The Selinda Spillway runs through a remote part of northern Botswana, a place where one will be completely removed from the modern world. The canoes coast steadily through the waters, allowing us to explore the Reserve in utter peace.
Setting out at dawn, when predators are active, our guides are as keen as the travellers to discover the riches of each day in Selinda Reserve. Usually, once the sun is high and strong, we rest with a midday siesta with lunch on the shady banks of the Selinda Spillway. Then, as the sun begins to wane again, we're off for the afternoon, arriving at our campsite by early evening. But nothing is regimented. Regimens don't suit Selinda, which is why we all love being out here in the first place and especially on the Selinda Canoe Trail.
Our stable, wide bottom 18-foot Canadian canoes provide the ideal transport for this adventure. Each canoe accommodates two travellers, who are responsible for their own paddling. The majority of the paddle is with a gentle current, but the experience does require reasonable fitness.
Your guide will navigate the waters, and provide assistance throughout. Snacks and beverages are available throughout the day for sustenance. An integral component of the Selinda Canoe Trail is the ability to hop out of your canoe on any whim and begin walking. Your fully qualified guide will track spoor and unveil stories of the bush.
Selinda Reserve is famous for elephant and lion, wild dog and hippo, buffalo and giraffe. Some days the banks of the Spillway are frequented by large herds of elephant, often crossing right in front of the canoes. Other times, we will encounter herds of buffalo coming down for a drink and a quick exit from stalking predators. Hippos and crocodiles are sighted but their density in the Spillway is minimal. Because the Spillway provides the life sustaining resource of water to the wildlife in the dry months, many antelope species will cross our path. Throughout the Trail, birding is a prevalent activity with the calls of African fisheagles as the background score. Predators have been regularly sighted as well but of course it is a lucky sighting from canoe. It's never guaranteed, but always a possibility. This is wild Africa, unpredictable and magical, where each day is different, thank goodness.
This is a safari: enjoy the adventure and the effect of Africa on your soul. Traditionally a gin and tonic, glass of wine, or a refreshing soft drink while watching the sunset gives a moment to contemplate the grandeur of the African wild. The fresh air, canoeing and walking will incite an appetite and there's no going hungry here. After all the excitement, a good night's rest is guaranteed!
