The Selinda is a 130,000 hectare private reserve located north of the Okavango Delta, between the Linyanti and Kwando Reserves. It centres on the Selinda Spillway, a seasonal waterway that connects the Okavango Delta to the Linyanti river system. Its waters give life to extensive floodplains and lagoons, which in turn attract a huge variety of game, including rare species such as wild dog and cheetah.
The Selinda Reserve, much like neighbouring Linyanti, is home to only a small number of camps. Foremost among these is Selinda Camp, a highly luxurious bush camp with nine guest tents.
Selinda Camp’s immediate location is striking. It’s positioned on a small, shady island in the huge Zibadiaja Lagoon, overlooking the Selinda Spillway and its extensive floodplains. Part-owned by National Geographic photographers Dereck and Beverly Joubert, the location has clearly been carefully chosen for its wonderful views, and the layout of the camp decided with equal care so as to make the most of these views.
The main lounge and dining area at Selinda Camp is a thatched building built on raised wooden decking, which opens out onto an extensive viewing platform. Raised walkways connect the public areas to the secluded guest tents. From most parts of the camp you can enjoy uninterrupted views of the floodplains. The only other camp in the Selinda Reserve, Zarafa, is located at the opposite end of the lagoon, giving Selinda Camp a very wild, isolated feel—you won’t encounter many other safari-goers here.
The activities available at Selinda include day and night game drives and short guided walks accompanied by armed guides. Water activities, including boat safaris and fishing, are available when the water levels are high, but game-viewing activities at Selinda are predominantly land-based.
Accommodation
Selinda Camp’s nine luxury tents are located on the edge of the floodplain under the shade of palmyra trees, and enjoy impressive views of the surrounding wilderness from their elevated positions. Inside, the tents are spacious and attractively furnished, with large four-poster beds draped in mosquito nets. Bright and airy, they have roof vents and mesh windows in order to allow in plenty of natural light and air. The bathrooms are entirely open to the air (with screens for privacy), and feature gorgeous freestanding stone baths and enclosed showers accessed via sliding wooden doors.
Selinda Camp accommodates a maximum of 18 guests.
Dining
There is a large thatched dining area and lounge/bar where three course meals are served, though dinner may also take place on the elevated “star” deck on clear nights. Liquors and coffee are served around the campfire or in the open-air lounge. All drinks are included except champagne and premium brands.
Facilities
- Lounge and dining area
- Photo/art gallery
- Wine cellar
- Plunge pool
- Campfire boma
- Laundry facilities
Activities
- 4x4 game drives
- Night game drives with spotlights
- Short walking safaris
- 2 day fly-camping safari (must be booked in advance)
- Limited water activities
Child Policy
Children over the age of 8 years can be accommodated at Selinda Camp.
The remote location and limited facilities mean that Selinda is perhaps not the best choice of camp for families travelling with young children.
Environmental Policy
Selinda Camp is run by Great Plains Conservation, a company at the forefront of responsible tourism. Specialising in low-impact, low-volume tourism, Great Plains' camps are small, mostly tented and designed to blend in with the natural environment. Primarily a conservation organisation, the proceeds that Great Plains generates through its eco-tourism activities go towards supporting the natural habitat and the local communities where it works.
