Zarafa Camp

• Zarafa is probably the most eco-friendly safari camp in Botswana
• Named as one of Tatler magazine’s top 101 hotels and lodges
• Superb location overlooking Zibadianja Lagoon in the Linyanti Swamps
• Only 4 luxurious suites each over 100sqm in size

Zarafa Camp on the Selinda Reserve is one of the most luxurious and eco-friendly of all camps in Botswana. National Geographic Adventure magazine has honoured Zarafa as one of the world's top 50 eco-lodges. Tatler Magazine has recognised Zarafa Camp as one of the top 101 hotels and lodges in the world.

The camp is blessed with an extraordinary location in the eastern sector of the Selinda Reserve (320,000 acres) which lies within the broader Linyanti Swamps adjacent to the Chobe Park. The Selinda Reserve links the Okavango Delta with the Chobe - Savute corridors. It overlooks the vast savanna and floodplains of the crystal clear Zibadianja Lagoon so that every area of the camp has a magnificent view. The enormous Jackalberry shady trees, the palm fringed savanna, the rich wildlife and birdlife concentrations on view characterise Zarafa as does its elevated views across the flood plain and lagoon.

Accommodation

Zarafa Camp has just four large and luxuriously appointed double or twin 'marquis style' tents. Each tented rooms is close on 100 square meters in size (approx 1000 sq. feet) and is positioned along the edge of the forests to take advantage of the spectacular view over the floodplains whilst offering cool shade. Each tent has a spacious bedroom with en-suite bathroom with copper bath & shower (as well as an outdoor shower). Outside is a large deck with private plunge pool. Overhead fans, flowing and seductive mosquito nets, and a beautiful handcrafted copper fireplace - strategically placed between the bathroom and bedroom for the winter months - complete the picture . The furniture has been handcrafted and is made from recycled ancient hardwoods.

Under an impressive canopy of African ebony trees, the camp has a sizable main lounge, with adjacent library and dining area. A curio shop and ‘jungle gym’ satiate those who need retail therapy or a good work out.

Eco-friendly

Zarafa Camp has to be one of the few luxury camps in the world that is powered entirely from the sun. The in-house electricity generation system coupled with stringent use of recycled hardwoods and careful operating processes throughout the camp make this one of the ‘greenest’ camps on the planet. Nothing has been spared to keep carbon and emissions footprint to the minimum. All electricity to run ice machines, the cold room for food and drinks, deep freezers, lighting and all guest appliances is derived from their solar farm at the back of the camp. ‘Bio gas’ plants recycle waste into usable cooking gas.

The Dhow Suites of Zarafa Villa offers the ultimate private retreat. Operating on an exclusive use basis for just four to six guests, the Suites are hosted separately from the main camp with their own private chef and staff. The two tented suites share a private sitting area and retain an indoor/outdoor ambiance of palatial proportions. There’s an expansive veranda with a private pool on the lower deck and dining/sitting area upstairs for views across the lagoon.

Game viewing

The Selinda Reserve in Botswana is the domain of the big cats and game-viewing is both private and riveting. The lagoon is the source of the famous Savute channel but also the vital water source for wildlife. Dry season sightings boast big herds of buffalo and elephant. Activities at Zarafa are not regimented. Inevitably though, your activities are driven by the best game viewing times, the animal movements, or the weather. Wildlife and nature drives often start at dawn because this is the best time when the predators are active. You usually return mid to late morning for brunch, and head out again in the mid to late afternoon. The midday siesta time can be spent at one of Zarafa's waterholes in an elevated hide. Short walks from camp with their fully qualified guides are also offered.