About Selinda Camp
The high-quality Selinda Camp has a beautiful location within the 1,300km² Selinda Reserve in northern Botswana.
There’s long been a camp here with a focus on big game safaris. Rebuilt and upgraded in 2019, the latest version of Selinda offers luxury accommodation and a high standard of service, from the camp beautifully built on the banks of the Selinda Spillway.
We know Selinda well, and it's long been one of our favourites. Game sightings in the rainy season can be hit or miss, perhaps more so in this area than in other parts of Botswana, but they improve substantially as the dry season progresses. The camp's quality has always been high, but the recent upgrade now matches high service levels, delicious food and excellent guiding with luxurious rooms.
Our view
We know Selinda well, and it's long been one of our favourites. Game sightings in the rainy season can be hit or miss, perhaps more so in this area than in other parts of Botswana, but they improve substantially as the dry season progresses. The camp's quality has always been high, but the recent upgrade now matches high service levels, delicious food and excellent guiding with luxurious rooms.
Country manager: Botswana
Accommodation
3 rooms, 1 suite
Children
Best for 12+
Open
All year
Activities
4WD Safari
Birdwatching
Boat trip
Guided walking safari
Helicopter
Night drive
Private activities
Traveller reviews of Selinda Camp
67 real, un-edited reviews from Expert Africa's travellers.
Expert Africa's gallery
When we travel we take lots of photos ourselves to give you a real and un-edited view of the safaris. See our 17 pictures of Selinda Camp to get the candid view.
View gallerySafaris visiting Selinda Camp
Just ideas, we'll always tailor-make a trip for you
Wildcat Safari
4 days • 2 locations • 1 country
MAUN AIRPORT TO MAUN AIRPORT
A short, high-quality safari staying at two lavish camps with excellent hospitality and guiding standards. The journey takes you from the wildlife-rich, lush Okavango Delta to dry open plains split by the meandering Selinda Spillway.
Visiting Kwando-Linyanti, Okavango Delta
US$9,700 - US$17,570 per person
Selinda Camp: Our full report
The high-quality Selinda Camp has a beautiful location within the 1,300km² Selinda Reserve in northern Botswana.
There’s long been a camp here with a focus on big game safaris. Rebuilt and upgraded in 2019, the latest version of Selinda offers luxury accommodation and a high standard of service, from the camp beautifully built on the banks of the Selinda Spillway.
Partly owned by renowned film-makers Dereck and Beverly Joubert, the Selinda Reserve has been made famous in their films for National Geographic. Wide, dry grasslands, dotted with waterholes and interspersed with palm-fringed 'islands' and stands of leadwood trees, cover the area as far as the eye can see. It's a picturesque, open environment and guests can spot animals a long way off. It's the perfect environment for following predators like wild dogs on hunting sorties.
Selinda Camp shares the reserve with its sister camps, the relatively simple Selinda Explorers, and the opulent Zarafa Camp. It overlooks the Selinda – or Magwegqana – Spillway; a vital ancient watercourse linking the Okavango Delta to the Kwando–Linyanti River drainage system. Although previously dry for decades, the spillway has flowed annually since a particularly good rainy season in 2006.
None of the Expert Africa team have seen the new incarnation of Selinda Camp as yet, but here’s what we know about it.
The main area at Selinda Camp is spread across one vast, open-plan central platform with panoramic views across the surrounding channels and floodplains. Constructed of wood and overlapping, multi-height A-frame thatch roofs, it has a lovely viewing deck, dining space and relaxing lounge area, with plenty of comfy sofas. The décor and design are influenced by a variety of Botswana cultures – European, Mokololo and Bayei – with the overall theme paying homage to the elements of Water, Air, Earth and Fire.
The camp also features a well-stocked curio shop and a submerged wine cellar, where a large stock of everything from house wines to premium champagnes are kept cool. Guests are encouraged to select wines they would prefer with dinner and Selinda also occasionally holds wine tastings. There’s also a spa offering massage treatments between activities, and a hide overlooking the spillway that’s particularly good for bird watching.
Reached along a sandy and well-lit path, Selinda Camp's three tented rooms are constructed of dark wood, with canvas walls under canvas-and-thatch roofs. Steps lead up to a large veranda made of salvaged wood and set with sofas, loungers and a plunge pool, all situated to make the most of the views.
Grand carved double doors open up into the bedroom. Large beds under a mosquito net canopy (with inbuilt ultrasound repellent device), leather chairs, beautiful throw rugs and bronze light fittings combine to create a feeling of opulence. Large ceiling to floor netted windows in the canvas walls offer views over the floodplains and let in plenty of light and breeze. Each room has a fan for use on hotter days and a solar powered air-conditioning system over the bed.
Double doors lead into an equally lavish en-suite bathroom with twin basins, indoor shower, toilet, and large bath with a view. Each tent also has an outdoor shower. Soap, shampoo, conditioner, lotion and hairdryers are provided.
Extra services in each room include Swarovski or Leica 8x42 binoculars, the complimentary use of a Canon 5D Mark IV Camera with selection of 100-400mm and 24-105mm lens for every guest, exercise bike, yoga mat and light weights.
In addition to the three tented rooms, there is the two-bedroom Selinda Suite. Similar in décor and design, the suite offers exclusive accommodation for up to four guests, including a private vehicle, private guide, chef and butler. The bedrooms are divided by a lounge and dining area leading onto a deck with a small pool.
Activities at Selinda Camp focus on morning and evening game drives, but full day drives can be arranged on request. The safari vehicles are built with photographers in mind and feature fold-down windscreens, raised roofs, photographic bars and multi-plug invertors. Boat trips are offered on the spillway when water levels allow, and rod/reel fishing is possible from March to December. Guided walks can also be arranged – it’s best to advise in advance if this is of particular interest.
One of the current Expert Africa team first visited Selinda Camp in 1992, and since then we've returned regularly. We've usually had fantastic game sightings from June until about November, but with the first rains, usually around November, the game disperses. During the rainy season (November–March), animals tend to be much harder to find – a pattern that's followed by most Botswana camps, although it's probably more marked in the Selinda Reserve, and the wider Kwando-Linyanti area. That said, a little luck can be had at any time of the year. In mid-November 2016, for example, we were treated to some phenomenal game viewing. The first morning was spent tracking a female leopard and her cub for an hour and a half, resulting in us find the cub resting up a tree in a hamerkop nest. We then stumbled across two male lions on an elephant carcass from the night before, and the following day we watched them join a pride of 14 feeding on a hippopotamus carcass!
On a previous trip, in April 2016, we enjoyed a catch-and-release fishing excursion. Assisted by our guide, we had successful catches of redbelly tilapia, catfish and bream. For those looking for a different activity on safari, or just wanting to be out of a vehicle for half a day, we highly recommend the fishing activity at Selinda when water levels allow.
Geographics
- Location
- Kwando-Linyanti area, Botswana
- Ideal length of stay
- A stay of three or four nights is typical at Selinda. The camp is usually combined with a camp in the Okavango Delta.
- Directions
- Selinda Camp is accessed by light aircraft from either Kasane (50-minute flight) or Maun (45-minute flight); it is then a 40-minute drive from the airstrip to the camp depending on what you see en route. During high-water season, the transfer from the airstrip is made via vehicle and boat.
- Accessible by
- Fly-and-Transfer
Food & drink
- Usual board basis
- Full Board & Activities
- Food quality
- When we last stayed at Selinda Camp in November 2016, the food was excellent and with its recent upgrade we expect it might now be even better. With advance notice, the camp can cater to vegetarians and most special dietary requests.
Meals follow the usual safari-camp format, but with a very healthy and tasty twist. There is limited gluten used in the cooking and very little sugar too.
Start your day with an early breakfast before your morning game drive. We had the option of homemade granola to which you could add various seeds, almond flakes and other nuts, together with plain yoghurt, freshly baked muffins, a fresh fruit platter, cheese and biscuits, pancakes and maple syrup, toast, porridge, tea and coffee, and a very yummy freshly made smoothie!
For brunch, a selection of fresh salads, cornbread and chicken satay skewers was served. All were tasty and very fresh but not too filling.
Our afternoon tea was delicious. Along with fresh cheese and tomato pizza slices, there were doughnut sticks served with dipping chocolate.
At dinner, guests are offered a choice of two main meat courses and a vegetarian option, which they select before departing on the afternoon activity. We enjoyed a tasty cold cucumber-based soup followed by a lovely tender piece of lamb off the bone. Other guests seemed to really enjoy the duck breast option. While I did not have dessert, colleagues on previous visits relished a yummy chocolate mousse made with avocado (which I'm assured was much tastier than it sounds). - Dining style
- Group Meals
- Dining locations
- Indoor and Outdoor Dining
- Further dining info, including room service
- Private dining on your room’s veranda can be arranged by advance request.
- Drinks included
- All drinks that are stocked in camp, including premium brand spirits and champagne.
Each room is provided with glasses and a flask of filtered drinking water that is replenished daily. Although plastic bottles of water are available, guests are encouraged to top up from the filtered water in the camp's main area.
Special interests
- Birdwatching
- Selinda Camp's location on the Selinda Spillway is an excellent place for birdwatching. Many waterbird species, like cranes, herons, kingfishers and cormorants, can be viewed here and eagle and vulture populations are healthy.
- See ideas for Birdwatching in Botswana
- Photography holidays
- Part-owned by renowned film-makers and photographers Dereck and Beverly Joubert, Selinda Camp is a great spot for photography in Botswana. The guides position vehicles to find the best angles and light, some will even give a little instruction if asked.
- See ideas for Photography holidays in Botswana
- Private villas & houses
- A satellite of the main camp the Selinda Suite is a luxurious exclusive use two-bedroom villa offering guests their own private vehicle, safari guide, chef and hosting team.
- See ideas for Private villas & houses in Botswana
- Luxury
- One of our favourite camps, Selinda’s rooms and common areas are beautifully designed, with the sumptuous en-suite bathtubs particularly worth a mention. Fabulous food, excellent guides and a team who go the extra mile combine to make this a good fit for a luxury safari.
- See ideas for Luxury in Botswana
Children
- Attitude towards children
- Children over 8 years are welcome at Selinda Camp. Younger children may be accepted if the whole camp is reserved for one private party.
- Property’s age restrictions
- The minimum age to stay at Selinda is eight years old. Children aged 8-11 are welcome on game drives, but only children aged 12 and older are able to join walking safaris.
- Special activities & services
- Selinda Camp has guides who are great with children and can offer alternative and slightly tailored activities such as fishing or short canoe trips. The camp also offers the 'Young Explorers' programme, which includes child-friendly activities such as animal tracking, plaster casting tracks, and making traditional bows and arrows.
The camp aims to be flexible with children's mealtimes and can offer child-friendly meals.
They can offer child-minding from one of their housekeeping team, but not someone specially trained in childcare. - Equipment
- No special equipment is provided but Selinda has a two-bedroom Suite suitable for a family, and activities specifically geared towards children can be arranged.
The camp aims to be flexible with children's mealtimes, with cooking child-friendly meals. - Generally recommended for children
- We recommend Selinda only for older children who are genuinely interested in wildlife.
- Notes
- Selinda Camp is very open with dangerous wildlife walking through the camp, so children will need constant and close supervision by adults.
Our travellers’ wildlife sightings from Selinda Camp
Since mid-2018, many of our travellers who stayed at Selinda Camp have kindly recorded their wildlife sightings and shared them with us. The results are below. Click an animal to see more, and here to see more on our methodology.
100% success
100% success
100% success
100% success
100% success
100% success
75% success
75% success
75% success
50% success
50% success
0% success
0% success
0% success
0% success
0% success
Communications
- Power supply notes
- The camp uses generator and solar power. The generator is run for three hours in the morning and three in the evening, when guests are out on activities. There is a plan to upgrade to solar power, but a timetable had not been established at the time of writing.
Each room has a series of plug points: a UK-style square three pin, the large round three pin, or the European two pin; those with other plugs should bring their own adaptors. There is a hairdryer in each room for guests to use. - Communications
- WiFi is available in the rooms, but there is no cellphone reception, direct fax or phone access. Swift radio contact can be made with Maun if there is an emergency and there is also a satellite phone for emergency use.
- TV & radio
- No radio or television.
- Water supply
- Borehole
- Water supply notes
- All the rooms have plumbed hot and cold running water for showers, and flushing toilets.
Sustainability
Solid waste reduction using biogas digesters
Located in Northern Botswana on a 320,000-acre private reserve, Selinda Camp was completely rebuilt in 2007 with the promise to lower its impact on the environment as much as possible. Apart from using natural, locally-sourced materials for its thatch roofing and wooden decks, and relying entirely on solar energy, the owners claim that if the camp is packed up there would be no trace of its existence in less than half a year. Perhaps the most noticeable results come from the camp’s initiatives to reduce and recycle solid waste.
In Selinda Camp, nothing is burnt or buried on the land, and all solid waste is separately disposed and transported to Maun, the “tourism capital” of Botswana, for recycling. Moreover, five different biogas digesters built by the camp’s staff out of locally available materials recycle food waste into methane, which is further used for cooking through the biogas facility and the biogas units. ‘The Selinda system was sized to accommodate the kitchen waste from a maximum of 16 guests eating 4 meals a day. ’
Although these environmentally friendly measures have increased the recycling of solid waste by an impressive 25%, the management team is constantly seeking ways to potentially improve biogas production and usage by, for example, training staff to better sort organic waste, or encourage kitchen staff to use all of the biogas every day so that there is not a buildup of unused gas in the system.
See more great sustainability projects in Botswana
Health & safety
- Malarial protection recommended
- Yes
- Medical care
- All camp managers and guides are first-aid trained and a comprehensive first-aid kit is kept at camp. In an emergency the camp can contact a flying-doctor service.
- Dangerous animals
- High Risk
- Security measures
- Because of northern Botswana’s large population of dangerous game, and the fact that Selinda Camp is unfenced, guests are escorted to their rooms after dark. Alarms, sirens or whistles are provided in the rooms to attract attention in case of an emergency.
- Fire safety
- There are extinguishers on the verandas of all rooms.
Activities
4WD Safari
Birdwatching
Boat trip
Guided walking safari
Helicopter
Night drive
Private activities
Extras
- Disabled access
- Not Possible
- Laundry facilities
- A full laundry service is included, including smalls. Washing powder is also provided in the rooms.
- Money
- No exchange facilities are offered. There are safe deposit boxes in the chalets.
- Accepted payment on location
- Mastercard and Visa credit cards are accepted; Diners and Amex are not. No commission is charged on credit-card transactions. Cash payments may be made in GB pounds, US dollars, euros, South African rand and Botswana pula.
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Selinda Camp's location
Look closer at the environment and surroundings of Selinda Camp.
Excursions from Selinda Camp
Optional extra day-trips and excursions possible whilst you're staying at Selinda Camp. Talk to us: these are usually best arranged before you go.
Helicopter Flight - Botswana
Various: from 30 minutes to half a day.
Low-flying, agile and offering superb views, helicopters are an ideal way to move around the Okavango Delta.You can use them instead of fixed-wing inter-lodge transfers or as an addition to other wildlife watching activities, and of course, helicopters can hover to allow that perfect pic, whereas fixed-wings can’t.
More about Helicopter FlightOther lodges in Kwando-Linyanti area
Alternative places to stay in this same area.
Lagoon Camp
Within the vast Kwando Reserve, renowned for its wild dogs, Lagoon Camp offers excellent game viewing that focuses on predators.
Lebala Camp
With enthusiastic guides and trackers, Lebala – in a vast private reserve – is particularly well-placed for seeking wild dogs.
DumaTau
DumaTau, in the private Linyanti Reserve, offers game drives, seasonal boat cruises and walks. Wildlife safaris here are quite seasonal, and are at their best during the height of the dry season, between June and October.
Linyanti Bush Camp
An increasingly rare find in Botswana, Linyanti Bush Camp blends relative simplicity with numerous activities and very good guiding.
Selinda Explorers Camp
The luxurious, traditional tented Selinda Explorers Camp offers a mix of walking, canoeing and game drives led by really top notch guides in a game-rich area.
Savuti Camp
Set above the Savuti Channel, the refurbished seven-room Savuti Camp offers the potential for viewing large herds of elephant and significant lion encounters.
Zarafa Camp
Zarafa is an exclusive camp overlooking the scenic Zibadianja Lagoon within the Selinda Reserve, a particularly game-rich area between June and early November.
Kings Pool
King’s Pool is a top-end luxury safari camp with a price tag to match; the game viewing can be very good during the dry season.
Linyanti Ebony
Independently owned and run, the small Linyanti Ebony sits on the same site as Linyanti Bush Camp, with similarly high standards of guiding, and a strong emphasis on the wildlife experience.
Linyanti Expeditions
Tip-top guiding. In tune with the habitat. Down-to-earth, authentic camp comfort. A place of wilderness safari harmony.
Little DumaTau
Small and sophisticated, Little DumaTau lies adjacent to its larger sibling in the private Linyanti Reserve, overlooking a beautiful lagoon.
When to go to Kwando-Linyanti area
Our month by month guide: What it's like to visit Selinda Camp in Kwando-Linyanti area
Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec
Kwando-Linyanti area in January
January marks the peak of the rainy season in the Kwando, Linyanti, and Selinda Reserves. Evening thunderstorms bring short but intense rains, cooling the air while temperatures remain warm. Wildlife disperses across the lush landscape due to the abundant water, making game viewing more challenging, though the southern and western parts of the Selinda Reserve still offer rewarding sightings.
The Kwando River and Linyanti floodplains attract water-loving species such as red lechwe, sitatunga, and waterbuck. Migratory birds thrive during this time, offering incredible birdwatching opportunities. The vibrant greenery creates stunning photography backdrops, and lower rates make January a great choice for budget-conscious travellers seeking a quieter, greener safari.
- Warm temperatures with occasional thunderstorms
- Spectacular birdlife, including migratory species
- Wildlife dispersed across lush floodplains
- Zebra and wildebeest migration in full swing
- Good availability at lodges and camps
Our view
A good time to visit, with pros & cons
Weather in January
Kwando-Linyanti area in February
February continues the rainy season with heavy rains and a humid atmosphere. The landscape is vibrant and teeming with life. Insects and smaller animals become more visible, while many species are raising their young, making for fascinating wildlife encounters. The Selinda Spillway and Zibadianja Lagoon are magnets for diverse wildlife during this time.
Thick vegetation and tall grasses can make it harder to spot larger animals, but water-based activities like boat cruises along the Kwando and Linyanti rivers offer superb birdwatching. The reserves’ papyrus reed-beds are home to elusive species like sitatunga, while buffalo and elephants frequent the floodplains. With fewer visitors, February is perfect for those looking for a more intimate safari experience.
- Warm with occasional thunderstorms
- Young animals abundant across the reserves
- Dispersed wildlife across the lush terrain
- Birds thriving, many in breeding plumage
- Excellent camp availability and low visitor numbers
Our view
This is not a great time to visit
Weather in February
Kwando-Linyanti area in March
March marks the tail end of the rainy season, with sunny days becoming more frequent and occasional afternoon thunderstorms still sweeping through. The landscape remains lush, with many animals finishing raising their young. Predators like lions and wild dogs are more active, taking advantage of plentiful prey.
Birdwatching is still rewarding, although some migratory species start to leave as the season progresses. The Kwando River and its channels provide excellent fishing and wildlife viewing opportunities. As the rains taper off, game drives become more productive, particularly in open areas of the reserves.
- Variable weather with clearer skies and rains decreasing
- Wildlife well-fed and thriving in lush surroundings
- Birdlife remains spectacular, though migrants begin to leave
- Lower rates and fewer visitors at camps
Our view
A good time to visit, with pros & cons
Weather in March
Kwando-Linyanti area in April
April is a transitional month in the Kwando, Linyanti, and Selinda Reserves, marking the shift from the wet to dry season. Rainfall becomes less frequent, giving way to clear skies and a verdant landscape. Night temperatures start to drop, especially in areas further from water.
As vegetation begins to thin, wildlife viewing improves, with increased predator-prey activity around water sources. The Selinda Spillway becomes a focal point for diverse wildlife, including elephants, buffalo, and various antelope species. Predator activity starts to become more visible, particularly around permanent water sources. Walking safaris and boat cruises offer unique ways to explore the ecosystem. With the shoulder season starting, April provides good value and a mix of lush scenery and growing wildlife activity.
- Cooler evenings with occasional light rain
- Selinda Spillway ideal for diverse wildlife sightings
- Good predator-prey interactions observable
- Excellent conditions for walking safaris and boat trips
- Shoulder season rates make this a popular month
Our view
A good time to visit, with pros & cons
Weather in April
Kwando-Linyanti area in May
May is one of the best months to visit the Kwando, Linyanti, and Selinda Reserves. With almost no rain, temperatures cool further in the mornings and evenings, increasing predator activity. Wildlife begins to concentrate around permanent water sources like the Linyanti and Kwando rivers, providing superb game viewing opportunities, especially of elephants and buffalo.
The Selinda Reserve’s diverse landscapes attract a variety of species, and walking safaris in the Kwando Reserve provide close-up wildlife encounters. Crisp, clear air enhances photography, capturing the vibrant wildlife and scenic beauty. May offers a balance of fantastic wildlife sightings, pleasant weather, and the final stretch of shoulder-season rates.
- Cool mornings and evenings, minimal rain
- Excellent predator activity and game viewing
- Crisp air perfect for photography
- Shoulder season rates - availability limited
Our view
A very good time to visit
Weather in May
Kwando-Linyanti area in June
June signals the start of the dry season, with cool mornings and evenings and warm, sunny days. The clear skies and thinning vegetation make this an excellent month for photography and wildlife viewing. As surface water dries up, animals gravitate to permanent water sources like the Kwando and Linyanti rivers, where predators are often seen stalking prey.
Game viewing excels in the Kwando-Linyanti areas, with improved visibility as vegetation thins, and the Selinda Spillway becomes a wildlife hotspot, attracting elephants, buffalo, and other species. Boat cruises provide a peaceful way to observe water-dependent wildlife, while night drives offer glimpses of nocturnal predators and other species. June’s popularity means high demand for camps, so early bookings are essential.
- Warm days, cold nights—ideal safari conditions
- Excellent conditions for wildlife photography
- Animals congregating around water sources
- Vegetation thinning, improving visibility
- Peak season begins with higher rates
Our view
Fantastic: the very best time to visit
Weather in June
Kwando-Linyanti area in July
July offers excellent game viewing conditions. Cool mornings and evenings are ideal for wildlife activity. The landscape is drier, concentrating animals around remaining water sources. The Kwando and Linyanti rivers become crucial for wildlife, attracting large herds of elephants and buffalo. Predator sightings increase, especially around waterholes. The Selinda Reserve's diverse habitats support a wide range of species, from big cats to rare antelopes.
It's one of the best months for walking safaris - cool and fresh in the mornings, with thinning vegetation enhancing visibility. Boat cruises provide serene views of the rivers and their surrounding wildlife. Night drives reveal fascinating nocturnal species, though temperatures can be chilly, so warm clothing is essential. July's popularity means camps are often fully booked, so early reservations are essential.
- Comfortable days, cold mornings and nights
- Excellent game viewing around waterholes and rivers
- Walking safaris and boat cruises highly recommended
- Peak season with camps often fully booked
Our view
Fantastic: the very best time to visit
Weather in July
Kwando-Linyanti area in August
August is a peak safari month, with warm days and cool nights offering comfortable conditions. Wildlife is highly concentrated around water sources, providing exceptional game viewing. The Selinda Spillway becomes a focal point for predators and prey, with frequent sightings of elephants, buffalo, and big cats.
Boat cruises along the Kwando and Linyanti rivers offer a unique perspective on the reserves’ wildlife, while clear skies make for incredible stargazing at night – but it’s cold so bring warm clothes, hats and gloves. August's popularity for northern hemisphere travellers means limited availability and higher rates at most camps.
- Dry, warm days with cool nights
- Wildlife activity peaks around water sources
- Okavango floods usually reach Selinda Spillway
- Super stargazing on clear nights
- High rates and limited availability in camps
Our view
Fantastic: the very best time to visit
Weather in August
Kwando-Linyanti area in September
September is a favourite for wildlife enthusiasts, with probably the best wildlife viewing of the year. Daytime temperatures are warming, but nights remain cool. The dry landscape concentrates wildlife around permanent water sources like the Kwando and Linyanti rivers, and along the Selinda Spillway. Large herds of elephants and buffalo are common on the floodplains, and predator sightings increase, with higher chances of witnessing dramatic hunting interactions.
The return of migratory birds like carmine bee-eaters adds a splash of colour to the reserves, enhancing birdwatching. The dry, hazy conditions create dramatic sunsets, while boat cruises and game drives offer rewarding, laid-back wildlife encounters. September’s popularity means high rates and limited availability at most camps, with early booking is essential.
- Warm days, cool nights—prime safari weather
- Exceptional wildlife viewing and predator activity
- Stunning sunsets and excellent birdwatching
- High season continues with limited availability
Our view
Fantastic: the very best time to visit
Weather in September
Kwando-Linyanti area in October
October is the hottest and driest month in these reserves, creating some of the most concentrated and dramatic wildlife sightings of the year. Animals gather around dwindling water sources, leading to intense predator-prey interactions. The Selinda Spillway becomes a lifeline for both herbivores and carnivores.
Boat cruises offer relief from the heat and a chance to observe water-dependent species. Migratory birds continue to arrive, adding vibrancy to the parched landscape. The clear, hazy conditions create spectacular photographic opportunities, particularly at sunset. Night drives are not nearly so cold and can reveal fascinating nocturnal activities. Despite the daytime heat, October remains a favourite for game viewing.
- Hot days, with chances of rain late in the month
- Outstanding big game sightings around limited water sources
- Excellent birdwatching with arriving migrants
- Water activities limited as floods recede
- Final month of peak season - high demand at camps
Our view
Fantastic: the very best time to visit
Weather in October
Kwando-Linyanti area in November
Sometime in November usually marks the start of the green season as temperatures and humidity rise, leading to the first dramatic thunderstorms. The landscape begins to transform, with fresh greenery spreading across the reserves. Wildlife starts to disperse as waterholes refill, but predator sightings remain good near permanent water sources. The Kwando and Linyanti rivers remain important for the large herds of elephants, and the Selinda Spillway continues to attract wildlife.
This is a fantastic time for birdwatching, with migratory species arriving in abundance. Where available, boat cruises highlight the changing environment, while game drives still offer rewarding wildlife encounters. Early November sees lower rates, making it a good choice for travellers seeking great game viewing at lower rates.
- Hot days with increasing humidity and dramatic thunderstorms
- Green season begins transforming landscape
- Wildlife viewing less predictable but rewarding near rivers
- Migratory birds arrive, enhancing birdwatching
- Shoulder season offers lower rates and good availability
Our view
A good time to visit, with pros & cons
Weather in November
Kwando-Linyanti area in December
December marks the height of the rainy season, bringing welcome relief from the high temperatures. While wildlife viewing becomes more challenging due to the dispersal of animals, skilled guides can still uncover remarkable sightings. The Kwando and Linyanti rivers remain vital habitats, and areas such as the Selinda Reserve offer rewarding game viewing, especially around Zibadianja Lagoon.
The landscape undergoes a dramatic transformation as fresh growth attracts herbivores. Migratory birds are plentiful, making this an excellent time for birdwatching. Although predator sightings are less frequent, they are often spectacular against the vibrant, lush scenery. Luxurious camps offer comfortable retreats during occasional rain showers, and lower-season rates make December an appealing choice for value-conscious travellers seeking a green-season safari.
- Warm with frequent rain storms
- Wildlife more dispersed across the reserves
- Green season in full effect, lush landscapes
- Low season rates make it a value-friendly option
Our view
A good time to visit, with pros & cons
Weather in December
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