Arrive in Maun or Kasane and join your seat in plane camp transfer to the Selinda Reserve.
THE SELINDA RESERVE
The Selinda Reserve is a 320,00-acre private concession in northern Botswana at the crossroads of some of northern Botswana’s most prolific wildlife areas; upstream from Savute Channel and Chobe National Park and north of the expanding reaches of the greater Okavango Delta. This unique position gives it the advantages of both of these famous areas but with the tremendous advantage of exclusivity. It is a truly spectacular and varied landscape that boasts staggering wildlife populations in diverse habitats year-round.
Home to some of the classic species, such as leopard, lion, elephant, buffalo, red lechwe, zebra and giraffe, it is also a refuge for some of the more uncommon species such as African wild dog, cheetah, roan and sable antelopes. And for birders, it will not disappoint. The African skimmer colony is a highlight, as are the antics of the black egret on the shores of Zibadianja Lagoon. From camp, hippos are visible in the lagoon and elephant wander through regularly.
ZARAFA CAMP
Zarafa Camp is an intimate, four room exquisite tented camp located on the 320,000 acre Selinda Reserve in northern Botswana, an area linking the Okavango Delta and the Chobe/Savute corridors. Its villa, the Dhow Suites, consist of two tents and private main area and operates entirely independently of main camp. Few camps rival the location of this little gem, Botswana’s first and only Relais & Chateaux property. Overlooking the crystal waters Zibadianja Lagoon, the source of the famous Savute Channel, every area of camp has a magnificent view. The lagoon is also the water source for a tremendous population of wildlife – dry season sightings boast buffalo and elephant by the hundreds.
Zarafa Camp and Dhow Suites are the brainchild of the founders of Great Plains Conservation, who pooled their collective experience on safari to create what they deemed to be the best and most environmentally innovative camp. As a consequence, Zarafa may in fact be the “greenest” luxury safari camp on the continent. Only recycled hardwoods and canvas were used in the construction and all the camp’s electricity comes from its solar farm while a ‘bio-gas’ system recycles vegetable waste into usable cooking gas.
The Zarafa Camp guest tents, 1000 sq. ft in size are under beige, flowing canvas, with canopy ceilings and completely open (yet netted) sides. Entering through the heavy wood Lamu door transports guests to a lavish space of deep reds, browns, brass and copper, evoking richness and beauty. Each tent has a full lounge and a gas fireplace. The large bedroom is connected to an open layout bathroom with impressive copper claw foot bath, indoor shower, separate loo and double basins.
Decking around the tent leads to the private plunge pool and outdoor shower, all with views of pristine Botswana wilderness. Under an impressive canopy of African ebony trees, the camp has a sizable main lounge, with adjacent library and dining area. Zarafa has succeeded in successfully in retaining a clearly African feel, while balancing that delicate relationship between personal and informal and romance and adventure. With a maximum of just eight guests, Zarafa Camp offers complete flexibility. While drives do focus on the most comfortable and productive times of day, early morning and late afternoon, full day drives, walks and boating (water level dependent) are great ways to fill the day at Zarafa.
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SELINDA EXPLORERS CAMP
Selinda Explorers Camp is a classic camp that transports guests back to the time of authentic safaris, but with a modern twist and hospitality. The camp’s focal point is the Bedouin-style main area consisting of a lounge and separate dining room. The four guest tents provide comfort and style but with a magnificently raw spirit. Subtly placed under the shade of the riverine forest, the camp is designed in the style of the early explorers both in philosophy and practice. This authentic tented camp draws on traditions of the classic East African safari with beautifully detailed campaign style furniture made from recycled hard woods, and soft furnishings from Zanzibar and the East. The custom-designed tents consist of two rooms plus verandah, as well as a private open air ‘bustani bathroom’ with hot water showers and flush loo. All tents are at ground level, including the main lounge and dining area. This is an unassuming camp, light on its footprint but heavy on its experiential luxury.
The atmosphere of the lodge is one of bush elegance with relaxed bohemian style, complemented by attentive staff, private professional service and fabulous food. With a maximum of only 8 guests Selinda Explorers Camp focuses primarily on the traditional safaris of walking and canoeing when the Selinda Spillway is flooding. All guides are firearm trained and will be armed on walks and canoes.
Game drives are offered, both day and night, but are a supplement to other activities as opposed to the emphasis. If the cool shade of the canvas and trees simply isn’t enough to quell the midday heat, then grab the guide and go for a swim in the refreshing waters of the Spillway.
Another day on safari to explore the camp and enjoy the many activities on offer.
It is time to leave the Selinda Reserve and travel via seat in plane camp transfer to the Okavango Delta.
THE OKAVANGO DELTA
The placid waters and lush indigenous forests offer a safe haven for innumerable bird and wildlife species. The renowned Duba Plains Camp sits in the heart of classic Okavango Delta habitat. A matrix of palmdotted islands, flood plains and woodland, the 77,000 hectare private concession typifies the region’s unique landscape. Many consider Duba Plains to be the Okavango’s Maasai Mara because of the sheer volume of wildlife.
Duba Plains prides itself on its extraordinary wildlife experiences with reliable sightings of lion, buffalo, red lechwe, blue wildebeest, greater kudu and tsessebe. Elephant and hippo trudge through the swamps and leopard, and some nocturnal species, can be sighted as well. Birds abound, and the area is a birdwatcher’s paradise. Okavango ‘specials’ include the rare wattled crane, Pel’s Fishing owl, whitebacked nigh theron and marsh owl. Great Plains Conservation is the only operator on the concession, offering guests the ultimate opportunity for private wildlife sightings.
DUBA PLAINS CAMP
Duba Plains Camp is a wildlife connoisseur’s getaway to the Okavango Delta. Built on a wooded island, connected to the prolific wildlife area by an elaborate set of bridges, the camp is the base of many famous wildlife documentaries by National Geographic filmmakers Dereck and Beverly Joubert. The intimate camp consists of five traditional-style tents and the 2 bedroom Duba Plains Suite. All sit on raised decking, each with views of the surrounding floodplain and the steady stream of wildlifeparading past. Each tent has a lounge area, a private verandah, beautifully appointed en-suite facilities consisting of flush loo, double basins and indoor and outdoor showers and luxurious baths.
Guests will be able to enjoy their own private plunge pool and outdoor under cover sala/day rest area. The main area consists of a large raised dining room, and a comfortable lounge with private dining areas, wine cellar, library, and chef’s kitchen with ample space for guests to either find a privacy or come together.
The camp’s centre-point is the gathering place of all bush experiences, the fire place on an extended deck into the swamp. Duba Plain’s Toyota Land Cruisers are aptly named ‘Swamp Vehicles’ due to their extra-high suspension and absolutely huge tyres uniquely designed to traverse the floodplains. Duba Plains offers Botswana’s best land safari as well as an Okavango Delta experience, from wildlife viewing and birding or fishing from the boat, to walking and exciting drives with knowledgeable guides and friendly hosts.
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DUBA EXPLORERS CAMP
The intimate camp consists of six expedition-style tents of light airy canvas on slightly raised decking, each with views of the surrounding floodplain. Each tent has a small desk and private verandah plus en-suite facilities consisting of flush loo, double basins and indoor shower. Fans and careful open-air design maintain comfortable climate for rest and relaxation. The main area is under sweeping marquee canvas, on raised decking and consists of an open-concept dining and lounge area which opens to the outdoors on all sides. In the evenings, the fire pit is always a popular spot to enjoy an Amarula and recount the day’s events.
Duba Explorer’s Toyota Land Cruisers are aptly named ‘Swamp Vehicles’ due to their extra-high suspension and absolutely huge tyres uniquely designed to traverse the floodplains. Duba Explorers Camp is a combination activity-based camp, allowing guests to explore the Okavango Delta’s permanent channels by boat when water levels allow, as well as open game drive vehicle safaris. This is truly an invigorating, yet peaceful experience, allowing for wildlife and birding viewing from the boat. Guided game walks with licensed, armed guides are available, and these can be combined with boat cruise or game drive.
Another day on safari to explore the camp and enjoy the many activities on offer.
