Overview
Wild Nyere
Sand Rivers is situated in the northern part of the vast Nyere National Park with rustic yet luxurious accommodation set along the banks of the Rufiji River.
It has just eight stone and thatched cottages, all are open-fronted and raised on decks overlooking the river, including three slightly larger suites which add larger living areas and a private plunge pool. An outdoor pool, an open-air dining room, bar and lounge are the heart of the lodge with wonderful views across a sweeping curve of the Rufiji River.
Activities at River Sands are tailored to suit each guest, whether it's game drives, walking safaris, fishing or boating. Sand Rivers can also organize fly camping under mosquito nets on dry riverbeds within the reserve for those after a truly wild night.
Facts
At a glance
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Five riverside cottages
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Three suites with plunge pools
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Swimming pool
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Lounge and dining area
Experiences
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![Sands River Selous7]()
Game drives
At Sand Rivers our open-sided 4x4 vehicles are a great way of seeing things and for covering a bit of distance when that's what's needed. Plus they often give the best platform for spotting and photographing the diverse wildlife that calls the park home.
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![Sands River Selous19]()
Walking safaris
Often the best way to see things, to avoid scattering animals from the lakeshore, or spooking a herd of elephants as they feed their way through a stretch of lush grassland, is to hop down and quietly work our way into a good position on foot. Walking in the bush takes safari down to a slower pace, and is a chance to learn, touch and feel Africa, to get a glimpse at the incredible flora and little critters that call it home.
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![Sand rivers selous boat]()
Boating
Being on the river - never mind the game - is a fantastic contrast to time spent in a vehicle. Drifting silently downstream, gently spiraling in the current, watching the river banks unfold is hard to beat.
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![Sands River Selous5]()
Fly camping
A classic activity here, the chance to spend a night in true wilderness with nothing but a fly net between you, the great outdoors, wildlife and the stars is a rare and special thing.
Community & Culture
Nomad was founded on the belief that to make a meaningful contribution to the conservation of wildlife, the needs of people must also be considered, making sure that it is they feel the benefit from keeping wild places safe. Nomad uses their reach and logistics – planes, cars, camps and teams – to reach deep into some of the most remote parts of Tanzania with health and education outreach.
Conservation
Nomad supports numerous conservation project across the region. The Nyerere National Park (formerly the Selous Game Reserve) has sadly been severely affected by ivory poaching in the last decade, and the elephant population suffered enormously. Nomad helps fund the Selous Elephant Research Program run by Tanzania Wildlife Research Institute (TAWIRI) in the Selous.
Since this project started at the end of 2017, seven elephants have been collared to help track the movements of their herds and therefore identify areas where they may be more vulnerable to poachers, which will then dictate how anti-poaching teams will be deployed and managed. The TAWIRI team also work on gathering data on herd family structures, herd movements, and overall health and population growth of the elephants around our camps and in the wider Selous area. The overarching goal is to assess the current population and help develop conservation strategies, alongside park authorities and local communities, that will see the return of growing elephant populations in this epic wilderness.
Example trips
Get inspired
Browse our example trips and get in contact to start planning your very own adventure.
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Example trips
Get inspired
Browse our example trips and get in contact to start planning your very own adventure.
What makes us different
Why Niarra
Niarra Travel is a forward-thinking travel company headquartered in London born out of a passion to do things differently.
In Swahili, a Bantu language spoken by millions in Eastern, Central and Southern Africa, the name Niara means "with utmost purpose" and our team are united by a passion for exploration and a belief that the right kind of travel can make the world a better place.
Our Travel Researchers are here to create incredible trips with a positive impact for you.
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Unforgettable experiences
Creating your trip is entirely collaborative and our Travel Researchers are here for every step.
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Positive impact
Curated sustainable experiences and accommodation that maximize the benefits to local people and place.
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Fairness and transparency
An open, competitive pricing structure that ensures more money goes to where it's needed in the destination.
