About Selinda Explorers Camp
On the banks of the Selinda Spillway, Selinda Explorers Camp is the most recent addition to the private 1,350km² ...
... Selinda Reserve, having opened in August 2012. Although it is very like a classic mobile camp in style, albeit a relatively luxurious one, it is in fact permanent.
Selinda Explorers Camp is a great choice for a traditional tented camp experience, and its location beside the Selinda Spillway is lovely. It is very comfortable, and its focus on walking safaris and canoeing trips makes it different to most other places in the Delta. Thus it will work really well for those who want to be active, as well as enjoying the occasional promising game drive from a vehicle.
Our view
Selinda Explorers Camp is a great choice for a traditional tented camp experience, and its location beside the Selinda Spillway is lovely. It is very comfortable, and its focus on walking safaris and canoeing trips makes it different to most other places in the Delta. Thus it will work really well for those who want to be active, as well as enjoying the occasional promising game drive from a vehicle.
Country manager: Botswana
Accommodation
4 tents
Children
Best for 12+
Open
All year
Activities
4WD Safari
Birdwatching
Canoeing
Guided walking safari
Helicopter
Night drive
Private activities
Traveller reviews of Selinda Explorers Camp
29 real, un-edited reviews from Expert Africa's travellers.
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View gallerySelinda Explorers Camp: Our full report
On the banks of the Selinda Spillway, Selinda Explorers Camp is the most recent addition to the private 1,350km² ...
... Selinda Reserve, having opened in August 2012. Although it is very like a classic mobile camp in style, albeit a relatively luxurious one, it is in fact permanent.
Selinda Explorers Camp was envisaged as a fancy version of a classic early explorer-style tented camp. It is certainly more modest in scope than its sister camp, Selinda Camp, and much more basic than the opulent Zarafa Camp, which are both on the same reserve. Yet with soft furnishings from Zanzibar and the East, and a slightly Middle Eastern vibe, the details are in the décor and – while it's supposedly a 'simple' tented camp – it feels as stylish as many of the permanent camps in Botswana – exactly what we would expect from the owners. Thus it is a good option for those seeking more of a wilderness experience, but still with high expectations.
The main area of Selinda Explorers comprises two open-sided semi-permanent tents. In one is a simple dining area and bar; in the other, a more lavishly decorated lounge, with huge floor cushions, Zanzibari chests and brass lamps. The mix of dark wood and leather campaign furniture with Arabian accessories results in a colonial explorer feel. Meals are taken either in the dining area or under the stars.
With just four Meru-style tents, Selinda Explorers remains a very intimate camp. The tents are spacious, and all can be made up as doubles or twins and one is family tent with two rooms either side of a shared sitting area. The beds are very comfortable, with high-quality cotton sheets and some of the biggest and softest pillows we have come across. An antique- style fan stands in the corner, along with a writing desk that blends in with the campaign-style furniture in the rest of the room. A slightly separate changing area has upright trunks adapted to provide drawers and hanging space. Here you will also find twin brass sinks, with jugs of water for washing. Drinking water and mosquito spray are provided, and electric lighting comes courtesy of solar power. Outside some of the tents, a hammock is strung up in the shade, providing the perfect spot for an afternoon siesta.
The canvas-walled open-air bathroom at the back of each tent has a 'garden' like feel resulting from bare sand floors and the use of natural materials. A wooden walkway allows you to cross from the flush toilet to the shower without walking on the sand. In the centre is a 200-litre bucket shower; with more than enough water, and hot water brought in the mornings and evenings, it is as good as any hotel shower!
Activities at Selinda Explorers Camp include both day and night game drives, but there is also a strong focus here is on walking and canoeing. Walking is best between the end of May and October, when there is good visability in the bush as the grasses have died back and the Mopane trees are bare. Canoeing takes place on the seasonally flooded Selinda Spillway, usually between May and September, when water levels are sufficiently high. Please do contact us for up to date information on the water levels and the possibility of canoeing.
On our many visits here we have generally found the wildlife viewing impressive. During one stay two prides of lion were present - the Wakupa Pride (consisting of four females, two with cubs) and the Selinda Pride (six females with 10 cubs among them), both dominated by two adult males - who wander between the unfenced border of the Selinda Reserve and the Kwara Concession. There were two packs of wild dogs in this area, too. The Selinda Pack, consisting of 14 dogs, was at the time denning in the Selinda Reserve, and there were hopes that the Explorers Pack, with five dogs and two pregnant females, would den in the reserve. The reserve did also boast ten resident leopards. From the end of April through December, Cape buffalo migrate into the area, leading to epic predator-prey encounters with lion. The June-July zebra migration from the Savute and Chobe area can bring up to a thousand zebra into the reserve, and guests can expect huge herds of elephant in the winter season (between about November and April).
During our last visit our birding experience here was not the best, however, we did see saddle-billed stork, African fish eagle, red-billed spurfowl, and lilac-breasted roller.
Geographics
- Location
- Kwando-Linyanti area, Botswana
- Ideal length of stay
- Three or four nights at Selinda Explorers is fine. Because the activities focus on walking and canoeing, a stay here combines very well with time at Selinda Camp, or Zarafa Camp, in the same reserve – both of which put more emphasis on 4WD safaris.
- Directions
- Selinda Explorers Camp is accessed by light aircraft from either Kasane (50-minute flight) or Maun (45-minute flight), depending on where you stop along the way; it is then a 50-minute drive from the airstrip to the camp, depending on what you see en route.
- Accessible by
- Fly-and-Transfer
Food & drink
- Usual board basis
- Full Board & Activities
- Food quality
- On our last visit in September 2024 we enjoyed some very creative, delicious meals. Much like the food at Selinda and Zarafa camps it felt light and healthy yet at the same time was very satisfying and filling. The camp can cater for most dietary requirements as long as they are informed in advance.
One of the advantages of staying at Great Plains' camps is that the chefs have complete freedom to create their own menus. As a result, you can stay at different Great Plains' camps for over a week, yet not repeat a meal.
Breakfast included a choice of muesli, toast with a selection of jams, cheese, yoghurt, scones and fresh fruit along with tea/coffee/smoothie. Alternatively, breakfast can be packed for you to savour on a break during your morning activity
Brunch is served on your return from the morning activity. We were offered a delicious choice of lamb burgers, roast butternut and feta salad, quinoa salad with avocado, a big green salad, fresh bread rolls, a cheese platter and fresh fruit.
Afternoon tea, before the afternoon activity, includes both savoury and sweet snacks; we were treated to a delightful coffee cake.
Dinner is served shortly after your return to camp in the evening. We ate under the stars with our guide and camp manager and enjoyed a lovely grilled kudu fillet with grilled vegetables and lightly seasoned couscous. - Dining style
- Group Meals
- Dining locations
- Indoor and Outdoor Dining
- Further dining info, including room service
- There is no room service at Selinda Explorers Camp.
- Drinks included
- All drinks that are stocked in camp, including premium brand spirits and champagne.
Guests are given a water bottle that is filled up for them before activities etc. Bottled water is available on request.
Special interests
- Birdwatching
- Located on the banks of the Selinda Spillway the camp offers a good mix of waterbirds and woodland species. The camp offers an honorary "membership" into the "111 Club", an honour bestowed for those who see 111 or more species during their stay.
- See ideas for Birdwatching in Botswana
- Walking safaris
- Selinda Explorers is a small, smart tented camp in a first-class area for big game; it offers walking and canoeing – and is an excellent camp for walking safaris in Botswana.
- See ideas for Walking safaris in Botswana
Children
- Attitude towards children
- Children aged ten years and older are welcomed by Selinda Explorers Camp.
- Property’s age restrictions
- Minimum age ten years.
- Special activities & services
- Selinda Explorers 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.
They can offer child minding from one of their housekeeping team, but not someone specially trained in child care. - Equipment
- Selinda Explorers can provide triple rooms for families.
- Generally recommended for children
- Yes – but it's really best for older children who are also sensible and careful, ideally at least 12 years old. This is primarily due to Selinda Explorer’s focus on walking, which is a much more adult activity.
- Notes
- Children must be supervised at all times by their parents/guardians, as predators wander freely through camp, which is also surrounded by water.
Our travellers’ wildlife sightings from Selinda Explorers Camp
Since mid-2018, many of our travellers who stayed at Selinda Explorers 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
94% success
94% success
88% success
87% success
81% success
81% success
75% success
56% success
53% success
44% success
25% success
18% success
0% success
0% success
Communications
- Power supply notes
- Each tent has individual solar panel to power lights. However there is also a small generator used as a battery charging station in the main area.
- Communications
- There is no cellphone reception, but there is WiFi in each tent. The bandwidth is low - connection is nver guaranteed - but it's usually enough for text emails and WhatsApp messages. The camp has a satellite phone and radio in place for emergencies only.
- TV & radio
- None
- Water supply
- Borehole
- Water supply notes
- Selinda Explorers has a reverse osmosis machine for cleaning drinking water from the borehole. Guests are given a water bottle that is filled up for them before activities etc. Bottled water is available on request.
Health & safety
- Malarial protection recommended
- Yes
- Medical care
- All senior staff and guides have medical first-aid training. The nearest medical facility is in Maun and the camp has links to a flying- doctor service.
- Dangerous animals
- High Risk
- Fire safety
- There are fire extinguishers in each tent.
Activities
4WD Safari
Birdwatching
Canoeing
Guided walking safari
Helicopter
Night drive
Private activities
Extras
- Disabled access
- Not Possible
- Laundry facilities
- Selinda Explorers does not have a laundry service. Washing powder is provided in the tents for items to be hand washed.
- Money
- There is no currency exchange here. There are safes in the tents.
- Accepted payment on location
- If you wish to tip, which is optional, then bring cash with you. Cash is accepted in any major currency and the camp has an old-fashioned swipe card machine for Visa and MasterCard, but not Amex.
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Selinda Explorers Camp's location
Look closer at the environment and surroundings of Selinda Explorers Camp.
Excursions from Selinda Explorers Camp
Optional extra day-trips and excursions possible whilst you're staying at Selinda Explorers 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.
Selinda Camp
In an attractive area that is particularly rich in game between June and November, the luxurious Selinda Camp caters particularly well for photographers.
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.
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 Explorers 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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