Selinda Canoe Trail is an excellent way to explore this wonderful area while enjoying the benefits of fresh air and gentle exercise. It is a journey of some 45kms along the Selinda Spillway, which links the Okavango Delta and the Kwando and Linyanti waterways. Highlights include impromptu walks, easy paddling, hearty food, peaceful siestas and camping on remote islands under the stars.
The trip starts with a 4x4 game drive from Selinda Reserve airstrip to the Selinda Spillway. The next 4 days are spent exploring this meandering waterway eastwards through the 320,000 acre Selinda Reserve, ending at Selinda Camp near the convergence of the Kwando and Linyanti water systems. Setting out at dawn, when predators are still active, the morning is spent paddling along the Spillway, spotting animals and birds. This region has abundant wildlife including elephant, buffalo, roan antelope and wild dog. There are relatively few crocodiles and hippos, making for a more relaxing experience. Stop for brunch, followed by a well-earned siesta, before resuming the journey in the afternoon. Your guide may also take you on walks in the bush looking for tracks and signs of wildlife. You will reach the campsite before dark where the team will erect the dome tents, before preparing sundowners and the delicious evening meal. Campsites are not pre-arranged but selected by the guide and team each day.
The trail uses comfortable, 18-foot wide-bottomed Canadian canoes, with padded seats, which carry 2 people each. Drinks and snacks are available throughout the day, with each canoe carrrying its own supplies. Trips are led by an experienced guide. Other staff include a cook and 2 camp hands. They travel in their own canoes and carry most of the gear. Each tent accommodates 2 people and has 2 thick foam bedrolls plus a supply of fresh linen and towels. There are bucket showers with hot water in the evening. There are long drop toilets. surrounded by canvas tents. The camps are not luxurious but rustic and comfortable.
This 4 day, 3 night trip is a wonderful way to enjoy the sights and sounds of this remote waterway and its inhabitants, led by an expert guide and looked after by a friendly crew. With a maximum of 8 guests, this is a personal and intimate experience. It involves 2 full days and 2 half days paddling, which is generally easy, though a reasonable level of fitness is required. The trail operates from mid-April till early October each year, though varies according to water levels. Some walking will also be involved as the guide will take guests exploring in the bush. The trail ends late on the 4th morning. Guests can be transferred to Selinda Reserve airstrip for an onward flight, or to either Selinda or Zarafa Camp to extend their stay in the area.
