FACT FILE SELINDA ADVENTURE TRAIL NORTHERN BOTSWANA

A TRAILS EXPLORATION – 4 nights / 5 days ADVENTURE SAFARI ALONG the Selinda Spillway OFFERING either A canoeing and walking adventure OR pure-WALKING safari experience

The high waters flowing through northern Botswana in 2009, together with subtle tectonic movements, caused the waters of the Okavango River to flow in a way that it has not done for nearly three decades, pushing east along the previously dry Selinda Spillway to meet the waters of the Linyanti. This enabled adventurers the opportunity to experience a rare first, canoeing along the Selinda Spillway.

As the waters of the Selinda Spillway ebb and flow each year, some years with higher flood levels than others, so the name of the Selinda Canoe Trail was changed to reflect a more inclusive guided walking safari and is thus now known as the Selinda Adventure Trail.

The trail replicates the safari experiences of old as we chart a course along the Selinda Spillway and into the remote woodlands of the vast 320,000 Selinda Reserve over five days. As we are governed by the availbility of sufficient water in the Selinda Spillway, we offer two distinct adventures here for you to enjoy. Depending on water levels at the time of a your arrival, we will offer either a canoeing and walking experience, or a purely guided walking experience.

The canoeing experience entails a traditional canoe and walking safari following the course, and exploring side channels, of the Selinda Spillway. The pure-walking experience is an amazing, exclusively guided walking safari along exciting sections of the Spillway and inland portions of the famous Selinda Reserve.

All adventure trails start at the Selinda Airstrip where you are met and immediately transferred by helicopter to the remote starting point of the relevant adventure.

The distance of the Selinda Adventure Trails differ depending on whether it is a walking or canoeing adventure. Walking distance is just over 20 km altogether and canoeing is approximately 40km. Along either routes we expect to come across many species of wildlife. The Selinda Reserve is well known for some of Botswana’s largest herds of buffalo and elephant, roan antelope and African wild dog. Other possible sightings include cheetah, lion, leopard and variety of other species. It is also a birder’s paradise with over 300 species possibly seen.

All four nights are spent in fly camps along the Selinda Spillway at pre-arranged sites. The days are spent paddling or walking along the Spillway and into the woodlands of the reserve, depending on which option is available at that time, with regular stops whenever there is something of interest to be seen along the way.

WWW.GREATPLAINSCONSERVATION.COM / [email protected] SELINDA ADVENTURE TRAIL NORTHERN BOTSWANA

When canoeing, each canoe has two guests as Walking is an integral component of both canoeing/ well as their bed rolls and soft bags. Participants walking trail and naturally the pure-walking trail paddle their own canoes each day. No previous experience, and it is now more extensive to allow for paddling, canoeing or walking safari experience is access to new islands and lagoons. Even when you needed as tuition and safety briefings are given – but are on a canoe safari, each day can include walking participants must be fit enough to paddle their own experiences of up to four hours to investigate areas canoes and be prepared to walk between camps of regular predator activity or wildlife sightings. In when water levels are not sufficiently high on the addition if there happens to be wildlife activity that Selinda Spillway. warrants investigation whilst canoeing, we stop on the banks and take a short walk into the bush. Guests are not expected to put up their tents or help with the cooking and camp chores as our staff Brunch is taken around mid-morning and light are on hand. Walk-in 3m x 2.4m Flex-Bow tents are snacks are available throughout the day for provided as they are comfortable and large enough sustenance until dinner. At night, the deep silence for two people. Screened, bucket showers with hot is punctuated by nocturnal sounds, from croaking and cold water are also supplied. frogs to roaring lion or the hyeana’s whooping call. The atmosphere is magical and the highlight of any On the pure walking trail each guest will be supplied African safari. with a day backpack which will include water. An armed, qualified walking guide as well as an On the last morning of the Adventure Trail, we finish experieced tracker will be with you at all times at our Selinda Explorers Camp before transferring as you explore the banks of the Spillway water as you back to the Selinda Airstrip for your onward well as slightly more remote areas of the Selinda departure. Ideally you could and should elect to stay Reserve. on for an additional night or two at either Selinda Explorers Camp, Selinda Camp or Zarafa and Dhow The five day / four night Selinda Adventure Trail Suites. offers new and exciting elements either a canoeing adventure or a pure, guided walking safari along The Selinda Adventure Trail’s camps bring you the Selinda Spillway. Each day begins in the early closer to nature. The overnight camp sites create morning after a hearty breakfast and when the that sense of wilderness with a clear emphasis on Spillway is at its most peaceful. essential camp comforts and maximum wilderness experience.

WWW.GREATPLAINSCONSERVATION.COM / [email protected] SELINDA ADVENTURE TRAIL NORTHERN BOTSWANA

Selinda Explorers Camp

NIGHT 4 Canoeing & Walking)

NIGHT 2 & 3 (Canoeing)

NIGHT 2 & 3 (Walking)

SEPARATION POINT (Canoeing & Walking)

START & NIGHT 1 (Walking)

NIGHT 1 (Canoeing)

Rendezvous Point (Canoeing Start Point)

WWW.GREATPLAINSCONSERVATION.COM / [email protected] SELINDA ADVENTURE TRAIL NORTHERN BOTSWANA

GUIDE Regular stops and lunch is served en route. After The entire trail is guided and hosted by a professional lunch we head “inland” to our second night’s camp and passionate walking or canoeing guide with which will serve as our base for 2 nights. extensive experience in big game areas and excellent interpretive skills to bring the environment alive. He DAY 3: An early breakfast fuels us for a day of carries a rifle for safety while on the water, walking exploration as we head off to areas only possible and in the camp. On the walking safari an additional to explore by foot. Venturing onto the islands and tracker will join the adventure. around lagoons formed by the flood waters each season, expect to see antelope a plenty and large EXCLUSIVE EXPERIENCE herds of elephant and buffalo. A truly humbling The Selinda Spillway is an ideal setting for this experience. The length of day is tailored around canoeing or walking adventure safari. The route the wildlife in the areas, with cold refreshments begins downstream from the Selinda airstrip in and lunch stops. Stories around the camp fire are the north-east of the Okavango Delta and migrates guaranteed to be colourful. eastwards along the Selinda Spillway through the private 320 000-acre Selinda Reserve, ending at DAY 4: Up again for early breakfast before we Selinda Explorers Camp. continue almost due north toward the Spillway once more and for our last night of this trail. PURE-Walking ITINERARY DAY 1: The trail begins at Selinda Airstrip in the mid- DAY 5: Last stretch along the waters of the Spillway, afternoon, followed by a thrilling helicopter transfer expecting to arrive at Selinda Explorers Camp from the airstrip to your first night’s camp, which around mid-morning to a celebratory drink. At this serves as the starting point of the actual walking point we are met by the vehicle and transferred by trail. Once your guide has briefed the group, guests road to the Selinda Airstrip, where we bid farewell to will be taken on a short, late-afternoon walking the safari. experience before returning back to the camp. CANOEING & WALKING ITINERARY The tented camp will be pre-erected and we enjoy DAY 1: The trail begins at Selinda Airstrip in the a well-deserved sundowner around the campfire mid-afternoon, followed by a exhilirating helicopter before dinner, followed by a good night’s sleep. transfer to a remote point along the Selinda Spillway. Once your guide has given you a safely briefing, the DAY 2: After an early wake-up call, tea or coffee and trail starts with a short, late-afternoon canoe along light breakfast, while the camp is being dismantled, the Spillway before you arrive at the evening’s first we head off on foot along the Selinda Spillway camp. enjoying the natural splendours of the Selinda Reserve as they appear before us.

WWW.GREATPLAINSCONSERVATION.COM / [email protected] SELINDA ADVENTURE TRAIL NORTHERN BOTSWANA

As there is a minimal distance to be covered on PRE-TOUR INFORMATION & REQUIREMENTS the first day and also due to the fact that all the SELINDA ADVENTURE TRAIL equipment is carried with the group, we paddle until We look forward to hosting you at the Selinda just before sunset at a suitable site on the banks of Adventure Trail in Botswana in the near future. In the Selinda Spillway. order to ensure that you have the best experience possible, we ask that you read the following The tented camp will be pre-erected and we enjoy information carefully. a well-deserved sundowner around the campfire before dinner, followed by a good night’s sleep. GROUP SIZE This safari is guaranteed on a set scheduled DAY 2: After an early wake-up call, tea or coffee and departure basis with a maximum group size of eight light breakfast, while the camp is being dismantled, guests and minimum of two guests. Private and we head out on the canoes for a full day of paddling, flexible tailor-made safaris where a group books out with walking opportunities when something of note an entire departure are welcomed and encouraged. appears. Lunch is served en route. Tonight we camp in another suitable location as we gradually make On the canoe safari, each canoe will have two our way down the Selinda Spillway. guests, their bed rolls and bags. Participants paddle their own canoes or walk to their camp site each day. DAY 3: Today is spent on foot exploring the maze of No previous paddling or canoeing experience is back channels and smaller island in this area. There needed as tuition will be given – but participants are antelope a plenty and large herds of elephant must be fit enough to paddle their own canoes. and buffalo, a humbling experience to have on foot. The length of day is tailored to the group, and either On the walking safari guests will be lead by an way a cold refreshment is waiting, followed by armed, experienced walking guide as well as an memorable stories around the camp fire later. knowledgeable tracker. All luggage and equipment will be taken by road to the following campsite. DAY 4: Up again for early breakfast before we Guests will be given a camelback dayback for continue along the water course by canoe for hydration purposes. another full-day excursion before arriving in camp for the last night of this trail. STAFF Each safari will be hosted by between four and six DAY 5: We head out after breakfast, aiming to finish staff members. There are usually one cook, three around mid-morning at Selinda Explorers Camp for camp hands and our armed, experienced guide (and a celebratory drink. Here we are met by vehicle and tracker if on the walking safari). transferred by road to the Selinda Airstrip, where we bid farewell to the safari.

WWW.GREATPLAINSCONSERVATION.COM / [email protected] SELINDA ADVENTURE TRAIL NORTHERN BOTSWANA

When on our canoe safari experience our staff will Walk in 3m x 2.4m Flex-Bow tents are provided be in their own canoes with most of the equipment, as they are comfortable and large enough for two although we may spread the weight of drinks and people. They are furnished with comfortable bedrolls food for the day and other gear throughout all the and quality linen. We provide enough camp chairs canoes. for dinners at a well appointed dinner table and for guests to sit around a fire at night. Our meals will AGE LIMIT be prepared on the fire by the cook, enhancing that We recommend children join us from the age of safari atmosphere of old experience. 14 due to the daily walking distances that we can enjoy. For guests with children from 10 - 13 years, Our ablution facilities will be bucket showers with we look forward to consulting with you to create a hot and cold water in the evenings and ‘long drop’ private tailor-made safari which may be subject to toilets which our staff prepare before your arirval at an additional cost. each overnight camp sight.

VEHICLES LANGUAGES As we walk and canoe through areas that are Our safaris are all conducted in English, and it inaccessible to vehicles, there are no back-up is therefore required that all participants on the vehicles that accompany the canoe or walking trails. safari have a knowledge of English and be able to communicate in that language. This is primarily due An open game drive vehicle is used to transport to safety factors. guests back from Selinda Explorers where the experience ends to the Selinda airstrip. JOINING AND/OR LEAVING THE SCHEDULED SAFARIS ACCOMMODATION/CAMPING EQUIPMENT This adventure safari will start and end at the This safari is all about taking ourselves away from Selinda airstrip. As we helicopter transfers guests today’s world. The Selinda Spillway runs through from the Selinda airstrip to the start of the Trail, a remote part of the private Selinda Reserve in guests are now able to connect directly off their Air northern Botswana, in areas where you will be Botswana or SA Airlink flights from Johannesburg to completely removed from the modern world. We will their scheduled or private air transfer from Maun to be carrying all of the equipment on the canoes with the Selinda airstrip. us, or transporting them via vehicle when on the walking safari. Your camp sites will be of a rustic but A few nights at Selinda Explorers Camp, Selinda comfortable nature. Camp, Zarafa and the Dhow Suites or Duba Expedition Camp is highly recommended beforehand and even more highly recommended after the Adventure Trail.

WWW.GREATPLAINSCONSERVATION.COM / [email protected] SELINDA ADVENTURE TRAIL NORTHERN BOTSWANA

Please also ensure that you have all the correct ITINERARIES information for this safari. Should you have any The route we follow will be flexible, changing with doubts concerning the below instructions please do the season to maximise each guest’s experience. not hesitate to contact your booking agent. Please ensure that you have the correct information. We also reserve the right to change itineraries due Please note that the safari and our guide’s services to water levels in the Selinda Spillway, unusual game start on OUR Day 1. The trail begins at the Selinda concentrations or any reason beyond our control. If Airstrip on Day 1 and ends at around 10h30 at the there is a change to an itinerary, this will be advised Selinda Airstrip airfield on Day 5; it is important that as timeously as is possible. connecting air transfers are arranged for you prior to arrival to and from the Selinda Airstrip should you TRAVEL DOCUMENTS not be staying at our camps either before or after the All visitors to Botswana must have a passport which Selinda Adventure Trail. is valid for at least six months beyond their intended departure date from Botswana. Please ensure that your departure flight from Maun, Kasane or Victoria Falls is booked for after 14h00 if Visitors to Southern Africa must ensure they have your regional or private charter flight back home is enough blank pages in their passports bearing in on the last day of this safari. mind they may be visiting several different countries.

INCLUSIONS ON THE SAFARI Visitors must also be in possession of outward travel • Accommodation; documents and have sufficient funds for the duration • All meals from lunch on day 1 to breakfast at the of their stay. end of the scheduled safari; • A reasonable amount of soft drinks, wine and beer Further visa information is available on the at meal times; following website: • Selinda Reserve fees. www.botswanatourism.co.bw/getting_in/visas.html

EXCLUSIONS ON THE SAFARI Please note we have provided this website as a • All internal and regionals flights and air transfers; guideline for further information, and we cannot be • Visas; held responsible for the content thereof. • Compulsory medical and travel insurance; • All relevant entry and departure government taxes; • Gratuities; • Pre and post safari tours, meals or accommodation before or after the safari.

WWW.GREATPLAINSCONSERVATION.COM / [email protected] SELINDA ADVENTURE TRAIL NORTHERN BOTSWANA

TIPPING / GRATUITIES Additional luggage can be collected off you at the Tipping is not compulsory. If, however, you have Selinda Airstrip and stored for you, for your return. received excellent service and would like to leave a Please bring your own high quality binoculars and token of your thanks, the following are guidelines: camera equipment to enhance the enjoyment. • Guide: $10 per guest per day; Waterproof camera bags are strongly recommended. • Camp staff (collectively): $10 per guest per day. TORCHES/FLASHLIGHTS Please ensure you have a sufficient amount of US As all camps selected for the adventure trail are Dollars/Euro in cash of small denominations to unfenced, it is essential that you bring a good torch cover for gratuities should you wish to tip the guide as you may encounter wild animals in camp at night. and camp staff as there are no credit card facilities A good quality head lamp type of torch / flashlight availble on this safari. with you for night time walking to your tents is recommended. In addition we suggest at least a LUGGAGE TWO D-cell torch/flashlight. You should also bring No formal clothes are needed; however we a spare globe as well as batteries as they are often recommend that you keep your luggage to a unobtainable locally. (A good LED flashlight is NOT a minimum. Bright colours and white are NOT advised mini-Maglight or a small penlight flashlight). and army camouflage clothing or army hats are strongly discouraged (this excludes khaki-coloured PHOTOGRAPHIC TIPS clothes). The choice of the correct camera equipment will determine the quality of your photographs on safari. For safety and space reasons, we have a maximum For photography of birds and animals, a good digital 20 kg limit on luggage. Please ensure this is packed SLR camera and telephoto lens is necessary. in a soft bag. High-resolution digital cameras are outstanding Please remember that you will have to paddle your and give superb quality images, especially if you own canoes with your own luggage and bed rolls. are using a digital SLR camera body, with inter- On the walking safari your luggage will be taken by changeable lenses. Camera bodies from Canon, road to your next overnight camp. The lighter your Nikon and Sony are excellent. canoe is, the easier it is to propel going forward. As the dress code on this safari is very informal, we Spare batteries are essential (we recommend that recommend that you take the minimum possible. It you bring 3 spare batteries) and an image storage is highly recommened that comfortable and suitable device of some sort is recommended. Make certain walking shoes/boots, and a pair of strops/rafting you have enough card storage – most people take shoes or “Crocs” are brought on this safari. more photographs than they expect to. There are no charging or downloading of images facilities, so all batteries need to be charged before arriving here.

WWW.GREATPLAINSCONSERVATION.COM / [email protected] SELINDA ADVENTURE TRAIL NORTHERN BOTSWANA

CHARGING FACILITIES • If you wear contact lenses we recommend that Charging facilities for cameras and video cameras you bring along a pair of glasses in case of eye are unfortunately not available on the trail, so please irritation from the dust; bring enough batteries to last you the full 5 days of • A small “day pack” (without frame) for use on the adventure trail. days where we walk and in the canoe – preferably waterproof; SUGGESTED CLOTHING LIST • Light rain gear; MAXIMUM 20 KGS IN BOTSWANA, PACKED IN A • Water proof bag or Pelican case for cameras; SOFT BAG - (Including camera equipment within reason) • Soft bag for clothes (preferably waterproof). • Good quality sunglasses with good UV protection preferably polarised. Wide brimmed bush hat; HEALTH • T-shirts and long-sleeved “Columbia Fishing There are a few basic health matters that require Style” cotton shirts; care and attention. The following points are • Shorts/slacks/skirts and swimming costume; recommended guidelines only. Please consult your • Long trousers; doctor and also check with your health department • Warm track suit, anorak/parka (polar fleece is prior to departure for any changes in health good), head “beanie” and gloves (essential for the regulations. very cold June/ July/ August early mornings); • Underwear and socks; MALARIA • Comfortable walking shoes/boots with suitable Even though the canoe trail takes place miles socks to prevent blisters; away from any villages, northern Botswana is still • Rafting shoes/Strops/”Crocs”; regarded as a malarial area. • Sweater/jersey; • Camera equipment and sufficient spare camera Malaria prophylactic recommendations for travellers batteries; to southern African: • Tissues/”Wet Ones”; • A good LARGE flashlight which takes at least 2 Expert opinion differs regarding the best approach large batteries. Please bring spare batteries and a to malaria prophylaxis. It is important to bear spare globe; in mind that malaria may be contracted despite • GOOD QUALITY BINOCULARS - ESSENTIAL; chemoprophylaxis, especially in areas where • Moisturising cream and suntan lotion witha chloroquine resistance has been reported. Both strong SPF rating; chloroquine-resistant and normal strains of malaria • Insect repellent; are prevalent in Africa. • Personal toiletries, in addition to those specified above;

WWW.GREATPLAINSCONSERVATION.COM / [email protected] SELINDA ADVENTURE TRAIL NORTHERN BOTSWANA

Please remember that the best precaution is the DIETARY REQUIREMENTS preventative kind: For those guests with specific dietary requirements • Avoid being bitten by using mosquito repellents please ensure your agent is notified prior to arrival. liberally. Please bring your own repellent and We can accommodate most reasonable requests wear long-sleeved shirts and trousers/slacks in with sufficient prior notice. the evenings. MEDICAL CONDITIONS Malaria is transmitted by a very small percentage You need to notify your agent and ourselves of any of female Anopheles mosquitoes. They are mainly medical condition you may have prior to your arrival. active in the early evening and throughout the night. This includes any allergies e.g. bee stings, nuts, Malaria transmission is at its highest during the shellfish etc. warmer and wetter months of November through to April. From May through to October the risks of INSURANCE acquiring malaria are reduced. There is also less It is a condition of booking, that the sole prevalence in remote areas where our camps are responsibility lies with the guests to ensure that situated; nonetheless, you need to consider taking they carry the correct comprehensive travel and preventative measures. medical and emergency evacuation insurance to cover themselves, as well as any dependants/ WATER travelling companions for the duration of their trip It is very important that you drink plenty of water to southern Africa. This insurance should include whilst on the adventure trail. It is generally cover in respect of, but not limited to, the following recommended that guests drink at least 2 to 3 litres eventualities: of water per day to limit the effects of dehydration. This excludes tea, coffee and alcoholic beverages, COMPULSORY INSURANCE: which act as diuretics and therefore can actually • Emergency evacuation expenses; contribute to dehydration. • Medical expenses; • Repatriation expenses. Generally, water throughout Southern Africa is safe to drink directly from the tap. However, bottled water is readily available on the adventure trail, so please do not allow yourself to become dehydrated.

WWW.GREATPLAINSCONSERVATION.COM / [email protected] SELINDA ADVENTURE TRAIL NORTHERN BOTSWANA

RECOMMENDED INSURANCE: • This is Botswana - Daryl Balfour; • Cancellation or curtailment of trip; • The Bushmen - A Changing Way of Life - • Damage/theft/loss of personal luggage, money Anthony Bannister; and goods. • Botswana: A Brush with the Wild - Paul Great Plains Conservation, including their Augustinus; representatives, employees and agents will take • The Kalahari, Survival in a Thirstland no responsibility for any costs, losses incurred or Wilderness - Nigel Dennis, Dr Michael; suffered by the guest, or guest’s dependants or • Newman’s Birds of Southern Africa and travelling companions, with regards to, but not Common Birds of Botswana - Ken Newman; limited to, any of the above mentioned eventualities. • Guide to the Trees & Shrubs of the Okavango Guests will be charged directly by the relevant Delta - Veronica Roodt; service providers for any emergency services they • Guide to the Wildflowers of the Okavango Delta may require, and may find themselves in a position of - Veronica Roodt; being unable to access such services should they not • Botswana Tourist Map & Guide - Veronica be carrying the relevant insurance cover. Roodt; • Running Wild: Dispelling the Myths of the CANCELLATION & CURTAILMENT African Wild Dog - John McNutt, Lesley Boggs, If for any reason you cancel a trip close to departure Dave Hamman & Helene Heldring; date, you could lose the entire cost of your trip. • Wild About the Okavango - Duncan Butchart; Should you have to leave before your holiday is • Botswana - The Bradt Travel Guide - Chris finished, we cannot refund you the cost of the portion McIntyre; of the package you do not complete. • Sasol birds of Southern Africa - Ian Sinclair, Phil Hockey, W. R Tarboton. RECOMMENDED READING We recommend the following books specific to the Everyone should bring their own pair of binoculars, Botswana region; camera and reference books in order to get the most • Okavango: Wetland Wilderness - Adrian Bailey; out of the safari. • Okavango: An African Paradise - Daryl Balfour; • Chobe: Africa’s Untamed Wilderness - PLEASE NOTE THAT ALL STANDARD TERMS AND Daryl Balfour; CONDITIONS APPLY. • The Lions and Elephants of the Chobe - Bruce Aitken;

WWW.GREATPLAINSCONSERVATION.COM / [email protected] GREAT PLAINS CONSERVATION QUICK CAMP FACTS

BOTSWANA CAMPS KENYA CAMPS

ZARAFA DHOW DUBA SELINDA ZARAFA CAMP SELINDA CAMP SELINDA EXPLORERS OL DONYO LODGE MARA PLAINS MARA EXPEDITION ACTIVITY SUITES EXPEDITION ADVENTURE TRAIL 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 for an additional fee | (#) This activity is water level dependent

WWW.GREATPLAINSCONSERVATION.COM / [email protected]