Just one and a half hours west of Selinda main camp, Selinda Explorers Camp is poised in a remote, treasured location on the famous Selinda Spillway. As the lifeline of the Selinda Reserve, the Selinda Spillway is a crucial gathering point for the wildlife of this pristine 320,000-acre Reserve.  The intention of Selinda Explorers Camp is to offer the same quality of wildlife experience, while allowing guests to explore outside of the vehicle, by foot and canoe. This classic camp, consisting of four custom-designed tents, transports us back to authentic safaris, but with a modern twist and hospitality.

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. Whiling away afternoons under the canopy of jackelberry and mangosteen trees, interspersed with walks and canoeing, make this a respite from the ‘daily grind’ of a traditional safari. Get out, stretch your legs and feel Africa’s pulse – this is the place for you.

There are few places in northern Botswana as dynamic as the Selinda Reserve. The Selinda Reserve is centred on the famous Selinda Spillway, which flows through the concession from east to west linking the far reaches of the Okavango Delta in the south with the Linyanti systems in the east.  It flows into the Zibadianja lagoon, then through the Savute channel and eventually ends at the Savute marsh. Therefore, 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 and you are in its core.

In balance with the wild location of this camp (about 45 minutes game drive northwest of Selinda airstrip) the camp is ecologically sensitive with 100% solar power, grey water treatment, bore-hole water for drinking, and activities that concentrate on getting back to nature: guided walking and canoeing a focus, but day and night game drives available exploring the eastern reaches of the Selinda Reserve where there is an extensive networks of tracks.  It is wildlife hot spot, with huge herds of elephants and buffalo, lion, wild dog, sable and roan antelope all frequently spotted. On safari it is possible to see a tremendous diversity of species, with particular emphasis on the smaller things only seen outside of a vehicle.

Each of the four custom-designed, walk-in tents is expansive; however, in keeping with a bit of traditional safari, the en-suite flush loo and shower are attached and enclosed, but under the stars. Hot/Cold water are provided by jug on demand. The double-vanity copper vanities and dressing make for spacious accommodation. Stylishly decorated with campaign-style furniture, decanters of cognac and Persian rugs, the décor pays homage to the roots of safari. As a romantic touch, brass hipbaths can be portered to a nearby sand bank on the banks of the Spillway.  And personal hammocks adorn each verandah. If you’re reading this and the camp looks and sounds familiar, it is. This is, right down to the last teaspoon, Great Plains Conservation’s Lukula Camp that was in Tanzania’s Selous Game Reserve, relocated to the Selinda Reserve.

Opening 15 August 2012, this is a new concept camp for Botswana. The exclusive-use camp is chargeable not per person, but per camp up to a maximum of eight guests. A separate guide’s tent is available for those bringing a private guide. Perfect for small groups and families, or for couples or single travelers wanting total exclusivity (minimum charge: 4x per person rate). Closed December to February. Access via light aircraft to Selinda airstrip.