The Selinda Caone Trail on the Selinda Spillway
It has become difficult to find authentic adventures anymore. Luxury and machines are finding their way to every corner of the earth but in Botswana there remains a rare opportunity to explore the African wilderness as early expeditions have done. The challenge is to negotiate a 70 kilometer channel of water known as the Selinda Spillway as it snakes through a 300,000 acre private wilderness.
Selinda Canoe Trail Itinerary
Unlike most of today’s set itineraries, on this journey the wilderness truly dictates your experience. Animal sightings will facilitate stops, and when further investigation is warranted you will take to the banks and an impromptu bush walk will begin. As nature sets the schedule there can be no set camp locations to dictate time and movement, like the adventures of old this is free flow according to what you encounter and thus it dictates that this is a real camping adventure.
Accommodations along the Selinda Canoe Trail
When sundown approaches your camp location along the Selinda Canoe Trail is selected and the expedition staff will quickly erect your simple bush camp on the spot. The team consists of an armed guide, who is an expert in watercraft and walking specially chosen for this style of adventure, a chef and two camp hands who deliver unexpected comfort to this simple setting.
The camp gear is built to travel and the staff paddles it in their canoes while everyone may carry food and drinks as this expedition is self-sufficient. Simple dome tents selected for comfort and safety are stocked with a bedroll and quality linen serve as your sleeping quarters. Hot bucket showers are provided in the evening and a long-drop loo constitutes the lavatory.
Critical equipment includes a chair for each person to gather around the fire and recount the days events. The cook produces excellent fare over the open fire as it should be done when bush camping. A ready supply of water, beer, wine, and soda is one luxury that does travel along.
Selinda Reserve Wildlife
Wildlife in the area is diverse and the water, particularly in the dry season, draws many animals to drink. The area is well known for elephant, buffalo, sable antelope, roan antelope, African wild dog, and spectacular birds. With luck it is possible to get a surprise sighting of lion, leopard or cheetah.
Travel is in 18-foot Canadian style canoes, with cushioned seats, that are very stable and easy to paddle. It is two people to a boat and generally paddling is with the flow of the water and it is not a strenuous activity but there are two full days of mostly paddling along with two half days so this expedition is recommended for people who are reasonably fit and have a great sense of adventure with a desire to get off the grid and have a simple wilderness experience in a pristine setting.