With increasing threats to the elephant population in Africa—including hunting, poaching, and habitat loss from human expansion—it’s no wonder we are beginning to see a major decline in elephant numbers. Determined to extinguish, or at least reduce these threats, Great Plains Conservation has established the Elephant Footprint program. This conservation program is focused primarily on one of the last places on earth where elephants are in large numbers, the Selinda Reserve in Botswana. Nearly 9,000 elephants reside in Selinda after each dry season, thanks to Great Plains Conservation’s exceptional efforts to help sustain the local environment.
According to Great Plains Conservation, before they acquired the land, a whopping 75% of Selinda’s territory was used for trophy hunting. Now, elephants are less timid and more comfortable with their surroundings, and lion and other animal populations have increase dramatically.
Because Selinda is a sanctuary for several endangered animals, including wild dogs, several bird species, leopards, and elephants, it’s a special treat to be able to see these creatures in abundance in their most natural habitat. In addition to a plethora of various animal species, Selinda Reserve is also known for its thriving eco-systems that sustain the delicate wildlife of the area. With 300,000 acres of land, windy rivers, and swamps, Selinda is one of the liveliest regions in Africa. Without the efforts from Great Plains Conservation, this region’s magnificent species and delicate eco-systems would still be under major threat.
Dedicated to conserving the environment through low impact, exceptional tourism, and community involvement, Great Plains Conservation is doing everything in their power to make the environment, the economy, and the community sustainable. Their belief is simple: “We believe that ownership is less about laying claim to a vast tract of land like this, than it is about taking care of it and making it better than we found it (Great Plains Conservation).”
Great Plains Conservation is so dedicated to conserving the area that they only accommodate a maximum of 32 guests in their tented camps at all times. They believe this is the solution to having a lower impact on the region’s environment and providing each and every guest with the African safari vacation of a lifetime. With thousands of acres for guest to explore, Selinda’s camps are some of the most exceptional, unique, and intimate in all of Africa.
With the goal to expand conservation protection, Great Plains is working hard to build an elephant safe-haven that spans from the Chobe National Park, to the Moremi, to Namibia, and hopefully, to Angola.
If you’re looking to experience the Botswana family safari or honeymoon safari of a lifetime, Selinda Reserve is the place to go. Let Hills of Africa Travel create for you and your loved ones a detailed itinerary that’s customized to fit your every individual preference. Contact us today at 800.940.9344. We’re looking forward to making your dreams come true . . .
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If you’re thinking of “camp” in the traditional sense of the word, then you’ve got it all wrong. Mombo Camp is comprised of nine canvas “pavilions,” which are completely unrelated to “pitched tents.” These raised, luxurious pavilions are connected by wooden walkways that serve as a canopy for Mombo Camp’s diverse eco-system. Each private pavilion provides guests with their very own en-suite facilities as well as a private outdoor shower and balcony overlooking a vast floodplain.
lotions, mahogany floors, and soft lighting fixtures are just a few features that are unique to Mombo Camp. In addition to a romantic interior setting, each pavilion has a private veranda, lounge chairs, and a walkway that leads to a private sala that is perfect for napping, observing wildlife, and soaking in nature.
Situated among expansive floodplains and riverine forest-covered islands, Kwetsani Camp exudes a quiet and intimate atmosphere that’s perfect for honeymooners. The Camp’s five, tree-house chalets provides guests with a rejuvenating ambiance that’s ideal for relaxation after a day of game-viewing, sunbathing, or island excursions. Each chalet features en-suite facilities, a spacious living area, and an interior décor that’s reflective of the African bush. Built from thatch, wood, glass, and canvas, these nature-inspired chalets allow guests to remain immersed in Africa’s natural world, while experiencing sheer luxury.
om, lounge and pub area, and a pool—which all overlook a sprawling floodplain—guests can constantly observe Africa’s bewildering wildlife. They can even observe residential red lechwe, wildebeest, and antelope from the privacy of their own chalet.
Built in 2009, the Zambezi Queen is equipped with state-of-the-art amenities, facilities, and interior décor that exude elegance, luxury, comfort, and a warm African spirit. Each evening when guests retreat to their five-star suites, they’re able to view Africa’s wildlife from the privacy of their own balcony. Frequent sightings of elephants, giraffes, lions, sables, buffaloes, and leopards make this luxury river safari a must for travelers looking to view Africa’s dense eco-systems from an untraditional perspective.
Stylish and Comfortable Cabins: All of the Zambezi Queen’s 14 rooms are equipped with either a double bed or two single beds and each has their own private balcony. In addition to these features, each cabin has its own en-suite bathroom, full-length shutters, mosquito netting, and fans. Decorated with earth tones and relaxing hues, the ambiance of each cabin reflects the riveting beauty of the African bush.
taking in the surrounding scenery. For those who love to fish, the Zambezi Queen also provides tiger and bream fishing safaris. When guests are ready to explore the area from land, Zambezi Queen’s private and highly knowledgeable guides offer game drives through Botswana’s Chobe National Park. Since Zambezi Queen’s expert guides have been trained by world-renowned African field guide, Garth Thompson, guides provide guests with a deeper insight into nature than ever imagined. Other land activities include cultural tours through local villages, which are highly recommended for all guests.
Five-Star Dining: Delectable cuisine is created by renowned South African chef, Pete Goff-Wood, who uses local ingredients and flavors to create authentic African dishes. Matching Chef Goff-Wood’s exceptional dishes, the dining room is nothing short of graceful. With three walls constructed of windows, the dining area boasts an atmosphere that completely immerses each diner into the natural surroundings of the Chobe River. Designed for guest to retreat to at any time of the day, the dining room’s relaxing ambiance welcomes guests to eat and drink in comfort and reminisce about the day’s events.
Internationally celebrated for its crystal blue lagoons, abundant wildlife, captivating scenery, and unspoiled terrain, it’s no wonder 
For honeymooners on a Botswana honeymoon safari, the Okavango Delta provides an indescribable, romantic backdrop, unfitting for words. Also perfect for those on an African family safari, this prized Botswana gem boasts a harmonious blend of family oriented activities and incredible learning experiences for all.
An authentic Botswana safari trip combined with luxurious accommodations is the perfect fusion of ingredients for an African safari vacation of a lifetime. Home to some of the world’s most exotic birds, game, reptiles, and amphibians, the Chobe and Linyanti National Reserves in Botswana are just as pristine and untouched as they were when the first European explorers visited the region centuries ago.
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