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Exploring the Selinda Canoe Trail in Botswana

Megan Warrington

Author: Megan Warrington - 31 January 2019

Last Update: 30 January 2024

Part of the Okavango Delta Wildlife Safaris & African Safari Collection

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:

 


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Copyright © Discover Africa Safaris | Exploring the Selinda Canoe Trail in Botswana | Last Updated: 30 January 2024