Zarafa Camp

Selinda Reserve

Zarafa Camp

Zarafa Camp is renowned for its remarkable concentration of wildlife, predators in particular, and luxuriously-appointed, quintessential tented accommodation. The boutique Zarafa Camp has only 4 campaign-style canvas suites offering travelers an authentic taste of Africa. There is a harmony to Zarafa. Perhaps it is the intimate size of the camp, the calming waters of the lagoon or the genuine nature of the local staff who look after you; whatever the case, it is a treasure.

Today you’re exploring: Botswana
Local time 04:59pm on Mon, Apr 19

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Botswana is awash in tiny, intimate, and luxurious tented camps, with ‘tentsʼ often slang for canvas luxury homes, and at the very top of this heap is Zarafa, which opened in 2008.

- Forbes magazine

Experience on film
Wildlife + activities
- Zarafa Camp located in the private Selinda Game Reserve, at the world-famous source of the Savute at Zibadianja Lagoon, has been called one of the greatest game viewing regions in the world. Twice daily game drives and safari walks included.
  
  National Geographic filmmakers Dereck and Beverly Joubert developed this intimate four-tent camp on a private 320,000-acre reserve. Bedrooms overlook a lagoon teeming with hippos and elephants. Spot big cats, wild dogs, and more from Land Cruisers specially designed by the Jouberts for optimal photography and game visibility.
  
  Access by land and unique water activities provide endless & exciting game sightings:
  1. Private Selinda Reserve: 320,000 acres
  2. Excellent predator viewing at Zarafa
  3. Walking safaris with expert guides
  4. Guided Day and Night game safaris
  5. World-famous documentary locations
  6. Fishing (seasonal), available on request
  7. Private Guided Game Drives, on request
  
  Elephants at Selinda
  Northern Botswana is popular for witnessing counts of up to 8,500 elephant in the Selinda Reserve during the dry season. Elephant are a prolific sight at the lagoon and spillway surrounding Zarafa Camp - Guests often spend an afternoon at camp surrounded by visiting Elephants! The reserve also offers abundant herds of Cape Buffalo in season.
  
  Big Predator viewing
  Leopards are frequently sighted in the prime seasons and Cheetah are occasional visitors. Rare species such as African Wild Dog have been known to commonly make den close to Zarafa Camp. The vast, open savannah landscape here is unique from the islands of Okavango providing a good contrast of Botswana. Watch the Selinda lions wade through waterways on their exhilarating hunt for hippo and antelope.
  
  Plains game seen
  Birding here is excellent: Water fowl include popular sightings of Black egret and the colorful Saddle-billed stork. Pied kingfishers and African fisheagles are the norm at the lagoon facing Zarafa. Antelope sightings include Red lechwe, sable and rarer roan antelope. Civet, Genet cats and the aardvark are productive sightings on night game drives in the peak season. Pods of Hippo can be seen and heard from the camp.
  
  Photography Safari
  Special incentives for photographers:
  Each room receives complimentary use of Swarovski HD binoculars and Professional Canon 5D camera with 28-135mm lens and 100-400mm lens. You may carry your own memory card, or photographs can be burned to CD by camp when using their loan cards. The 6-seater 4x4 land Cruisers, custom designed by the Jouberts offer all-year viewing with detachable open-top and comfy bucket seats.
Accommodation at Zarafa
- What youʼll love at Zarafa Camp
  - Only Four elegant safari suites at Zarafa Camp
  - Private plunge pool in every tented suite
  - Complimentary use of Pro Canon 5D camera
  - Elegant candlelit dinners with wine
  - Plentiful game sightings, right before your tent
  - Complimentary use of Swarovski binoculars
  - Phenomenal Big Cat interaction
  - Outdoor boma for dining under the stars
  - Enjoy a cruise lunch on board on the Zibadianja Lagoon
  - One of the most beautiful tented camps in the world
  The romantic luxury safari tents offer:
  - Four poster beds with African linens
  - A Private Plunge pool overlooking the lagoon
  - Beautiful copper tub with cozy fireplace
  - Luxury organic bath toiletries
  - Outdoor shower in an intimate setting
  - Private deck area outside suite
  - Use of Nikon telescope in suites
  - Breathtaking views over game-rich floodplains
  - Remote African wilderness experience
  The camp interiors and campaign style tents:
  - 1,000 square foot 'marquis style' tents
  - Spacious, free-flow of air and sounds of nature
  - Each tent sectioned into ‘3-roomʼ layout with:
  - Bedroom, Bath area, Lounge & writing tent
  - Wooden deck made from African railroad sleepers!
  - Each tent is on private forest edge, hidden from view
  - Overhead fans and natural materials keep tents cool
  - Tents feature His & Her vanities and private w/c
  - Sweeping views of Zibadianja Lagoon from all tents
  - Traditional safari decor with dark wood and leather
What to pack
- Luggage weight
  44lbs per person, packed in a medium-sized duffel bag with no wheels. Suitcases and hard luggage not permitted. Excess bags can be stored at Maun airport, depending on your itinerary.
  
  Packing notes & Safari clothing
  Comfortable cotton clothing and your favorite walking shoes or sneakers are pretty much all you need to bring along with your daily convenience for preferred toiletries. Given the ease of daily complimentary laundry service you do not need to pack much. Our camps are informal and guests are encouraged to dress comfortably for the season and adventure ahead. A Safari Packing List will be provided to guests holding a paid reservation with a Guided Safaris travel confirmation.
  
  Electricity
  Zarafa Camp is powered entirely by clean solar energy through a state of the art solar farm powering 150 250-watt panels delivering 24-hr 220v electricity to camp. The camp produces sufficient clean energy during daylight hours to handle all of the campʼs electrical needs. Universal plug points are available in each tent. Hairdryers in all tents. Gas fireplace provides a comfortable and cozy atmosphere in the winter time. Note that there is no cell phone access at Zarafa given the remote area. Please carry a satellite phone if telephone or internet communication is imperative to your travel needs.
  
  WiFi at Zarafa Camp
  “Let me know if you have any problems with the WiFi. Sometimes the elephants bump the dish.” - says Zarafa Camp manager
  
  Getting to Zarafa Camp
  Daily flights offered - access by air only. We can add on flights from Johannesburg or Maun. Private air charters are possible, on special request. Daily flights from Maun, Botswana to Selinda airfield are offered on reputable scheduled safari carriers. The flights are about 45-minutes from Maun (50 minutes if flying from Kasane airport), both timings based Cessna caravan crafts. On arrival a Zarafa ranger picks you at the airstrip for a 45 minute transfer to camp with game viewing enroute. Private air charters to Zarafa Camp for family groups are also popular and available on special request. Please inquire with us to add any flights to your travel plans - Book our special packages and take advantage of great savings on the prices at Zarafa Camp for a longer stay combining our camps.
  
  Selinda Airstrip
  The Category B Selinda airfield is licensed for aircraft as large as King Air, Pilatus PC-12 and Cessna Caravan. Coordinates S18"33.95'; E23"30.73'
Family safaris
- Child policy at Zafara: Minimum age is 6 years. A reduced Child rate is applicable for one kid aged 15 or younger, sharing with two adults in a tent. Two children cannot be accommodated with adults due to the layout of the tents. Children 16 years or older pay adult rates to stay in a separate tent. Families with children aged 6-15 years must book and purchase a private vehicle unless traveling in a family group of six or more, in which case the camp will endeavor to waive this policy.
  
  As alternative to the 4 rooms at Zarafa, guests also have the option of chartering the private-use Zarafa Dhow suites; an exclusive 2-suite safari camp designed for family and friends traveling together. This option works well for families with children requiring an interconnected tented suite layout.
  
  Luxury Dhow Villa
  The Zarafa Dhow Suite is a two-bedroom luxury tented villa added to the Selinda Private Reserve. Located close to the main Zarafa Camp, overlooking the Zibadianja Lagoon.
  Visit Zarafa Dhow Suites
- Rates + Seasons
  
  OUR SIGNATURE JOURNEYS ARE TRUE TRIED & TESTED EXPERIENCES APPROVED BY GUIDED SAFARIS® EXPERTS OVER 25-YEARS OF INDUSTRY-LEADING SPECIALIZATION IN AFRICAN SAFARIS FOR THE MOST DISCERNING GUEST LIST. FIND OUT MORE
  
  FILED UNDER
  
  Zarafa Camp
  
  LODGE INFO
  
  Private concession, Botswana
  
  WHAT YOU’LL LOVE
  
  Only 4 suites , Exceptional wildlife
  Green Season
  Jan 11 - Mar 31, 2021
  
  $ 1,530
  
  Price per person per night
  Includes all meals, drinks &
  safari activities
  
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  Prime Season
  Apr 01 - Jun 14, 2021
  
  $ 1,995
  
  Price per person per night
  Includes all meals, drinks &
  safari activities
  
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  Peak Season
  Jun 15 - Oct 30, 2021
  
  $ 3,050
  
  Price per person per night
  Includes all meals, drinks &
  safari activities
  
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  Green Season
  Nov 01 - Dec 19, 2021
  
  $ 1,995
  
  Price per person per night
  Includes all meals, drinks &
  safari activities
  
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  What’s included?
  
  Personalized Guided Safaris® meet & assist on arrival
  
  Luxury Safari Accommodation at Zarafa Camp
  
  FULLY GUIDED SAFARI WITH PROFESSIONAL GUIDES & TRACKERS
  
  Spotlit Night game drives in peak season
  
  Walking safaris and boating with professional guides included
  
  Complimentary use of professional cameras
  
  All meals included with drinks & fine wine
  
  Complimentary in-room minibar and cocktails on safari
  
  Organic toiletries and in-suite shower amenities
  
  Traditional afternoon safari tea service with canapés
  
  Complimentary laundry service and use of gym
  
  Your visit supports Rhino conservation
  
  All applicable government taxes, VAT and local fees
  
  Your Guided Safaris® package includes pretty much everything from start to finish once you arrive at Zarafa Camp - including all transfers, meals, drinks and guided activities. We also have fully private options for families seeking exclusive accommodations and lodge charters. Please contact us to customize your safari.