Sable Mountain Lodge

Nyerere National Park, Tanzania

A soulful safari retreat above the forest canopy

Set on a forested ridge overlooking the vast wilderness of Nyerere National Park, Sable Mountain Lodge is an intimate safari escape where elevated views meet authentic bush immersion. One of the original camps in Selous, it blends rustic charm with sustainability, being the first fully solar-powered lodge in the reserve.

With sweeping views of mountains, valleys and wildlife-rich plains, the property offers a warm, homely atmosphere rooted in conservation and community. Stone cottages and open-fronted tents are thoughtfully positioned to maximise connection with the surrounding landscape.

Owned by A Tent With a View

Key features

Freshwater swimming pool with waterhole system

Restaurant and bar (including the “Land Rover’s Return” pub)

Lounge and communal dining spaces

Hideout overlooking a wildlife waterhole

Solar-powered lodge (lighting and hot water)

Guided safari activities (game drives, boat safaris, walking safaris)

Private terraces with panoramic views

Standout features

Elevated ridge location with sweeping mountain and bush views

One of the first solar-powered lodges in Selous

Direct access to Nyerere National Park

Waterhole fed by recycled pool water attracting wildlife

Intimate, characterful lodge with strong community roots

Excellent sightings of wild dogs, elephants, lions and diverse wildlife

Number of rooms

6 Stone Cottages
4 Tented Rooms (including suites with best views)
1 three-bedroom family villa

Each room includes:

- En-suite bathroom

- Private terrace or viewing deck

- Solar-powered electricity and hot water

Price range

Mid-range safari lodge

Suitable for families, couples and safari travellers seeking a relaxed, authentic bush experience with excellent guiding and varied safari activities

Signature experiences

Explore Nyerere National Park on classic game drives with expert guides

Take a boat safari on Lake Tagalala, spotting hippos and crocodiles

Walk the bush at dawn on a guided walking safari, discovering smaller wildlife and tracks

Enjoy sundowners at the Land Rover’s Return bar overlooking the wilderness

Watch wildlife gather at the lodge’s waterhole hideout

Relax by the pool after safari with panoramic views across the forested hills

Discover one of Africa’s best locations for wild dog sightings

Where

A Tent With a View (ATWAV) operates in the Serengeti, Saadani and Nyerere (formerly Selous) national parks as well as on the shores of Lake Victoria and Zanzibar Island.

What

Using their own small, bespoke safari camps and hotels, ATWAV can operate a plethora of tours throughout Tanzania and arrange all ground handling for groups or tailor-mades. Everything they do is underpinned by clearly articulated sustainable travel goals and their amazing Bush Rover camps need to be seen to be believed.

When

ATWAV started when David and Masa opened their first camp in Saadani. In 1999, they opened a second camp in Selous Game Reserve followed by The Zanzibari - a boutique hotel on Zanzibar Island - in 2009. 2017 saw their biggest innovations to date - the Bush Rover Migration Camp in Serengeti and a new camp on Lake Victoria called ‘Little Okavango’.

Why

David Guthrie’s passion for wildlife brought him to Tanzania in 1990, where he worked as a guide. Known for his work on elephant conservation and anti-poaching, he also leads ATWAV’s SDG Centres, supporting Zanzibar education, Tanzania’s first girls’ sports academy, and Saadani conservation projects.

Who

David Guthrie, a Brit, and Masoud “Masa” Kilanga, a Tanzanian, have been at the very heart of the operation since it all began in 1995. David’s innovative ideas are put into practice by Masa’s amazing engineering skills. Tara joined the team in 2009 and heads up marketing from the UK.

Positive impact statement

Committed to lasting positive change through education, empowerment and conservation, A Tent With a View is an active champion of the UN Sustainability Development Goals (UNSDG's)

Their SDG Centres in Zanzibar provide extra tuition and skills for local children. The company is also the major driving force behind the local Girls’ Sports Academy that builds confidence, health, and opportunity for young women. In Saadani, they have established a research centre protecting endangered turtles and lions, and preserving East Africa’s only coastal wildlife reserve for future generations.