Selinda Camp

Award-winning National Geographic filmmakers Dereck and Beverly Joubert created Great Plains Conservation, which includes stunning and special safari camps in spectacular locations across Botswana, Kenya and Zimbabwe. Selinda Camp, on the Linyanti River in Botswana’s Selinda Reserve, is one of the most intimate and representative of the Jouberts’ passion for preserving nature and local culture. With only four thatched-roof suites (including a two-bedroom option that comes with its own safari jeep, guide and chef), the camp feels like an indulgent home in the bush—complete with the talented Joubert family’s artwork and black-and-white animal photography adorning the walls of the living spaces. Game drives here include the opportunity to see lions, leopards and elephants, and boating excursions offer the chance of spotting hippos.

The Standout: The club feel of the lodge and the safari photography focus: rooms come with Canon cameras and wide-angle lenses for guest use and safari vehicles are specially designed for photographers Don’t Miss: Sundowners with the camp’s special Painkiller Old- Fashioned cocktail, made with BumBu rum, pineapple bitters, caramelized oranges and toasted coconut chips

• The Solar Mamas program, which supports local women learning about solar energy and building a business bringing solar energy to homes that previously had no electricity
• The professional-grade camera and drawing pads and pencils in each of the rooms
• The two-bedroom suite with a shared living space and private deck with plunge pool

On the boat ride to Selinda Camp, the boat skims across the water surface with hippos looking on from all sides. The property is located in the Linyanti area, which has wetlands and spectacular species diversity, from the resident lions and wild dogs to the large elephant population.

Comprised of three luxury tents and a two-bedroom suite, Selinda offers a boutique experience and an intimate vibe. The suites are well appointed with beautiful carved wooden doors and thoughtful touches, including watercolor paintings and photography of wildlife by Derek and Beverly Joubert. While there is no air-conditioning in the camp, there is air-conditioning over the beds for hotter months and WiFi can be accessed in the rooms. The large separate bathrooms are complete with copper, free-standing tubs, twin basins and an indoor shower. Extra details for those so inclined are the cycling machines, yoga mats and weights.

In the common areas, vintage mokoro boats hang from the walls above a comfortable seating area where you can watch the sunrise. The food at the lodge is wonderfully executed and emphasizes natural ingredients, and with enough notice the small menu for each meal can be catered to all types of dietary preferences. Other facilities include a spa with a treatment room, wine cellar and a wonderfully curated shop.

Regarding activities, the theme of the property is “flexibility”. While guests have access to morning and evening game drivers, the lodge can also prepare lunches on-the-go to allow for full day experiences. When water levels allow, boating is offered on the spillway, with fishing opportunities from March to December. Guided walks can also be arranged, but it’s best to advise in advance if this is of particular interest.

Those seeking to channel their inner explorer and discover hippos, elephants and maybe a leopard