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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