Selinda Camp
Okavango Delta, Botswana
Selinda Reserve
Vibe
Open-sided thatched pavilions overlook the spillway, where guests gather on raised decks to watch elephants and hippos across the floodplains.
“Spillway wilderness bolthole”
In-suite Canon camera gear, private plunge pools, and open-air bathrooms with deep stone soaking tubs.
Open-air thatched pavilions furnished with leather lounges and bespoke daybeds crafted from traditional wooden mokoros.
Water safaris along the Selinda Spillway in traditional mokoros alongside guided tracking across private floodplains.
On a private island by the Selinda Spillway, reached only by bush plane.
“Inside the nine spacious, elevated tents, reed-covered canvas walls enclose a king-size bed, a writing nook, and a sitting area.”
Rooms
Elevated canvas suites feature eco-cooled beds, writing desks, indoor-outdoor brass showers, and shaded verandas hung with daybeds and hammocks.
Wellness
An unheated swimming pool sits on the main timber deck, with Swedish massages and botanical body treatments offered in-suite.
Backstory
Founded by wildlife filmmakers Beverly and Dereck Joubert, the camp was rebuilt to honor early explorer heritage and elemental safari design.
Eat & drink
Candlelit dinners are served on the raised star deck, followed by tastings in the temperature-controlled walk-in wine cellar and boma campfires.
The neighborhood
Set inside a private 320,000-acre reserve, the island overlooks the Selinda Spillway, reachable only by light aircraft to a bush airstrip.
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The app
This is one hotel. The app has every one we rate, in your pocket, for the whole trip.
Our shorthand
What makes a hotel special, how well they pull it off, and what it feels like outside the door.
How well they pull it off
Extremely rare. Sets the global standard.
Brilliant execution. And we’re picky.
They did this well. You’ll notice.
A defining trait. Makes the hotel what it is.
The eight vibes
Architecture and interiors lead. There’s a creative vision at work.
The guest is conspicuously well cared for. Requests met before they’re made.
Rooted in place. Local character runs through the whole stay.
Energy and scene. Where the city goes out, whether or not it’s sleeping here.
A building with history. The story of the place is part of the stay.
Built around feeling better. Rest, sweat, soak, spa.
A hotel the city grew up with. Same rituals, same regulars.
A world of its own. No reason to leave the property.
Scene — what’s outside the door
Where things happen: restaurants, shops, people.
Well-located: walkable to some things, a short ride to more.
Away from the crowds. Getting around takes intention.
A place apart: the property is the destination.