Other · Selinda Reserve, Botswana
Zarafa Camp The Dhow Suite at Zarafa
Overview
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 door transports guests into a lavish space of deep reds, browns, brass and copper, evoking richness and beauty. Central to the Dhow Suite is a full lounge and dining area with a fitted dining table, coffee table with cappuccino machine, and a full-length leather couch and chairs.
Two large bedrooms are positioned on either side of the main area, each designed with an open-layout bathroom featuring an impressive copper claw-foot bath, indoor shower, separate loo and double basins. A large decking area fronts the suite, with a 5 x 2.5 metre swimming pool, exercise bike and outdoor showers for each room, all overlooking pristine Botswana wilderness. The adjoining main camp has a curio shop, and in-room massage treatments are also available.
Details
Good to know
Languages spoken
English
Ideal for
Adventure, Big 5, Birding, Fishing, Flora, Gourmet, Leisure, Nature, Relaxation, Star Gazing, Wildlife, Wine
Property facilities
Bar, Battery Charging Facilities, Communal Dining, Eco Friendly, Internet Access (Complimentary), Kiddies Club, Library, Pool, Restaurant, Spa, Vegetarian
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
Services
24-hour Security, Credit Card Facilities, Laundry Service (Complimentary), Private Vehicle (Available)
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
Nearby activities
Helicopter Rides
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.
Enquire now