With just four rooms in the traditional safari style, Zarafa is both peaceful and intimate. Shaded by mature broad-leafed trees, the tents sit slightly elevated on solid, dark wooden planks. Each room is equipped with an open lounge, en-suite facilities, copper bathtub, indoor and outdoor shower and a central, gas-powered heater for those cooler winter days.

Each room also has its own minibar, private plunge pool and large veranda with views over the Zibadianja Lagoon. A Swarovski telescope is available for wildlife observation. Zarafa is furnished with a great deal of attention to detail and exudes pure elegance and luxury.

In addition to the four main tents, the Zarafa Dhow Suite consists of a two-bedroom tented suite. The Zarafa Dhow Suite operates exclusively, as guests enjoy their own private vehicle, safari guide, chef, manager/butler and entrance to their residence.

The main tent is furnished with equal refinement and houses a lounge, bar, library and sheltered dining area. Lunch, however, is served whenever possible on the large open-air deck, where the immense starry Botswana sky provides the canopy for evening meals. The very front of the deck is equipped with several couches, offering the perfect place to enjoy a sundown drink and watch elephants making their way to the lagoon.

Zarafa Camp overlooks the Zibadianja Lagoon, the largest standing body of water in the Linyanti region. From here, the water flows into the Savuti Channel and then in an easterly direction to the Savuti Marshes further inland. Mopane woodland stretches out behind the camp along the Chobe, while at the front, the lagoon and open grasslands extend out towards Selinda Camp. The camp is surrounded by an assortment of habitats that ensure a huge variety of wildlife.

Zarafa Camp is only accessible by light aircraft. Selinda Airstrip is located approx. 40 minutes from the camp. Flight time to Maun in a Cessna Caravan is 40 minutes, and 45 minutes to Kasane.

Zarafa Camp is part of the private Selinda Concession (1,350 km²). Selinda Camp, Selinda Explorers Camp and Okavango Explorers Camp are also part of this concession.

Huge herds of elephant roam the Zarafa region during the dry season. They like to remain close to the permanent waters of the Linyanti River and the Zibadianja Lagoon from July to October, when they surge onto the flat Selinda Plains from the mopane-wooded hinterland.

The Zarafa region is known for its resident lion and wild dog. The open plains also attract cheetah, which are often seen here. Very large herds of buffalo, leopard, hippo, crocodile, giraffe, zebra and many antelope may also be encountered.

Game drives in open 4x4 vehicles, night drives. Bushwalking from the camp or a vehicle is usually possible. The furnished houseboat “HMS Zib” is used for excursions, comfortable lunches or sundowner tours on the Zibadianja Lagoon.

Because the camp is located in a private concession, night driving with a searchlight and off-road driving for special animal observation is allowed. Close-up shots are guaranteed.

Those who wish for once not to join the game drive can enjoy a massage on the deck or in their room instead. Zarafa also has a small open-air ‘Jungle Gym’ with its own fitness machines.

The owners of Great Plains are Beverly and Dereck Joubert, who became famous worldwide for their numerous wildlife films and photo books. www.wildlifefilms.co

SwissAfrican Travel Service
Dammstrasse 27
8702 Zollikon
Zurich, Switzerland


Telephone: +41 (0)44 451 40 51