Although it consists of only four immaculate tents for eight guests at a time, Zarafa Camp has thought of everything: each enormous tent is equipped with personal Swarovski binoculars, a high-powered Nikon telescope for stargazing, a blazing gas fire for cool nights, and a Canon 5D SLR camera for capturing a rare red lechwe or African skimmers in flight. Not to mention private plunge pools, indoor and outdoor showers, and quirky 1940s crank phones for making drinks orders…

All this luxury is ameliorated by Zarafa Camp’s commitment to being as green as possible. The solar farm supplies electricity, waste is recycled into ‘biogas’ that is used for cooking and the tents have been constructed from canvas and recycled hardwoods. Even their raised platforms have been built from reused 100-year-old teak railway sleepers.

Because it is so intimate, the schedule at Zarafa Camp is very flexible, allowing guests their timetable and adapting to the ebb and flow of wildlife. Completely ‘unplugged’, its setting on the remote Zibalianja Lagoon in the Selinda Reserve allows for spectacular sightings of elephants, a variety of antelope, and thrilling predators such as African wild dogs and cheetahs. It is no wonder ‘Zarafa’ means ‘beloved’ or ‘lovely one’ in Arabic.

Highlights

• Exclusive setting in private Selinda Reserve
• Magnificent game-viewing on the floodplains
• Luxurious, exclusive camp with only 4 tents
• Swarovski binoculars, Canon SLR camera & Nikon telescope in every room
• Botswana’s first Relais & Chateaux property

Activities

• BOAT EXCURSIONS
• GAME DRIVES
• GUIDED WALKS
• BIRD WATCHING
• NIGHT DRIVES
• BUSH DINING
• CANOEING
• FULL-DAY SAFARIS
• PHOTOGRAPHIC SAFARIS
• RIVER CRUISES
• SPECIALIST GUIDES
• SUNSET CRUISES
• GUIDED WALKING SAFARIS

A grand, old-world safari-style camp that does not disappoint in luxury or service.

Rooms

Luxury Tent

At Zarafa Camp, you will stay in an enormous ‘marquis-style’ canvas-and-wood tent that is set beneath a cooling canopy of ebony and red ivory trees. All four tents have lounge areas with a desk and a gas fireplace while the en suite bathrooms have double vanities, gleaming copper claw-foot tubs, and indoor and outdoor showers. From your expansive shaded verandah, wind your way to your private plunge pool to cool off. Tents are also stocked with yoga mats, Nikon telescopes, Canon cameras, and Swarovski binoculars.

Facilities

The main tent – resonant with deep reds, rich brown, and warm coppers – comprises a cozy lounge, a well-stocked library, and an elegant bar and dining area. The sprawling viewing decks have spectacular views of the Zibalianja Lagoon – ideal for capturing the classic ‘laughing hippo’ snap.

Zarafa Camp also has a ‘jungle gym’ for those wanting to stay in shape and a thoughtfully stocked memento shop so you can take a little piece of Botswana home with you. At night, curl up next to the roaring fire pit and prick your ears for the distant roaring of a lion pride.

The 4x4s have been custom-adapted to suit photographers and the pontoon’s deck is a great place to while away an afternoon with fly-fishing, birding (look out for black egrets, cousins to the ubiquitous white egrets) or just relaxing with chilled sundowners.

Dining

Zarafa Camp’s flexibility extends to its dining schedule, where the emphasis is on guests’ needs as well as fresh food and crisp tastes. Meals can be brunch, afternoon tea, and a 3-course dinner or a substantial picnic enjoyed on an all-day game drive. Vegans, children, and other special requests can be accommodated.