AREA & ACTIVITIES

Habitat & Wildlife
The Selinda Reserve is a private safari concession owned by the Great Plains Foundation which covers an area of some 1350 square kilometres between the northern reaches of the Okavango Delta and the Kwando/Linyanti river system, straddling the Selinda (or Magwegqana) Spillway. The habitat of the area is an interesting contrast of open floodplains, thick salt bush, riverine forest, and the swampland created by the spillway itself.

The birdlife is prolific and the many varieties of kingfishers, bee-eaters, eagles, ducks, egrets, plovers, herons, cranes, storks, geese, woodpeckers, shrikes, thrushes, buntings, chats, owls and parrots are just some of the many different species found. The area is good for predators with resident lion prides and regular sightings of leopard and wild dog. Cheetah are more elusive these days and not often encountered. General game is very good, especially from May to November, and animals likely to be seen include elephant, hippo, kudu, impala, zebra, tsessebe and giraffe. Recently, Great Plains have been involved with the relocation of rhino back into Botswana, though they are still very hard to find.

Night drives can be productive with chances to see nocturnally-active species such as bat- eared fox, spring hare, leopard, aardwolf, porcupine, aardvark, bushbaby, civet, genet, white-tailed mongoose, serval and African wild cat.

Activities
Selinda is a classic big game destination and game drives are the main activity, operated in the mornings and afternoon. The afternoon drives are often extended into night drives before dinner, though it is also possible to do more dedicated night drives after dinner.

Walking is available too, led by excellent walking guides, and walks can vary in focus and duration, very much depending on the interests of the guest. We do however tend to feel that dedicated or experienced walkers should consider Selinda’s sister camp, Selinda Explorers, if they are looking for a walking orientated safari.

The Selinda Spillway has held enough water since 2010 to offer boat cruises, though year by year the water levels are receding again. Being out on the water is usually more about viewing the water orientated wildlife such as hippos and crocodiles, and enjoying the birdlife and the beautiful scenery, including wonderful sunsets on afternoon cruises. However, you never know when you will encounter elephants crossing the channel! As the camp itself is based on the northern side of the spillway and the airstrip and some of the main game viewing areas are located to the south, all guests will enjoy short boat cruises up and down the spillway during their stay, even if they don’t opt for a boat cruise activity. Fishing is possible too, from March to December.

Seasons
Selinda is open all year, though game viewing is best from June to early November. Fishing is not permitted in Botswana during January and February.