Sand Rivers Selous

This stylish but rustic camp has nabbed the most beautiful spot in Africa’s biggest wilderness park, the unheralded Selous.

While oozing history and class, Sand Rivers isn’t over the top – it’s ideal for those who don’t want crowds, but do want big, comfortable rooms open to the breezes and sounds of the wild, along with good food and wine.

Don’t come here if you just want the Big Five, fast; this is true bush life – unspoilt, raw and vast, with a smattering of game to be found. One main perk is the amount of space – it is miles away from any other camps – but this does mean the best game is found on the plains an hour’s drive away.

The camp is a great place to hang out, swim, read and watch the (wild) world go by. In the camp’s raised, open-fronted stone and thatch cottages, beds are enormous, the showers strong and hot, and views of the mile-wide Rufiji River are spectacular. You can watch hippos from bed while sipping tea.

Children over the age of 8 are welcome. However, fly camping and walking safaris are for children over 12 only.