Zarafa Camp
Selinda Reserve, Botswana
Rates on request
Gallery
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.
Rooms & Availability
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 marquis style' canvas guest suites are expansive and open-air without exposing guests to the elements. Each of the three spaces of the suite is decorated with custom-made furniture, handcrafted from recycled ancient hardwoods. The raised decks, constructed of recycled African railroad sleepers, form the tent's foundation.
Upon entry is a large lounge appointed with a leather sofa, armchairs, personal bar and writing desk. Adjoining the lounge is the main bedroom and dressing area. The main bathroom is comprised of a copper bath and shower, double sinks and private toilet. Off the bathroom, the raised walkway leads to the outdoor shower. The private verandah, running the length of the front of the suite, offers a private plunge pool, outdoor lounge and sweeping view of Zibadianja Lagoon's waters.
Each suite comes with its own professional camera body and zoom lenses for use during a stay. Photos are then downloaded as a souvenir at the end of your stay.
Rates on request
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 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.
ZAR 9,935 Per Villa / Unit
Details
Amenities
room_facilities: 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
spoken_languages: English
special_interests: Adventure, Big 5, Birding, Fishing, Flora, Gourmet, Leisure, Nature, Relaxation, Star Gazing, Wildlife, Wine
activities_on_site: 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
available_services: 24-hour Security, Credit Card Facilities, Laundry Service (Complimentary), Private Vehicle (Available)
activities_off_site: Helicopter Rides
property_facilities: Bar, Battery Charging Facilities, Communal Dining, Eco Friendly, Internet Access (Complimentary), Kiddies Club, Library, Pool, Restaurant, Spa, Vegetarian
Activities
Boat Cruises (Seasonal and water-level dependent), Catch-and-Release Fishing, Guided Walks, Photography, Power Boating (Seasonal and water level dependent), Safari Drives (day & night), Spa, Young Explorers Program