FACT FILE SELINDA EXPLORERS CAMP Selinda Explorers Camp is located in the 320,000 acre Selinda Reserve of northern Botswana and is built on the banks of the Selinda Spillway, about one hour west of its sister camp, Selinda. This classic camp, consisting of four custom-designed tents, transports us back to authentic safaris, but with a modern twist and hospitality. Subtly placed under the shade of the riverine forest, the camp is designed in the style of the early explorers both in philosophy and practice. Whiling away afternoons under the canopy of African ebony and mangosteen trees, interspersed with walks and canoeing, make this a respite from the daily grind of a traditional safari. This camp is totally exclusive, booked by just one group at a time. This authentic tented camp draws on traditions of the classic East African safari with beautifully detailed campaign style furniture made from recycled hard woods, and soft furnishings from Zanzibar and the East. The custom-designed semi-permanent tents consist of two rooms plus verandah, as well as a private open air bustani bathroom with hot water bucket showers and flush loo. All tents are at ground level, including the main lounge and dining area. This is an unassuming camp, light on its footprint but heavy on its experiential luxury. The atmosphere of the lodge is one of bush elegance with relaxed bohemian style, complemented by attentive staff, private professional service and fabulous food. Selinda Explorers Camp is an ideal property for those guests who want to experience Botswana s extraordinary wildlife but in the most private setting. The camp comes with a guide, but also has a guide s tent for an accompanying specialist guide. Our guide will plan the whole itinerary for the duration of their stay for the guests, or in conjunction with the specialist guide. Selinda Explorers Camp is booked on exclusive use only, for up to eight guests. This camp combines beautifully with Zarafa Camp. Camp sits in prime predator habitat, in a location which we handpicked based on exploring this area for years. Lion, leopard and cheetah and the recently discovered Explorers Pack of African wild dog hunt these parts regularly. Good densities of giraffe, buffalo (in the dry season) and all the antelope including even roan and sable and recently spotted eland are possible sightings. At the peak of the dry season in late September, the Selinda Reserve has been documented to hold up to 9,000 elephants. There is phenomenal bird life along the Spillway s banks for those looking for some lifers. ACTIVITIES Selinda Explorers Camp focuses primarily on the traditional safaris of walking and canoeing. All guides are firearm trained and will be armed on walks and canoes. Game drives are offered, both day and night, but are a supplement to other activities as opposed to the emphasis. Rod/reel kit is available for those who want to try their cast in the Spillway. If the cool shade of the canvas and trees simply isn t enough to quell the midday heat, then grab the guide and go for a swim in the refreshing waters of the Spillway.
Central Reservations Telephone: +27 (0) 21 434 5208 Reservations Fax: +27 (0) 866 717 610 Reservations Email: reservations@greatplainsconservation.com Website: www.greatplainsconservation.com Total Number of Bedrooms: 4 double or twin configuration tents & 1 guide room. Triples for children sharing with adults can be arranged upon request. Type of Lodge: Seasonal Safari Camp Lodge Season & Opening: March through November each year (closed December February) Ideal length of stay: 3/4 Nights GEOGRAPHY ACCESS DIRECTIONS Light aircraft transfers from Kasane (50 mins) and Maun (45 min) airports. Private Air charter access available. Selinda Explorers Camp is a 50-minute drive from its airstrip. Co-ordinates: S18.34.45 : E23.29.00. TENT DETAILS BEDROOM Two-room custom-designed canvas tents at ground level consisting of main bedroom, with separate dressing and washbasin area. Either twin or double configuration. Ground-level verandah with chairs and view. Campaign style furniture made from recycled hard woods, and copper fixtures. BATHROOM A private, open-air en suite bustani bathroom adjoins the guest tent. Includes a flush toilet, double basins and hot and cold water bucket shower. Soap, shampoo, conditioner and lotion provided. CONSTRUCTION Double Selous style canvas tent at ground level TEMPERATURE CONTROL Standing fans. MOSQUITO NETS Fly netting on all tent sides and over beds. FOOD & DRINK All meals included. All drinks and beverages (limited selection) are included with the exception of imported champagnes and spirits. Excellent: Three delicious wholesome meals a day are provided from our bush kitchen. Most are produced on an open fire, including canapés, multi-course meals using local fresh ingredients. It is quite amazing! We are extremely flexible on timings. Picnic breakfasts or lunch (or both) are commonly enjoyed while out on safari All dietary requirements are catered for from regular to vegan to children, prior warning requested.
USUAL BOARD BASIS Full board DINING STYLE Group meals DINING LOCATIONS Indoor and outdoor ROOM SERVICE No EXTRAS LAUNDRY Limited, and weather permitting. CENTRAL FACILITIES/ COMMON AREAS Main dining tent with small lounge area Coffee/tea/bar station Fir pit with seating Hammocks CHILDREN We look forward to having children stay with us who are 6 years and older. Young children must be supervised as the camp is open, with high predator densities in and around camp and there is water surrounding camp. Walking activities will be designed based on children s age. Kid s program thoughtfully designed to explore a range of experiences and topics from birding to cooking to art to tracking wildlife EQUIPMENT Canoes provided. PRIVATE VEHICLE Included at not cost as camp is exclusive use. POWER & COMMUNICATIONS SOURCE Limited power is available. Tents have individual solar panels for 24-hr electricity. A battery charging station is in the main area. Plug type: South African round. INTERNET & MOBILE Neither is available. HEALTH & SAFETY MALARIA Minimal Malaria prophylaxis are recommended if guests are concerned but this is a remote area with little occurrence. MEDICAL CARE Guests must hold comprehensive medical insurance and emergency evacuation insurance. Senior staff all has first aid training. Nearest decent medical facility is in Maun, and then Johannesburg. RISK OF DANGEROUS ANIMALS Moderate high predator density area. SECURITY MEASURES None. There are no populations nearby, and no uninvited guests.
FIRE SAFETY Fire extinguishers in every tent. POSSIBILITY OF DISABLED ACCESS No MONEY MATTERS SAFES No safes. THE TEAM LODGE OWNERS Great Plains Conservation KEY PERSONNEL Camp Manager: Dollar Guides: Kane Motswana and Josh Iremonger Chef: Tsidi ACCEPTED PAYMENT ON LOCATION All-inclusive. Staff gratuities can be paid in Botswana Pula, South African Rands, US Dollars (2001 bills or later only) or GB Pounds. No credit cards are accepted.
CAMP LAYOUT
GREAT PLAINS CONSERVATION QUICK CAMP FACTS BOTSWANA CAMPS KENYA CAMPS ACTIVITY ZARAFA CAMP SELINDA CAMP DUBA PLAINS SELINDA EXPLORERS SELINDA CANOE TRAIL OL DONYO LODGE MARA PLAINS MARA TOTO RIDE KENYA Day Drives Night Drives Guided Walks Boating Mokoro Canoeing Main Swimming Pool Private Plunge Pools Horseback Riding Cultural Interaction * Hot-Air Balooning * Spa/Massage * Gym Fishing (Seasonal) Mountain Biking Hide (*) This activity is available at a fee.