The Selwyn Safari

The Selwyn Safari started in 1982 as a result of three Leaders from West Melton Scout Group (then in Selwyn District), wanting to run a well organised weekend tramp for Canterbury Senior/Explorer scouts (ie 13-15 years old). A similar event called the Canterbury Safari was run by the Canterbury Area Scout Leaders in the late 1970s. The Canterbury Safari eventually ceased and the Selwyn Safari superceded it. Two of the original organisers - Graeme Oakley and Colin Watson - are still involved in running the Selwyn Safari.

The Selwyn Safari is held over the first weekend in December each year and is a weekend tramp covering about 25km. The Scouts organise their own food and equipment and walk in their own patrols through pre-determined check points. Each check point is manned by a couple of Scout Leaders. Average attendance is about 80 Scouts and about 30 Leaders. For many Scout Troops, the Safari is a ritual end of year tramp for the Patrol Leaders.

There are three different Safari routes which operate on a three year cycle in the foothills and mountains of the Selwyn District: 1) Thirteen Mile Bush/Selwyn River Gorge area. 2) Porter Heights Skifield/Lake Lyndon/Kowai River area. And 3) Craigieburn Forest Park/Broken River/Cave Stream area. We are lucky to have the cooperation of the local runholders and DOC who allow us saccess onto their properties.

If you have any queries about the Selwyn Safari, please get in touch.

• Selwyn Safari Badges

• 2011 Entry Form

• Tramping Program on a Plate

• Some Photos from 2010 Selwyn Safari
• Some Photos from 2008 Selwyn Safari
• Some Photos from 2006 Selwyn Safari
• Some Photos from 2005 Selwyn Safari