GREAT PLAINS ZARAFA CAMP – SELINDA RESERVE – LINYANTI
Zarafa means ‘the beloved one’ in Arabic and comes from a giraffe that was presented to Charles X of France in 1826 by the Viceroy of Egypt. Today Zarafa is luxury camp located on the private Selinda Reserve. The Reserve links the Okavango Delta with Chobe National Park and every area of the camp offers stunning views over the Zibadianja Lagoon which is the source of the Savuti Channel.

Only recycled hardwoods and canvas were used in the construction, all the camp’s electricity comes from its solar farm and a bio-gas system converts vegetable waste into usable cooking gas.

LOCATION
Zarafa is set in the far eastern edge of the private Selinda Reserve in northern Botswana.

CAMP

The camp has three expansive guest tents each covered under thatch and set on raised decking under canvas. Entering through a Lamu door you will find a lavish space of deep reds and browns. The bedroom is connected to a full lounge and open layout bathroom complete with cooper claw-foot bath. Extensive decking includes a private plunge pool and outdoor shower.

Under a canopy of ebony trees, the camp has a sizable main lounge, library, dining area and bush boutique. An outdoor gym and in-room massage are available.

The Zarafa Dhow Suite is a stunning two-bedroom tented villa which is set on raised decking under flowing canvas and set adjacent to Zarafa Camp. Central to the Dhow Suite is a full lounge and dining area fitted with dining table, leather couch and chairs. Two large bedrooms with open layout bathrooms and copper claw-foot baths sit to either side of the main area. A large decking area fronts onto the Suite with a plunge pool, exercise bike and fire-pit, all with views of Botswana wilderness.

WILDLIFE AND ACTIVITIES

Selinda Reserve is home to leopard, lion, cheetah, elephant, buffalo, red lechwe, zebra and giraffe. It is also a refuge for some of the more uncommon species such as African wild dog, roan and sable. And for birders the nearby African skimmer colony is a highlight. From camp, hippos are visible in the Lagoon and elephant wander through regularly. It is an exciting area, and guests are in the heart of this wilderness wonderland.

Game drives (day & night) – Zarafa Camp offers complete flexibility and drives focus on the most comfortable and productive times of day which are early morning and late afternoon. Full day drives are also offered. Picnic brunch can be delivered and the vehicles are stocked with cold drinks. The camp has two custom built Land Cruisers specially designed for the Reserve’s conditions and photography (fold-down screens, raised roofs, photographic bars, multi-plug invertors) with seven individual bucket seats.

Guided Walks – another huge benefit of staying within a private concession is the ability to appreciate the stunning landscape on foot without the noise of engines. Usually early morning or evening is the best time – wear good walking shoes, a hat and neutral coloured clothing and take binoculars. Walks are led by licensed guides with firearm training.

Boat Cruises – the HES Zib Zarafa’s special pontoon boat is a 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.

Catch-and-Release Fishing – this is a great activity during mid-day siesta. During January and February there is a moratorium on fishing. Catch-and-release fishing only.

Young Explorers Programme – Zarafa Camp offers a full syllabus of bush craft skills for our young explorers. This is a complimentary programme and an extensive pack will be offered 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 the child 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.

ZARAFA CAMP IS OPEN ALL YEAR ROUND
THE CAMP WELCOMES CHILDREN AGED 6 YEARS AND OVER