Other · Selinda Reserve, Botswana
Zarafa Camp
Overview
Zarafa Camp is an intimate, four tented suite camp located on the private Selinda Reserve in northern Botswana, an area linking the Okavango Delta and the Chobe/Savute corridors.
Few camps rival the location of this little gem, which together with Duba Plains and Selinda Camps, is one of only three Relais & Chateaux properties in Botswana. Overlooking the crystal waters of Zibadianja Lagoon, the source of the famous Savute Channel, every area of camp has a magnificent view. The lagoon is also the water source for a tremendous population of wildlife – dry season sightings boast buffalo and elephant by the hundreds.
This exquisite camp is the brainchild of the founders of Great Plains Conservation, who pooled their collective experience on safari to create what they deemed to be the best and most environmentally innovative camp. Only recycled hardwoods and canvas were used in the construction and all the camp’s electricity comes from its solar farm while ‘bio gas’ plants recycle waste into usable cooking gas. Zarafa Camp has no equal in terms of its environmental credentials and its careful appointments.
Selinda Reserve, at the crossroads of some of northern Botswana’s most prolific wildlife areas, boasts staggering wildlife populations year-round. Home to some of the classic species, such as leopard, lion, elephant, buffalo, Red lechwe, zebra and giraffe, it is also a refuge for some of the more uncommon species such as African wild dog (which usually den each dry season near camp), cheetah, roan and sable. And for birders, it will not disappoint. Our nearby African skimmer colony is a highlight, as are the antics of the Black egret on the shores of Zibadianja Lagoon. From camp, hippos are visible in the Lagoon and elephant wander through regularly. Night noises will either lull you to sleep or wake you from a deep slumber. It is an exciting area, and guests are in the heart of a wilderness wonderland.
Suites & Rates
Choose how you stay
Suites
Zarafa Camp is designed with exclusivity and privacy at its core. Each suite is positioned on the forest's edge, rimming the shores of the floodplains and far from a neighbour. The 305 square metre...
The Dhow Suite at Zarafa
The Dhow Suite at Zarafa, an immense 210 square metres (2,260 sq ft), is set under beige, flowing canvas with canopy ceilings and completely open (yet netted) sides. Entering through the heavy wood Lamu...
Details
Good to know
Accommodation & amenities
Balcony / Deck, Bath, Complimentary Wi-Fi, Dressing Gowns, Fan, Laundry Service (Complimentary), Lounge Area, Mini Bar (Complimentary), Mosquito Nets, Outside Shower, Plunge Pool, Pure Cotton Linen, Safe, Shower, Tea / Coffee, Verandah
Languages spoken
English
Ideal for
Adventure, Big 5, Birding, Fishing, Flora, Gourmet, Leisure, Nature, Relaxation, Star Gazing, Wildlife, Wine
On-site activities
Big 5, Bird Watching, Boating, Catch-and-release Fishing, Fine Dining, Game Drives, Game Viewing, Game Walks, Helicopter Scenic Flights, Massages, Night Drives, Practice Green, Safaris, Walks (Guided), Wildlife Tours
Services
24-hour Security, Credit Card Facilities, Laundry Service (Complimentary), Private Vehicle (Available)
Nearby activities
Helicopter Rides
Property facilities
Bar, Battery Charging Facilities, Communal Dining, Eco Friendly, Internet Access (Complimentary), Kiddies Club, Library, Pool, Restaurant, Spa, Vegetarian
Location
Where you'll be
Video
See the stay
Botswana is Open
Botswana is Open
Activities
What you can do
Boat Cruises (Seasonal and water-level dependent)
The HES Zib, Zarafa’s special pontoon boat, is an utterly unique experience. The 275 sq. foot deck is complete with couches, a dining area and bar where guests can comfortably enjoy floating brunch or sundowners while watching hippos and elephants in the water. It is also an exceptional platform for birding. (Water-level dependent)
Catch-and-Release Fishing
Fly-fishing and rod/reel kit is available for those who want to try their cast at the local fish (except January and February when there is a moratorium on fishing).
Guided Walks
Another huge benefit of staying within the conservancies is the ability to appreciate the stunning landscape on foot, peacefully, without the noise of engines. We highly recommend this unforgettable experience. Talk to the managers to arrange a good time and location for a walk. Usually early morning or evening is the best time, as the middle of the day is too hot to venture out of the shade. Wear goodwalking shoes, a hat, and neutral coloured clothing so as not to alarm the wildlife, and take binoculars. Your guide will have water for you. Walks are led by licensed guides with firearm training.
Photography
Each of Zarafa’s guest suites has a professional camera set, including a camera body and lenses. Photos will be downloaded to a DVD on guest’s departure. Each suite comes with a pair of high-quality binoculars for guest use as well. For stargazers, each room comes with its own telescope for use on each suite's private deck.
Power Boating (Seasonal and water level dependent)
Explore the lagoon and channels around the area by flat-bottomed power boat. (Seasonal and water level dependent)
Safari Drives (day & night)
With a maximum of just eight guests, Zarafa Camp offers complete flexibility. Drives do focus on the most comfortable and productive times of day, early morning and late afternoon, but full day drives are also quite common at a guest’s request. Picnic brunch can be delivered, and the vehicles are stocked with cold drinks. The camp has two custom built Land Cruisers specially designed for our conditions and photography (fold-down screens, raised roofs, photographic bars, multi-plug invertors) with seven individual bucket seats.
Spa
The Spa at Zarafa is located between suite 4 and the Dhow Suite. The Spa offers guests two treatmentareas and with a range of treatments available. Spa treatments are at an additional cost.
Young Explorers Program
A full syllabus of bush craft skills for our young explorers. This is a complimentary program that follows in the footsteps of National Geographic Explorers-in-Residence, Dereck and Beverly Joubert. An extensive pack will be provided to eager children on arrival, so they can learn about animal calls, how to track wildlife, and other facts and figures about the wild. At the end of a child’s stay, he/she will become a Young Explorer and Conservation Ambassador - ready to go out and tell the world about what they have learned and what they too can do to help protect this beautiful environment.
Ready to plan your stay?
Tell us your dates and we'll handle the rest — flights, transfers and the lodge itself.
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