Selinda Camp

Each guest tent is constructed with authenticity in mind, featuring dark wood and high canvas-and-thatched roofs. Floor to ceiling netted windows let natural light in to flood the room and also offer views of the surrounding plains. A large, comfortable bed, swathed in mosquito netting, sits in the middle of the room with a solar powered air conditioning unit above to keep guests cool. Aesthetic throw rugs and bronze light fittings add charm and authenticity. Through large double doors guests will find a spacious ensuite bathroom complete with double basins and a large bathtub, perfect for relaxing in after a long day. Steps lead to a large veranda where guests are spoilt for choice with plush sofas, loungers or a private plunge pool to wind down in. Luxury amenities include provided binoculars – perfect for spotting shy animals – exercising equipment and complimentary use of a Canon 5D Mark IV camera.

This is a two bedroom, two bathroom villa offered at Selinda Camp. Similar in design and décor to the guest tents, it is an exclusive opportunity for up to four guests with a private vehicle, safari guide, chef and butler.

Selinda Camp offers al fresco dining under the stars. Surrounded by the stunning views of the reserve, guests can enjoy freshly prepared food, which can be catered for vegetarians and various dietary needs. Guests can eat communally or privately, with the opportunity of choosing their own wine for dinner from the camps walk in wine cellar. Dinner round the campfire can be arranged for an authentic safari experience and a romantic, private dinner on the water boardwalk is also available.

Morning, afternoon and evening game drives are offered at Selinda Camp. In comfortable, custom built land rovers – which are fully stocked with drinks and snacks – guests will feel at ease driving through the diverse surrounding landscape whilst viewing the animals. The varied landscapes and habitats in the area are a paradise for many of Africas best known animals. Herds of buffalo are often seen, along with adult and baby Elephants, Giraffe, Impala, Zebra and Warthog. Less common but still sometimes seen are African wild dog, Roan and Antelope.

Water levels dependent – Selinda Camp offers powerboat excursions. Taking to the water explores areas unseen by foot and opens access to many more species of animal, including lazy hippos and crocodiles. Catch-and-Release fishing is also available for guests from March to December each year.

Guests can organise an exploration of the Selinda Reserve on foot, without the noise of a vehicle. There is no better way to feel at one with nature than to peacefully walk through the grasslands looking out for animals in their natural environment. Your guide will be with you at all times, and their expert knowledge is second to none.

A detailed pack of information can be provided to younger guests upon arrival with information about animal calls and tracking wildlife so they can be inspired and learn about the surrounding environment.

Great Plains Conservation seeks to “preserve, rescue and recover” communities, wildlife and landscapes in Africa. One of the ways they are doing this is through the Great Plains Student Conservation Camp by educating teachers and students in local communities  and in Great Plains camps about environmental conservation and why this is important. The Great Plains Academy has been launched, which tackles the lack of education by providing “personal and community enrichment opportunities for individuals in Northern Botswana.” The Conservation Grows program began in 2019 and “aims to restore indigenous tress to landscapes across Kenya, Botswana, and Zimbabwe.”

Great Plains Conservation contributes to the Rhinos Without Borders project and aims to translocate “100 rhinos from poaching hot zones in South Africa to safe havens in Botswana.” Guests are helping to support this as a “Conservation and Community Levy is added to each stay” as a contribution towards these projects.

Selinda Camp is a member of the Pack for Purpose initiative which allows travellers to supply local communities with equipment and resources they may need for community projects.

Great Plains Conservation understands that employing people from local communities not only benefits the employee but also their wider family members. Having a job and an income reduces their need to rely on the land for survival so increases the protection of this land. A relatively new initiative is “Women Wildlife Monitors” which aims to employ and empower local women. Great Plains Conservation have also donated solar lanterns to community members and students so their homes can have a safe and sustainable light resource. Every Great Plains Camp has a shop where local beadwork and other products can be sold, to help support local craft groups.

Revenue is generated directly for the community through opportunities such as ‘The Life with Elephants’ tour which was designed by residents of the local village Eretsha and EcoExist which “offers travellers the opportunity to see life alongside wildlife in a remote Okavango Delta community.”

Great Plains Conservation protects thousands of acres of land from development, and also has eco-initiatives such as investments in solar power, kitchen gardens, and eliminating single-use plastics such as bottles and straws. Their camps also have bio-digesters, composting, grey water recycling and recycled wood used in camp construction.