Setting out at dawn, when predators are active, our guides are as keen as the travelers to discover the riches of each day in Selinda Reserve. Usually, once the sun is high and strong, we retreat with the herds to our mid-day siesta spot - the shady banks of the Selinda Spillway. Then, as the sun begins to wane again, we're off for the afternoon, arriving at our campsite by early evening. But nothing is regimented. Regimens don't suit Selinda, which is why we all love being out here in the first place. And especially on the Trail. The Selinda Spillway runs through a remote part of northern Botswana, a place where one will be completely removed from the modern world. Our 18-foot Canadian canoes coast stealthily through the waters, allowing us to explore the Reserve in utter peace.

An integral component of the Selinda Canoe Trail is the ability to hop out of the canoe on any whim and begin walking. Our fully qualified guides will track spoor and unveil stories of the bush.

This is a safari: enjoy the adventure and the effect of Africa on the soul. Traditionally a gin and tonic, glass of wine, or a refreshing soft drink while watching the sunset gives a moment to contemplate the grandeur of the wild. The fresh air, canoeing and walking will incite an appetite and there's no going hungry here. After all the excitement, a good night's rest is a guarantee!

OUR GUIDES
There is no question that an exceptional guide is a key ingredient to an extraordinary safari. Our guides exemplify the best in the industry. Each day is different and unpredictable. It's a journey of discovery, filled with the unfamiliar and full of delights. A guide makes it all come to life.

Like any specialist, education is ongoing. Our guides receive annual specialised hands-on guide training by leading experts in the field. They are constantly upgrading their skills and refreshing their knowledge, through courses in botany, tracking, ornithology, geology, amphibian identification and handling, firearm use and taxonomy. Among the Batswana culture, there is a wealth of traditional knowledge about plants and animals. Our guides excel at supplementing the academic with the traditional and enhancing a safari experience. They are considered experts in their field. As a result, we are confident in entrusting them with our guests' enjoyment and safety. Please make use of this opportunity to find out more about whatever subject possible.

Selinda Reserve is famous for its high diversity of species. Consequently, we host a number of international experts in the fields of ornithology, botany and wildlife biology. As its reputation as a specialist's destination grows, the demands on our guides consistently increase. They will spend an entire afternoon researching new theories or speculating on possibilities. Our guides are particularly good at trying to know everything, but can they be stumped? Africa is full of surprises.

THE WILDLIFE
Selinda Reserve is famous for elephant and lion, wild dog and hippo, buffalo and giraffe. Some days we will spend hours with a single herd of elephants; other days we may track cheetah, or wait in a hide for the rare Slaty egrets to arrive and fish. Wattled cranes, a highly coveted sighting, are often spotted here. Made famous in Dereck and Beverly Joubert's National Geographic films (Ultimate Enemies, Hunting with the Moon, The African Diaries), the Selinda Reserve is home to the hippo-killing lions. The hunting of large prey by lions is legendary, and a highlight, but random of course. It's never guaranteed, but always a possibility.

The open plains are an ideal habitat for cheetah and the thicker woodlands are refuge for leopard. One of Africa's most endangered predators, the wild dog, is usually resident and the Selinda pack frequently dens in close proximity to the camp. Other common species include: buffalo (in herds of hundreds), zebra, wildebeest, hippo, hyena, waterbuck, kudu, steenbuck, lechwe, impala. Nocturnal species include civet, serval, wildcat, honey badger, springhares, aardvark and aardwolf.

This is wild Africa, unpredictable and magical, where each day is different, thank goodness.

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