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Selinda Camp is located in the 320,000 acre Selinda Reserve of northern Botswana along the eastern banks of the Selinda Spillway, near the confluence of the Linyanti, Savute and Kwando Rivers.
At the peak of dry season, this concession boasts elephants by the thousands and regular sightings of the Selinda pack of African wild dogs.
The Selinda Reserve is west (upstream) from Savute Channel and Chobe, so it has all the advantages of both of those famous areas but with the tremendous advantage of exclusivity. It is a truly spectacular and unique landscape.
Each of Selinda Camp's eight spacious, sturdy canvas tents is shaded with thatch roofing and raised on wooden decks with a large private verandah for a slice of one’s own private Africa.
Each tent has a small seating area and desk. One of the tents is a family unit, consisting of two bedrooms and two bathrooms connected by a wrap-around deck. Selinda’s commanding main lounge and dining area is raised with views of the Spillway. Nearby is the large walk-in wine cellar and art gallery as well as the curio shop. After the day’s events, the pool is a welcome respite, and then a drink around the fire pit rounds out the day.
Suites
On arriving at Selinda Camp, one is struck by the grand architecture of the main area. The high-beamed ceilings and traditional thatch roof coupled with the raised wooden foundation keep the area cool in the African sun. The main lounge has been designed around the four basic elements of nature: water, air, earth and fire. Each element is also complemented by local art. Upon entering the open-air thatched main area, bright touches of blue evoke the imagery of water. Large sculpted mekoros (dugout canoes), painted by world-renowned artist Keith Joubert are the focal points. Perched off the main lounge, is a quaint tea verandah. Here, billowing soft fabrics in light colors provide shade and ambiance in the spirit of air. And the journey continues to the element of earth, manifested in the dining spaces - either under thatch or under the stars - where naturally wholesome food and African wines served table d’hôte providing sustenance. And as the day ends, a tradition continues: the exchange of philosophy, laughter, folklore and stories of safari often communed by nature's final element of fire. The evening open-air fireside is a seductive end to the day in the bush. Just adjacent to the fire pit, “Zanzibari” doors lead down to a generous wine cellar. Here, a selection of wines of the region and Europe are available. Meals are generally table d’hôte and include a light breakfast at dawn, a hearty brunch on return from the morning activity, afternoon tea and snacks before the afternoon activity, rounded off with a sumptuous dinner in the evening. Special meals and dietary requirements can be catered for on request. Next to the cellar is a gallery, where inspiration comes in the form of fine art, including a sample of the collected photographic works of Beverly Joubert paying tribute to her stunning work with National Geographic. The gallery is a place for quiet reflection, reading and learning. Above the gallery, many other local wares are available for purchase in the curio shop. Each of Selinda Camp's eight spacious, sturdy canvas tents are shaded with thatch roofing and are raised on wooden decks. Comfortable three-quarter sized beds dressed in fine linen are draped with flowing mosquito nets to complete the romantic atmosphere. Each bed can be joined seamlessly to create a grand extra-large double bed. Ceiling fans, combined with roof vents, bring the African breeze in, cooling the surrounds. For moments of reflection, a writing desk and lounge furniture provide a private respite. A large private verandah, extends into the bush and provides each tent with a slice of it's own private Africa. Selinda’s little surprise is the extended en-suite dressing and dual basin vanity area and bathroom complete with a deep stone bath and antique shower - accessible via sliding wood doors, for privacy or an open-air feel and guaranteed luxury. If the cool shade of the thatch simply isn't enough to quell the midday heat, then a plunge pool is tucked away from the main area. Offering privacy and lush surrounds, it is a fabulous afternoon retreat. In-room massages are available (at additional cost).
Room Facilities
Balcony / Deck, Bath Towels, Bath, Bed Linen, Complimentary Wi-Fi, Dressing Gowns, Electrical Outlets, En Suite Bathroom, Ensuite, Fan, Hairdryer, Hand Towels, Laundry Service (Complimentary), Mini Bar (Complimentary), Mosquito Nets, Mosquito Netting, Plunge Pool, Private Lounge / Sitting Area, Pure Cotton Linen, Queen Bed, Safe, Sala, Shower, Twin Bed, Wardrobe
The Selinda Suite
The Selinda Suite, consists of a two-bedroom tented suite. The Selinda Suite operates exclusively, as guests enjoy their own private vehicle, safari guide, chef, manager/butler and entrance to their residence.
Property Facilities
Bar, Battery Charging Facilities, Eco Friendly, Kiddies Club, Library, Spa, Vegetarian
Room Facilities
Air Conditioning, Balcony / Deck, Bath, Complimentary Wi-Fi, Dressing Gowns, Electrical Outlets, Fan, Internet Access (Complimentary), Laundry Service (Complimentary), Lounge Area, Mini Bar (Complimentary), Mosquito Nets, Plunge Pool, Pure Cotton Linen, Safe, Sala, Shower, Tea / Coffee, Verandah
Available Services
24-hour Security, Credit Card Facilities, Laundry Service (Complimentary), Private Vehicle (Available)
Activities on Site
Big 5, Bird Watching, Boating, Catch-and-release Fishing, Fine Dining, Fishing, Game Drives, Game Viewing, Game Walks, Helicopter Scenic Flights, Massages, Night Drives, Safaris, Walks (Guided), Wildlife Tours
Activities Nearby
Cultural Tours, Helicopter Scenic Flights
While at Selinda Camp there is no set routine, the wildlife knows the most forgiving times of day, and we take its lead. Early morning, late afternoon and evenings are the prime game viewing times - it's when the colors are vibrant, the sun is low and spirits are up. Setting out at dawn, when predators are active, our guides are as keen as the guests to discover the riches of each day in Selinda Reserve. Usually, once the sun is high and strong, we retreat with the herds to our midday resting post, Selinda Camp. Then, as the sun begins to wane again, we head out for the late afternoon to evening, searching for nocturnal wildlife and the action that comes with sunset. But nothing is regimented. Regimes don't suit Selinda, which is why we all love being out here in the first place. Our Toyota Land Cruisers have been specially designed by the Jouberts. The thoughtful engineering provides all-round visibility with removable canvas roofs, and comfortable bucket seats. These rugged, 4X4 vehicles provide access to all of the Selinda Reserve's diverse ecosystems, and do so with ease. 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.
Another huge benefit of staying within the conservancies is that here guests are allowed to appreciate the stunning landscape on foot, peacefully, without the noise of engines. We highly recommend this unforgettable experience. 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 is primarily a land-based camp; however, depending on seasonal water levels boating is possible on the Spillway in the camp powerboat. Zipping through the Okavango’s network of waterways is an invigorating way to get a sense of the scope of this huge wetland. You’ll undoubtedly have wonderful birding and maybe even some hippo, buffalo and elephant sightings.
This is a great activity during mid-day siesta or in place of a game-drive. During January and February there is a moratorium on fishing. All fishing it catch-and-release.
This is a full syllabus of bush craft skills for 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.
Each of Selinda's guest suites comes with a pair of high-quality binoculars for guest use as well as a professional camera set, including a camera body and lenses. Photos will be downloaded to a memory stick on guest’s departure. Photographic tuition through the Great Plains Wild Studio can be arranged for guests (at an additional cost and booked in advance). Tuition can be either on company cameras or own guest’s personal cameras.
The Spa at Selinda is a relaxing and inviting space, located privately above the wine cellar. Spa treatments are at an additional cost.
Enjoy an aerial viewing experience with great scenery across the Linyanti/Savuti and Selinda Spillway. Add a 15-minute champagne stop on palm island en route. Must be booked in advance and is subject to extra cost and availability.
