Okavango Explorers Camp
Okavango Explorers Camp is a brand-new Explorer Collection safari camp located in the southwest of Botswana’s private Selinda Reserve. At the intersection of the upper Okavango Delta water system and the famed Selinda Spillway, the camp’s location is a unique combination of two iconic ecosystems. This area may be new to guests but has been known to us for many years as one teeming with wildlife. Okavango Explorers Camp creates a safari experience reminiscent of exploring the unknown African hinterland in a 1920’s style. The camp exudes a spirit of the romance of yesteryear while ensuring that adventure and discovery are an essential part of the journey.
The 130,000-hectare Selinda Reserve in northern Botswana is a prime predator and elephant habitat. This new location has been handpicked for its access to some of the highest concentrations of wildlife in the region, along the southernmost section of Selinda Spillway. Lion, leopard and wild dogs hunt these parts regularly. There are good densities of giraffe, buffalo and exciting and now rare antelope like roan, sable and eland. At the peak of the dry season in late September, the Selinda Reserve has been documented to be home to over 9,000 elephants concentrated along this river system. For lovers of elephants, this is the place to be in the dry season. There is phenomenal birdlife in this area for those looking for some ‘lifers’.
The intimate camp consists of six explorers-style tents of light airy canvas on slightly raised decking, each with views of the surrounding floodplain. Each tent has a small desk and private verandah plus ensuite facilities consisting of flush loo, double basins and indoor shower. Fans and careful open-air design maintain comfortable climate for rest and relaxation.
Wildlife Drives (day and night)
If you are here for the wildlife then the best way to get up close and personal with the animals is on a drive in customized open Land Cruiser.
Guided Walks
Another huge benefit of staying within the conservancies is the ability to appreciate the stunning landscape on foot, peacefully, without the noise of engines. We highly recommend this unforgettable experience. Usually early morning or evening is the best time, as the middle of the day is too hot to venture out of the shade. Wear good walking shoes, a hat, and neutral colored clothing so as not to alarm the wildlife, and take binoculars. Your guide will have water for you. Walks are led by licensed guides with firearm training.
Catch-and-Release Fishing
This is a great activity during mid-day siesta. Make sure you’re with a guide. During January and February there is a moratorium on fishing. Catch-and-release fishing only.
Motorized Boating and Mekoros
Navigating through the Okavango Delta's network of waterways is an invigorating way to get a sense of the scope of this huge wetland. You’ll undoubtedly have wonderful birding and maybe even some hippo, buffalo and elephant sightings. (Boating is a seasonal activity, typically between June and September but varies seasonally).
Young Explorers Programme
We can all recall the freedom of our youth when we were outside all day, making forts, catching tadpoles and climbing trees. We were all explorers of some kind, even if just in our suburban garden.
We explored, we discovered, we might have even gotten lost, but we always retuned the wiser and more enlightened.
Safaris with kids are much the same – a time to stimulate all the senses. Safaris open up a whole new world to us all, but for kids that world is even more enchanting. Exciting new animals are a huge part of a safari experience, but delving deeper into what lies in heart of the land and its people all the while learning and experiencing to the great satisfaction of kids (and parents). Stepping away from everyday life to build a traditional reed hut, or treasure hunting and practicing your newly learnt traditional bush survival skills is an experience we would all cherish. For kids, it is magical.
