The Zarafa Dhow Suite is an exquisite two-bedroom tented suite located on the private 130,000-hectare Selinda Reserve in northern Botswana, an area linking the Okavango Delta and the Chobe/Savute corridors. Few properties rival the location of this little gem built entirely under canvas, as one of the largest suites ever built on the continent.

The Suite is located adjacent to Zarafa Camp which, together with Duba Plains and Selinda Camps, is one of only three Relais & Châteaux properties in Botswana. Overlooking the crystal waters of Zibadianja Lagoon, the source of the famous Savute Channel, every area of the suite has a magnificent view. The lagoon is also the water source for a tremendous population of wildlife – dry season sightings boast buffalo and elephant by the hundreds.

Zarafa Dhow Suite 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 Dhow Suite is part of Zarafa Camp and 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.

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
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Telephone: +41 (0)44 451 40 51