Sand Rivers by Jamie Dunford Wood

Sand Rivers stands in one of the most remote parts of Africa, 100s of miles from the nearest village. There are only a clutch of camps in this reserve, so for those who really want to get off the beaten track, this is the place. Run by John Corse, they have only 16 beds, arranged in open sided bandas in a clearing above the Rufiji River. Very noisy wildlife in the morning, but a spectacular place to go on walking safaris - fly camping is a speciality.

Home cooked food to a high standard is eaten on a thatched, open-sided terrace with 270 degree views over the river and the bush, to the lazy snort of hippos way below. Great for a sundowner, a game of backgammon or meaningful conversation under the stars. All guest eat together. They have a small pool.

Rampant birdlife, plenty of buffalo and elephant, so it is advisable to walk under escort back to your banda after dinner. Monkeys crash around in the early morning. For a real experience of the neighbourhood, go fly camping - sleeping in the bush under nothing but a mozzy net.