ZAR
USD
EUR
GBP
CAD
AUD
CHF
ZAR
USD
EUR
GBP
CAD
AUD
CHF

What are you looking for?

ZAR
USD
EUR
GBP
CAD
AUD
CHF
ZAR
USD
EUR
GBP
CAD
AUD
CHF
Hello traveller!

It's in Cape Town now.

We're sorry. Our safari planners aren't available now. Our office hours are 08:00 - 19:00 (GMT+2).

Call us to speak to an experienced safari planner.


Alternatively, we recommend...

travel-form-icon

Complete our travel enquiry form to connect with a safari planner

ENQUIRE TODAY
Email us
(optional)

Exploring the Selinda Canoe Trail in Botswana

Team Member Headshot

Megan Warrington

Safari Travel Planner

Safari Enquiry
Megan Warrington

Author: Megan Warrington - 31 January 2019

Last Update: 30 January 2024

This part of the Okavango Delta was pretty much dried up for almost 30 decades until one fateful day in August of 2009 when heavy rains caused the area to flood once again, creating what is today known as the Selinda canoe trail. Whether you’re interested  in a walking safari, a peaceful retreat experience or simply water-based excursions, then this is one of the most breathtaking parts of Botswana to enjoy these safari activities.

Getting there

If you’re visiting the Okavango Delta on a safari in Botswana it’s more than likely that you will begin your journey in the town of Maun, the gateway to the UNESCO-awarded Delta. If you have some time to kill here before your transfer to your lodge, have a bit to eat at any of these restaurants in Maun.

Activities

Canoe trips

There are many great options for canoeing trips in Selinda. The best way to experience this exciting activity is by staying at one of Great Plains Conservation’s luxury lodges like the Selinda Explorers Camp. Guided tours for four days and three nights are on offer andallow guests to explore the beauty of this pristine and exclusive area.

Walking safaris

A walking safari is always one of the best ways to really get to the heart of Botswana adventure. Many of the camps will offer easily accessible guided walking tours around some of the best locations around one of the world’s most sought after wildlife locations. Be on the lookout for the endangered wild dog, lion, leopard and cheeky hippo.

Where to stay

Many of the accommodation facilities in the Okavango Delta are not permanent structures, due to the unpredictable nature of the landscape and flow of water. Due to the restrictions on guests entering the reserve, there are only a few, but exceptional camps to stay at:

  • Selinda Camp
  • Zarafa Camp
  • Selinda Explorers Camp
  • Zarafa Dhow Suites
  • Motswiri Camp

We’ll advise you on the best place to stay for your budget and expectations.

If you’re interested in a self-drive safari here, then a fully equipped 4×4 vehicle or camper is reccommended for those hard-to-reach-places. Don’t forget to stock up on all your necessities in Maun prior to your adventure.

What will you see?

Selinda is predator country. Large prides of lions, hyena, leopard and cheetah are plentiful here. Guests have observed that they seem almost fearless and very confident and this makes predator-prey interaction that much more interesting. Don’t be surprised to see lions and their cubs swimming to cross a river. Hippos are notoriously cheeky in Selinda and have no problem with bullying lions, going wherever they please and generally making their presence known around the camps and lodges.

You can find the rare roan antelope here, as well as giraffe, more buffalos than you could imagine and the stars of Botswana’s Big Five mammals; the elephant. Crocodiles abound and you’ll get to meet rock monitors too. As far as birding goes, there simply isn’t enough time to list the incredible species to be found at Selinda. Suffice to say that you’ll meet shrike, sandgrouse, cormorants, babblers, coucal, kingfishers, bee-eaters, eagles, lapwings, herons, rollers and ostriches. This is but a sample of wonderful birds in this region.

Selinda is much-loved by photographers and wildlife filmmakers, for very obvious reasons.

All-in-all, Selinda is the créme de la créme of Botswana’s luxury destinations. Find out more here:

 


What Our Guests Have to Say?

Read recent reviews from travellers who have planned and booked their trips with us
Diane planned for me what I dreamed of, only a whole lot...

South Africa and Victoria Falls Review

Teresa S, United States
20 Oct 2023
Discover Africa offers excellent tailor made service.

4 Day Gorilla Trekking in Rwanda Review

Anke, South Africa
16 Oct 2023
Seamless Experience !

7 Day Kruger & Sabi Safari Review

Caroline, New Zealand
20 Jul 2023
Thorough, responsive, and comprehensive trip planning.

Zimbabwe & Botswana Safari Review

Gary, United States
05 Jul 2021
Amazing trip with a well paced itinerary and everything went off without...

Water based and Savannah Safari Review

Sean, United States
13 Oct 2018
Excellent tailor-made family trip to Namibia!

A Namibia Adventure Safari Review

Paolo, Spain
06 Jul 2018