Northern Botswana
Zarafa Camp
Nestled within the vast 320,000-acre expanse of Selinda Reserve, Zarafa Camp occupies a privileged position, linking Botswana’s Okavango Delta with the picturesque Linyanti waterways. Affording breathtaking panoramas over the Zibadianja Lagoon, the very wellspring of the Savuti Channel, every corner of the camp presents a spectacle of unparalleled natural splendor. The guest suites at Zarafa Camp, each surpassing 1000 sq feet of billowing canvas, are perched atop reclaimed railway sleeper decking. Inside, guests are welcomed into an expansive lounge area seamlessly melded with a sumptuous bedroom and a lavishly appointed indoor bathroom, complete with a distinctive copper claw-foot bath. Surrounding each suite is an expansive outdoor deck, boasting a private plunge pool, al fresco seating, and an exclusive outdoor shower, inviting guests to bask in the serenity of their surroundings.
Zarafa Camp holds the distinction of being the pioneer camp where our exquisite copper baths were first introduced to the suite bathrooms. This touch of romance, characteristic of a Botswana safari experience, has since become a hallmark feature across all our camps, particularly within our Great Plains Réserve Collection. Infusing the suite designs with Zanzibari doors adds further charm to Zarafa Camp.
Within the exclusive boundaries of the vast Selinda Reserve, a plethora of wildlife thrives -- including leopard, lion, cheetah, elephant, buffalo, red lechwe, zebra, and giraffe. This sanctuary also provides a haven for rare species like African wild dogs, roans, and sables, offering a unique experience for nature enthusiasts. Birders are drawn to the nearby African skimmer colony, a notable attraction.
"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', pays homage to the tale of the first giraffe transported from Africa to Europe. The Dhow Suite at Zarafa serves as an extension of this narrative, situated downstream from the main camp, embodying the essence of that captivating story.
Zarafa Camp
Safari Film
Zarafa Camp
Flying
We offer daily scheduled flights from all major African airports to our private airstrip. Zarafa camp is about 15 minutes away from the airstrip and we provide complimentary road transfer to camp. Private charters on our fleet of luxury aircraft as well as helicopters are available by request.
Zarafa Camp
Safari
From the camp itself, one can catch glimpses of hippos lazing in the lagoon, while elephants make regular appearances, adding to the area's allure. Guests find themselves immersed in the heart of this untamed wilderness, promising an exhilarating adventure amidst nature's wonders. Around September, a remarkable spectacle unfolds as tens of thousands of elephants traverse the private Selinda Reserve marking the apex of the dry season.
GUIDED SAFARIS®
Game drives are led by our Professional Guides in 4x4 vehicles, renowned for their top-of-the-line amenities. Each Land Cruiser is meticulously outfitted with custom features tailored for photographers, including fold-down screens, raised roofs, photographic bars, and multi-plug inverters, reflecting the esteemed heritage of the Jouberts as National Geographic photographers. Typically, our safari vehicles accommodate four guests (or two couples) or 6 persons for famile groups, ensuring a personalized and intimate experience. Additionally, our vehicles are equipped with stocked fridges, offering a selection of beverages and snacks, ideal for extended wildlife viewing excursions when the allure of the wilderness proves too captivating to depart from.
Zarafa Camp
Zarafa
For a completely exclusive experience, the luxurious 2-bedroom Zarafa Dhow Suite features a private lounge with an outdoor plunge pool area and dining lounge. This private camp enjoys the services of a Private Guide and 4x4 vehicle, a private host and dedicated chef to look after your stay. Perfect for a family safari, or for friends traveling together.
