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.
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