Linyanti, Botswana
Selinda Adventure Trail
A traditional African adventure along the waterways of northern Botswana
The Selinda Adventure Trail is a four day adventure along a 40km (20 mile) stretch of the Selinda Spillway in the private 320,000-acre Selinda Reserve in northern Botswana – the waterway linking Botswana’s Okavango Delta and Linyanti and Kwando water systems.
This is the ideal setting for Botswana’s leading canoeing and walking safari, hosting just eight guests on each departure. The Trail harks back to the spirit of safaris of old, when days were spent on impromptu exploration and each night was spent camping along the banks of a river.
The safari consists of relatively easy paddling, pure walking safari, or a mixture of the two, all governed by the availability of water in the Selinda Spillway, with three nights in impromptu fly camps along the way.
Your stops are not pre-arranged. You begin each day at the break of dawn. Whilst paddling, you encounter wildlife along the Spillway’s banks, and disembark your canoes to enjoy walks, looking for tracks and signs. After brunch and a siesta at midday you continue onward through the afternoon and arrive at your campsite before dark.
This area is well known for elephant, buffalo, sable, roan, wild dog and it is possible to encounter predators and a variety of other species en route. The Spillway is also a birding paradise but has relatively few hippos or crocodiles, making for a relaxing journey.
Highlights
Full day canoeing and bushwalks with a 4x4 game drive transfer en route at the start and end of the Selinda Canoe Trail
Walking and canoe safaris
Dome Tents
Maximum 8 people
Fully catered
Trip Inspiration
Plan your trip to Botswana
Whatever you want from your adventure in Botswana, our team of expert travel designers are ready to help.
Places to combine Selinda Adventure Trail with
Etosha National Park
Encounter by Ongava is an intimate safari camp set within Ongava Game Reserve, on the southern edge of Etosha National Park. You’ll be surrounded by Mopane woodland and wildlife moving freely through the landscape.
There are eight spacious walk-in tents: seven standard tents and one paired tent that works well for families or small groups. Each tent has an en-suite bathroom with an outdoor shower and a private deck.
You can head out on game drives across the 30,000-hectare Ongava Game Reserve. The area is known for its rhino population, as well as lion, zebra and antelope, including the endemic black-faced impala. We especially recommend private guided nature walks, where you can slow down, appreciate the small details and explore with minimal impact. There may be the chance to approach white rhino on foot, as well as spend time bird watching.
For a wider safari experience, take a guided excursion into nearby Etosha National Park, Namibia’s prime savannah wilderness area. At the Ongava Visitor Centre, learn about the region’s geology, wildlife, plants and ecology.
Back at camp, slow down by the pool, settle into the library or gather at the bar as evening falls. The day softens into drinks, quiet conversation and the sounds of the reserve.
