guests but a good guide should know when is close - and when is too close, both for the game and for the guests. I am personally looking into this issue with this particular guide and will ensure that this area is particularly covered in detail for our annual Guide Training in April/May 2010 this year.”
He told us that “The mosquito nets are being replaced across the whole lodge as part of the refurbishment for the beginning of June 2010, as are cushions, linen etc. We have a tailor in camp and if any holes appear in nets, they are usually stitched up the same day”
He also commented that “stained cushions are usually washed in the laundry; the managers try to deal with issues like this very quickly if they are made aware of them.”
We do think that it’s worth any travellers noting that the chalets at Sand Rivers are open-fronted; it is not unusual to have wildlife getting in. The camp is working with the Selous Game Reserve management to find a way of resolving the monkey issue.
Our travellers’ comments about the poor guiding here was very worrying. The MD, John, said: “We pride ourselves on our high standard of guiding and what these travellers describe is at total odds with our philosophy. It is very tempting for a guide to get that little bit closer to game in order to please his guests but a good guide should know when is close - and when is too close, both for the game and for the guests. I am personally looking into this issue with this particular guide and will ensure that this area is particularly covered in detail for our annual Guide Training in April/May 2010 this year.”
"Senior Africa Specialist"
Mr & Mrs S
Barnstable
"Paradise"
2 nights Arrived 27 Jan 2010
"Way, way beyond our wildest expectations.......
We had the top Guide, Masaa, which made the whole experiance a sensation.
Lynn and Steve, being the perfect hosts, made he whole experience run like clockwork" See all these reviews: 12n in Tanzania
We had the top Guide, Masaa, which made the whole experiance a sensation.
Lynn and Steve, being the perfect hosts, made he whole experience run like clockwork" See all these reviews: 12n in Tanzania
Experience Report
Overall Rating:
Excellent
Location:
Excellent
Service:
Excellent
Activities:
Excellent
Rooms:
Excellent
Food:
Excellent
Facilities:
Excellent
Ms O
London
"Nature and luxury at Sand Rivers Camp"
3 nights Arrived 23 Oct 2009
"What a wonderful balance of laid-back luxury and game viewing. We had a superb guide who kept conjuring up lions and elephants - amongst much other game.
Highlights included a walking safari where we came (reasonably) close to a herd of elephants; a beautiful boat trip amongst crocodiles and hippos; and a stunning game drive amidst giraffes and a host of storks and weaver birds.
Menatime the hospitality and food here was second to none." See all these reviews: 7n in Tanzania
Highlights included a walking safari where we came (reasonably) close to a herd of elephants; a beautiful boat trip amongst crocodiles and hippos; and a stunning game drive amidst giraffes and a host of storks and weaver birds.
Menatime the hospitality and food here was second to none." See all these reviews: 7n in Tanzania
Experience Report
Overall Rating:
Excellent
Location:
Excellent
Service:
Excellent
Activities:
Excellent
Rooms:
Excellent
Food:
Excellent
Facilities:
Excellent
Mr JC
SE London
"Great Sand Rivers experience"
3 nights Arrived 20 Oct 2009
"Wonderful location, the staff were excellent as was the food! Plenty of safari options during our 4 days there and we would really recommend the fly camping experience. We saw plenty of wildlife and it was always just us watching, there were not loads of other Land Rovers suddenly appearing.
The knowledge of our guide Edson was superb and he went out of his way to make sure we were happy and comfortable. The rooms were very comfortable and had fabulous views overlooking the river where we could listen to and watch plenty of hippos. The management and staff at Sand Rivers were also very friendly and made us feel very welcome.
Highly recommended." See all these reviews: 12n in Zanzibar; 5n in Tanzania
The knowledge of our guide Edson was superb and he went out of his way to make sure we were happy and comfortable. The rooms were very comfortable and had fabulous views overlooking the river where we could listen to and watch plenty of hippos. The management and staff at Sand Rivers were also very friendly and made us feel very welcome.
Highly recommended." See all these reviews: 12n in Zanzibar; 5n in Tanzania
Experience Report
Overall Rating:
Excellent
Location:
Excellent
Service:
Excellent
Activities:
Excellent
Rooms:
Excellent
Food:
Excellent
Facilities:
Excellent
Mr & Mrs ME
W London
"Sand Rivers Camp review"
4 nights Arrived 15 Sep 2009
"The team at camp (Lynne, Steve and Sarah) and our guide (Anafi) were all excellent and very relaxed. The situation of the camp is stunning.
The food was delicious and there was a great mix of being able to spend time both by ourselves and join other guests." See all these reviews: 8n in Zanzibar; 4n in Tanzania
The food was delicious and there was a great mix of being able to spend time both by ourselves and join other guests." See all these reviews: 8n in Zanzibar; 4n in Tanzania
Experience Report
Overall Rating:
Excellent
Location:
Excellent
Service:
Excellent
Activities:
Excellent
Rooms:
Excellent
Food:
Excellent
Facilities:
Excellent
Mr K
Channel Islands
"Messing about in boats"
3 nights Arrived 5 Sep 2009
"After the heat and dryness of Ruaha it was nice to be next to the water and what a fantastic location. This is a special place and should be on anyones list of camps to visit in Tanzania. There is a relaxed atmosphere and the staff really make you feel wanted. The advantage of being here are the water activities, the fishing is good the boat trips enjoyable (even being hit by a hippo did not take the shine off the trip).
Are there any negatives, well yes just one, the roads are unbelievably rough, over rocky outcrops most of the time, but this is a minor inconvienance for the beauty of the place and the variety of the wildlife, esp the birds.
Put it on your list of places to visit." See all these reviews: 14n in Tanzania
Are there any negatives, well yes just one, the roads are unbelievably rough, over rocky outcrops most of the time, but this is a minor inconvienance for the beauty of the place and the variety of the wildlife, esp the birds.
Put it on your list of places to visit." See all these reviews: 14n in Tanzania
Experience Report
Overall Rating:
Excellent
Location:
Excellent
Service:
Excellent
Activities:
Excellent
Rooms:
Excellent
Food:
Excellent
Facilities:
Excellent
Mr & Mrs W
Andover
"What a lot of lions!"
5 nights Arrived 20 Aug 2009
"Our flight to Sands River was diverted to Beho Beho because of problems with the air strip, but it turned out to be a bonus because Edson our guide had located a pride of lions devouring a zebra which he took us to see on the way to the lodge - it was a great introduction to the Sands River Area. T
he different environments, lakes, river, bush and marsh ensure a great variety of birds and animals and Sands River provide a great variety of ways to see and enjoy them which are really well organised. Won't say too much it will spoil the surprise!. Edson was a great guide, excellent driver, boatman and spotter who greatly added to our enjoyment of the holiday and kept us safe.
Drifting through the Stigler gorge was lovely - so peaceful - it would be a great shame if this part of the river trip was stopped - hopefully Sands River can come to some arrangement with their neighbours.
Early morning tea and coffee was a nice touch, especially if you were having a late breakfast.
If you go into the hot springs make sure you drink as soon as you come out otherwise you may feel a bit queer.
In summary Sands River is a great place difficult to sum up in words - much more effective than wrinkle cream!!!" See all these reviews: 10n in Tanzania
he different environments, lakes, river, bush and marsh ensure a great variety of birds and animals and Sands River provide a great variety of ways to see and enjoy them which are really well organised. Won't say too much it will spoil the surprise!. Edson was a great guide, excellent driver, boatman and spotter who greatly added to our enjoyment of the holiday and kept us safe.
Drifting through the Stigler gorge was lovely - so peaceful - it would be a great shame if this part of the river trip was stopped - hopefully Sands River can come to some arrangement with their neighbours.
Early morning tea and coffee was a nice touch, especially if you were having a late breakfast.
If you go into the hot springs make sure you drink as soon as you come out otherwise you may feel a bit queer.
In summary Sands River is a great place difficult to sum up in words - much more effective than wrinkle cream!!!" See all these reviews: 10n in Tanzania
Experience Report
Overall Rating:
Excellent
Location:
Excellent
Service:
Excellent
Activities:
Excellent
Rooms:
Excellent
Food:
Excellent
Facilities:
Excellent
Mr & Mrs B
Petersfiel
"Sand Rivers Camp review"
4 nights Arrived 12 Feb 2009
"thank you lynn and steve and staff fora great experience. you thought of everything."
See all these reviews: 14n in Tanzania; 7n in Zanzibar
Experience Report
Overall Rating:
Excellent
Location:
Excellent
Service:
Excellent
Activities:
Excellent
Rooms:
Excellent
Food:
Excellent
Facilities:
Excellent
Mr & Mrs B
Norfolk
"Sand Rivers Camp review"
4 nights Arrived 6 Feb 2009
"Excellent guide. A big plus to have your own guide. Great swimming pool."
See all these reviews: 21n in Tanzania
Experience Report
Overall Rating:
Good
Location:
Excellent
Service:
Good
Activities:
Excellent
Rooms:
Good
Food:
Good
Facilities:
Good
Mr & Mrs R
Middlesex
"Amazing Sand Rivers Camp"
3 nights Arrived 16 Dec 2008
"This was a fabulous experience with very friendly staff and interesting guests.
We are pleased we went to a different part of the Selous as the terrain was quite different. Unfortunately, the trip between the Impala Camp and Sand Rivers was very long taking about five hours, as a bridge had collapsed and we had to go the long way round.
Again, we had the same guide, Edson, throughout our stay and his vast knowledge was amazing, although we did have a little difficulty in understanding him sometimes. It took us a while to realise what a "lilac breasted lola" was!
As there were only a few other guests, there was never any feeling of over crowding and we both liked the fact in both camps the lay out of our bedroom facilities meant we were never aware of any one else.
The food was excellent and beautifully presented but it would have been nice to have a flannel, or something simlar, to wipe our hands with when we had a bush breakfast.
Our hosts, Lynne and Steve were delightful and as previously mentioned, it was nicer dining with other guests. Our final dinner was a surprise beach barbeque." See all these reviews: 8n in Tanzania; 7n in Zambia; 3n in Zanzibar
We are pleased we went to a different part of the Selous as the terrain was quite different. Unfortunately, the trip between the Impala Camp and Sand Rivers was very long taking about five hours, as a bridge had collapsed and we had to go the long way round.
Again, we had the same guide, Edson, throughout our stay and his vast knowledge was amazing, although we did have a little difficulty in understanding him sometimes. It took us a while to realise what a "lilac breasted lola" was!
As there were only a few other guests, there was never any feeling of over crowding and we both liked the fact in both camps the lay out of our bedroom facilities meant we were never aware of any one else.
The food was excellent and beautifully presented but it would have been nice to have a flannel, or something simlar, to wipe our hands with when we had a bush breakfast.
Our hosts, Lynne and Steve were delightful and as previously mentioned, it was nicer dining with other guests. Our final dinner was a surprise beach barbeque." See all these reviews: 8n in Tanzania; 7n in Zambia; 3n in Zanzibar
Experience Report
Overall Rating:
Excellent
Location:
Excellent
Service:
Excellent
Activities:
Excellent
Rooms:
Excellent
Food:
Excellent
Facilities:
Excellent
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