Northern Botswana
Zarafa Dhow Suites
Situated within the exclusive 320,000-acre Selinda Reserve, Zarafa Dhow Suites is an intimate private camp that embodies the essence of luxury. This pristine reserve serves as a vital corridor, connecting Botswana's renowned Okavango Delta to the majestic waterways of the Linyanti. From every corner of the camp, guests are treated to breathtaking vistas of the Zibadianja Lagoon, the birthplace of the iconic Savuti Channel. The 2-bedroom private camp provides opulent living spaces, enveloped in flowing canvas. Perched atop reclaimed railway sleeper decking, these suites feature a seamless fusion of elegance and comfort. Inside, a spacious lounge area transitions effortlessly into a sumptuous bedroom, complemented by an expansive open-plan bathroom adorned with a distinctive copper claw-foot bath. Surrounding each suite, expansive outdoor decking beckons, offering a secluded sanctuary complete with a private plunge pool, outdoor seating, and a refreshing outdoor shower.
Zarafa was the inaugural haven where our splendid copper baths graced the suite's sanctuaries. That tender Botswana safari essence now weaves through each camp, imprinting our Réserve Collection with its cherished embrace. We adorned the suite's architecture with Zanzibari doors, while the camp's moniker, Zarafa (meaning 'Beloved One'), whispers of the tale of a giraffe's journey from Africa to Paris, bestowed upon King Charles X of France.
Each day on safari unfolds with unique experiences and adventures. Game drives typically commence at sunrise, offering guests the opportunity to witness the awakening wilderness. After an exhilarating morning excursion, guests return to camp for a leisurely late breakfast. The afternoon safari sets out after a refreshing tea break, immersing guests in the vibrant landscape until just after sunset, capturing the enchanting transition from day to night in the wild. For the soulful wanderer, the nearby African skimmer colony becomes a sanctuary of song and flight, a canvas painted with the vibrant hues of avian beauty.
"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 painted dogs (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 as 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."
Field Notes
Behind the name
Zarafa means 'Beloved One'. The Dhow Suite at Zarafa reverently echoes this narrative, an extension of the camp, flowing downstream from its heart. Next time you find yourself seated around the fire at camp, or spot a giraffe, remember the truly extraordinary journey of Zarafa.
Zarafa Dhow Suites
Safari Film
Zarafa Dhow Suites
Charters
We offer daily scheduled flights from all major African airports to our private airstrip. The Dhow Suites are about 10 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 Dhow Suites
Safari
Within the hidden embrace of the Selinda Reserve, a symphony of wildlife dances gracefully, with leopard, lion and cheetah amidst the lush landscape. Here, elephants roam freely, their majestic presence echoing through the whispering grasslands, while herds of buffalo and elegant giraffes paint the horizon with their timeless grace. From the sanctuary of the camp, where the tranquil lagoon cradles the spirits of ancient hippos, to the winding paths where elephants tread with silent majesty.
GUIDED SAFARIS®
Alongside a staggering abundance of wildlife at its doorstep, this is one of the most beautiful camps in all of Botswana. Zarafa Camp stands out for its exceptional environmental stewardship and meticulous attention to detail. Exclusively utilizing recycled hardwoods and canvas in its construction, the camp exemplifies sustainable design principles. Furthermore, the camp's reliance on solar energy from its dedicated solar farm and innovative 'bio gas' plants, which convert waste into usable cooking gas, underscores its commitment to eco-friendly practices. With its unparalleled environmental credentials and thoughtfully appointed facilities, Zarafa Camp sets a benchmark for sustainable luxury accommodations.
Zarafa Dhow Suites
Wildlife
Amidst this sanctuary, rare treasures await, including the elusive African wild dogs and the regal roan and sable antelopes, each adding a touch of mystique to this enchanted realm. Every moment in this wilderness wonderland is a whispered promise of untold adventures and timeless enchantment.
