Field Guide training South Africa: Camp Selati

When you book a course in the Selati Game Reserve you are opting for one of the most interesting areas on the African continent. Experience this spectacle of nature and decide right now on Selati Game Reserve. The diversity of wild animals living around the Selati River knows no bounds. You will encounter giraffes, elephants, leopards, lions and monkeys, as well as sable antelopes, impalas and wildebeests.

But remember to follow the instructions of your experienced instructor in order to avoid unforeseeable circumstances in the Selati Camp. This applies in particular to entire bushbuck families, who tend to cross the camp boundaries. So you can expect to experience unforgettable moments even in the camp, amidst the hills and forests of the beautiful South African landscape.

Camp Selati in detail

Location of Camp Selati

The camp is to the west of the Kruger National Park and is equally as imposing as this famous game reserve. The 33,000 hectares provide ample space for diverse animal and plant life.

And thanks to its special location, the camp has that extra something: Since it lies directly on the banks of Selati River, the water attracts numerous animals who want to cool off in South Africa’s heat. 

The Selati River is not only influencing the Selati Game Reserve in many ways, but also the life in the camp itself.

During the rainy season the river brings the dry area of the game reserve back to green life by being a reliable water source for animals and many plants. Even during the dry season it has an important part in the ecosystem, by creating a nesting place for many different birds in the area.

Life in camp is really exciting due to the river as lots of animals get to the water to drink, or walk in the dry riverbed. Furthermore, the sandy patches of the riverbed can be used for entertaining volleyball matches, involving the whole camp.

Due to the fact that South Africa is located in the southern hemisphere, the seasons are reversed compared to the northern hemisphere. This means it is winter in the months of July and August. Summers are warm to hot, with temperatures ranging from mid-20°C on the coolers cloud-covered rainy days, to the high 30°C on average days. Occasional hot days’ temperatures exceed 40°C.

Winters are usually dry, with the average morning temperature of 6°C, with occasional cooler morning temperatures, and warmer mornings when there is cloud cover. Afternoon temperatures average in the mid-20s°C, with ranges of 18°C to 32°C expected. Occasional winter showers prevail but are unusual. Rain in the summer takes the form of heavy thunder-showers, or frontal rainfall over a longer period of time.

Arrival in Camp Selati

• Airport: Johannesburg

• By road: approx. 5,5 hours driving time from Johannesburg

• Flight: There are scheduled flights (1,15 h) to Eastgate Airport in Hoedspruit. From here, you will need to get an organised transfer to get to the camp (45 minutes away).

• Meeting point: The instructor will meet all students at Selati Main Gate at 02:00 PM.

Life in Camp Selati

Up to 20 students, life-changers or future field guides can be accommodated in the camp, in 10 tents. All tents are shared with another participant. Although mobile phone reception in the camp is very poor, there are still means of communicating.

You can spend your free time with the other participants in the communal area, studying or just doing nothing. You will also eat here, to gather strength for the tasks in the wild.

Thanks to Natucate you can have a wonderful time in the Selati Game Reserve and enjoy valuable training in combination with essential environmental protection in an area where the term “once in a lifetime” will undoubtedly gain a new connotation for you.

Blankets and pillows will be provided, but no bedding. We recommend bringing your own sleeping bag.

In the camp there will be a common area and a fire place. The camp is not fenced, so that wild animals could pass by from time to time. Furthermore, no mosquito nets are available.

Electricity: Electricity is provided by generators in the camp. Participants can charge their batteries for cameras and mobile phones. We recommend bringing head lamps.

Drinking water: Fresh drinking water comes from the tap. Bottled water is also available for purchase.

Beverages: Non-alcoholic drinks are on sale in the camp and can only be purchased in cash. Fruit juice is served with the meals and tea and coffee are available all day.

Laundry: Laundry service is available in the camp for a small charge.

Cell phone reception: There is no cell phone reception at the camp. A weekly trip will be made to allow learners to phone.

Currency: The South African currency is Rand. There is no ATM in the camp; you should bring enough cash for the duration of your stay.

On-site support: Normally there will be a training instructor, an assistant instructor, a camp coordinator, a camp cook and a cleaner on the site for the duration of your stay.

Vehicles in Camp Selati

The vehicles used for game viewing are open Land Rovers and Land Cruisers.