9-day Abundant Vic Falls & Botswana

Bakwena is the proud owner of six game vehicles allowing extended drives to suit guests and the chance to linger longer at game sightings.

Early bird and sedate afternoon drives ensure every box is ticked. Experienced guides with extensive knowledge of the Chobe National Park provide an entertaining and educational addition to your safari

There are boat cruises then there are Chobe cruises. Exquisite and beyond comparison the Chobe river boasts one of the highest concentrations of wildlife on the planet. Float past every creature on this continent great and small.

Time stands still, mirages of herds of elephant swimming and predators in slow motion. Salute the break of dawn with a strong brewed coffee or swirl gin and tonic at the pace of a setting sun.

Village Walkabout

In the words of Bakwena’s Adam Young “The cultural exchange is a means for us to break down a social barrier, transforming us into a ‘we’ based community.” Unlike the majority of developing countries Botswana has no slum areas. Integration rather than segregation is a way of life here just as human and wildlife conflict is reduced through day to day co-existence.

There is a tangible sense of integrity that sets this country apart. Through its government policies and conservation initiatives Botswana has raised the bar for fellow Africans.

Pedal Power

With 20 Cruiser bikes built for comfort Bakwena guests can safely enjoy the sights, sounds and scents of Africa. The sense of personal freedom and space is worth the effort, not to mention the excitement of seeing an elephant en route! Tours include the neighbouring village which can be guided or unguided on request.

Canoeing the Selinda Spillway is one of the most unique experiences in southern Africa. The two person Canadian style canoes are situated in front of the camp for use at anytime. An ideal morning or afternoon trip would be to paddle down the spillway and to then walk back to camp, or be met by a vehicle for a safari drive on your return. Canoeing is seasonal and dependent on water levels in the Selinda Spillway.

One of the core activities at Selinda Explorers Camp is to enjoy a guided walk. It’s also a huge benefit of staying within the conservancies. Walks allow you to appreciate the stunning landscape around us on foot, peacefully, without the noise of engines. Talk to the managers to arrange a good time and location for a walk. Usually early morning or evening is the best time, as the middle of the day is too hot to venture out of the shade. Wear good walking shoes, a hat, and neutral coloured clothing so as not to alarm the wildlife, and take binoculars. Your guide will have water for you.

Selinda Explorers Camp focuses primarily on the traditional safaris of walking and canoeing. Safari drives are offered, both day and night, but are a supplement to other activities as opposed to the emphasis.

Your drives will be planned for you so that you get the most out of your stay. The best times to be out are from first light for the morning drive, and in the soft light in the afternoon continuing until after dark. These are the times when most of the action is likely to happen and the photographic light is at its best.

Please remember that the cars are open and it can be quite chilly in the early mornings and evenings, so take very warm clothing with you on your drives. There are lined ponchos provided in the vehicles if you get cold while out, so just ask your guide to show you where these are if you need them.

A full syllabus of bush craft skills for our young explorers. This is a complimentary program that follows in the footsteps of National Geographic Explorers-in-Residence, Dereck and Beverly Joubert. An extensive pack will be provided to eager children on arrival, so they can learn about animal calls, how to track wildlife, and other facts and figures about the wild. At the end of a child’s stay, he/she will become a Young Explorer and Conservation Ambassador - ready to go out and tell the world about what they have learned and what they too can do to help protect this beautiful environment.

Fly-fishing and rod/reel kit is available for those who want to try their cast at the local fish (except January and February when there is a moratorium on fishing).

This is a dug out canoe poled by an experienced poler in the shallower waters of the Okavango. It is a great way to see the waterways and is tranquil and quiet. These excursions take place in the mornings or longer day trips can be arranged. Explore the islands around camp and come back rested and rejuvenated.

Walking safaris are also conducted generally in the morning with armed guides. The walks are leisurely and time is taken to observe the smaller things in the bush that one normally misses when driving. Walking is weather dependent, or dependent on the condition of the terrain.

Game drives are conducted in the mornings and afternoon/evenings at camp. They usually last about three hours each and are conducted along the river systems and flood plains around the camp. The wildlife in the area is prolific and chances are good to see some of the larger predators, herds of elephant and buffalo and all the plains animals that occur here. Night drives are conducted in the early evening offering one a chance to see the smaller more nocturnal animals with spotlights.

Taking a water safari by boat offers up a completely different world. Based at water level you will see creatures and details that you would otherwise miss from the land.