Selinda Botswana
Zarafa Camp
Set in the vast 320,000-acre Selinda Reserve, Zarafa Camp enjoys an enviable location, connecting Botswana’s Okavango Delta with the scenic Linyanti waterways. Overlooking the stunning Zibadianja Lagoon, the source of the Savuti Channel, every corner of the camp offers a view of extraordinary natural beauty. Each guest suite at Zarafa Camp, exceeding 1,000 square feet of luxurious canvas, rests on reclaimed railway sleeper decking. Inside, an expansive lounge flows effortlessly into a plush bedroom and an indulgently appointed indoor bathroom, featuring a striking copper claw-foot bathtub. Each suite is surrounded by a spacious outdoor deck, complete with a private plunge pool, al fresco seating, and an exclusive outdoor shower, allowing guests to immerse themselves in the tranquility of their environment.
Zarafa Camp has the unique distinction of being the first to introduce our beautiful copper bathtubs into the suite bathrooms, adding a romantic touch that has since become a signature element throughout all our camps, especially those within the Great Plains Réserve Collection. The incorporation of Zanzibari doors into the suite designs enhances Zarafa Camp's charm and distinctive atmosphere.
Within the expansive Selinda Reserve, an extraordinary abundance of wildlife flourishes, including leopards, lions, cheetahs, elephants, buffalo, red lechwe, zebras, and giraffes. This pristine sanctuary is also home to rare species such as African wild dogs, roan antelope, and sable, offering nature lovers a truly unique experience. Birdwatchers are especially captivated by the nearby African skimmer colony, a remarkable highlight of the area.
"I love spending an afternoon drifting quietly along the edges of the Zibadianja Lake in our houseboat. Sharing great stories as we watch the setting sun cast long shadows over huge herds of hippos and crocodiles or gently track elephant bulls as they swim the deep water from island to island. We recently watched African wild dogs chase an impala into this lake once, only to have it stolen by a hippo!"
Zarafa Safari Diaries
In 1826, when the Ottoman Viceroy of Egypt, decided to send a gift to King Charles X of France he settled on the unique idea of sending a giraffe. This young female giraffe, later named Zarafa, was escorted by camel and then taken by sailing boat on the Blue Nile to Khartoum, then on to Alexandria and onward to France on a ship to Marseilles. Because of her extraordinary height, a hole was cut through the deck above the cargo hold through which she could poke her neck and see out. She was a sensation in every town she passed through. Next time you find yourself seated around the fire at Zarafa Camp, or spot a giraffe on your game drive, remember the truly extraordinary journey of Zarafa.
Field Notes
THE BELOVED ONE
The name Zarafa, meaning 'Beloved One,' honors the historic journey of the first giraffe taken from Africa to Europe. The Dhow Suite at Zarafa continues this legacy, located just downstream from the main camp, and capturing the spirit of that enchanting tale in its design and setting.
Zarafa Camp
Safari Film
Zarafa Camp
Safari experience
Zarafa Camp is renowned for its remarkable concentration of wildlife, predators in particular, and luxuriously-appointed, quintessential tented accommodation. The boutique Zarafa Camp has only 4 campaign-style canvas suites offering travelers an authentic taste of Africa. Leopards are frequently sighted in the prime seasons and Cheetah are seen. Rare species such as African Wild Dog have been known to commonly make den close to Zarafa Camp. From Zarafa camp, guests can often spot hippos lounging in the lagoon, while elephants frequently pass by, enhancing the camp's natural charm. Immersed in the heart of this wild and untamed landscape, visitors are promised an exhilarating adventure surrounded by nature’s splendor. Around September, an extraordinary spectacle takes place as tens of thousands of elephants migrate through the private Selinda Reserve, marking the height of the dry season.
Selinda Reserve is at the crossroads of Botswana’s most prolific wildlife areas with profound wildlife year-round
STEP INSIDE
"The lines are classic and traditional at the same time, the beds are real dreams, the bathrooms look like the most desired of the Vogue Casa pages and have copper tubs with views!" - Vogue Italia
Zarafa Camp is designed with a focus on exclusivity and seclusion. Each suite is thoughtfully placed at the forest's edge, skirting the floodplain shores, far removed from its nearest neighbor. Spanning over 1,000 square ft, the marquis-style canvas suites offer spacious, open-air living while comforting guests from the elements. Each area of the suite is adorned with custom-made furnishings, handcrafted from reclaimed ancient hardwoods. The raised decks, built from recycled African railroad sleepers, serve as the foundation for these elegant tents.
Your private suite lounge is furnished with tufted armchairs, a personal bar and an escritoire. The lounge connects to the master bedroom and dressing areas. Between the bedroom and bathroom, a striking copper gas fireplace is perfectly positioned to ward off the winter chill. The main bathroom features a luxurious copper bath and shower, double sinks, and a private toilet. A raised walkway extends from the bathroom to an outdoor shower, complete with wrap-around showerheads. The private verandah, stretching along the front of the suite, offers a plunge pool, an outdoor lounge, and sweeping views of the tranquil waters of Zibadianja Lagoon.
Tucked away along under ancient ebony trees
ZARAFA CAMP
Zarafa Camp
Selinda game reserve
Home to iconic wildlife such as leopards, lions, elephants, buffalo, red lechwe, zebras, and giraffes, Selinda concession also serves as a sanctuary for rarer species like the African wild dog, which often dens near the camp during the dry season, as well as cheetah, roan, and sable. Bird enthusiasts will be delighted by the nearby African skimmer colony and the playful Black egret along the shores of Zibadianja Lagoon. From the camp, hippos can be seen in the lagoon, and elephants frequently roam through the grounds. At night, the sounds of the wilderness will either lull you to sleep or stir you from slumber, adding to the excitement of this wild haven, where guests find themselves in the heart of a true wilderness wonderland.
GUIDED SAFARIS®
PHOTOGRAPHY SAFARI
Camp owners Dereck and Beverly Joubert are award-winning filmmakers, conservationists and National Geographic Explorers who have been filming, researching and exploring Africa for over 40 years. Through their film company, ‘Wildlife Films‘, they have created over 35 films and received 8 Emmy awards. Their Selinda concession, where Zarafa Camp is based, is home to all the iconic African species, including leopards, lions, cheetahs, elephants, buffalo, red lechwes, zebras, and giraffes. Additionally, the elusive African wild dogs, roan and sable find refuge here.
Game drives at Zarafa Camp are timed around the most rewarding hours of the day — early morning and late afternoon — though full-day excursions can be arranged upon request. A picnic brunch can be delivered, and the vehicles are equipped with cold drinks for the journey. The camp has two custom-built Land Cruisers, specifically designed for the terrain and for photography. These vehicles feature fold-down screens, raised roofs, photographic bars, and multi-plug inverters. Seven individual bucket seats allow for optimal comfort and viewing. Each suite at Zarafa is provided with a professional camera set, including a camera body and lenses, with photos downloaded to a DVD for guests to take home upon departure. High-quality binoculars are also available in each suite for enhanced wildlife viewing. For stargazers, each suite comes equipped with a telescope for a magical evening of stargazing from the private deck.
Zarafa Camp
Dhow Suite
For a completely private camp experience, The Dhow Suite at Zarafa spans an impressive 2,260 sq ft, enveloped in soft beige canvas that billows gracefully beneath a canvas canopy, with netted sides that invite the gentle whispers of the outdoors. Two master bedrooms flank either side of the main area, each with an open-plan bathroom highlighted by an exquisite copper claw-foot bath and even an open fire with a copper flue to warm the space during the chilly winter months. A generous deck extends from the suite, complete with a swimming pool, an exercise bike, and outdoor showers for each room, all offering breathtaking views of the untouched Botswana wilderness. Perfect for Family safaris.
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