The Dhow Suite at Zarafa Welcomes You

“I love this camp, and I think you will too.

“Why I think you’ll love The Dhow Suite at Zarafa, is because of its stunning views over the Zibadianja Lagoon, a favourite for hippos and elephants.

This is a great African safari camp for staring at the passing leopards, painted dogs, ebony trees and lagoon. Well, at least that is what I do there. We have developed a private, exclusive under-canvas experience  with expansive, open, luxurious spaces that feel original and authentic.”

– Dereck Joubert

The Dhow Suite at Zarafa Welcomes You

“I love this camp, and I think you will too.

– Dereck Joubert

The Camp

The Dhow Suite at Zarafa is located on the private 130,000-hectare Selinda Reserve, linking Botswana’s Okavango Delta with the Linyanti waterways. Every area of the camp offers stunning views over the Zibadianja Lagoon, the source of the Savuti Channel.

The Suite is undoubtedly one of Botswana’s most beautiful Great Plains Conservation Réserve Collection and Relais & Châteaux member safari camps.

The camp’s name, Zarafa (meaning Beloved One), is a nod to the story of the first giraffe to be taken from Africa to Europe as a gift to King Charles X of France. Zarafa Camp pays homage to this story of this iconic African wildlife species.

Today, the Dhow Suite at Zarafa is a stunning, private 210-square-meter (2,260-square-foot) 2-bedroom suite on raised decking under flowing canvas. Entering through the wooden Lamu door, exclusivity takes on a new meaning.

Although secluded, it is only a few minutes walk from Zarafa Camp.

At Zarafa Camp, guests can enjoy a beautifully appointed spa. However, they can also enjoy a range of treatments in the privacy of their suite or on the open-air deck alongside their private swimming pool.

Fellow Réserve-Collection luxury safari camps in Botswana include Zarafa Camp, Selinda Camp and the Selinda Suite, Sitatunga Private Island and the Sitatunga Private Island Suite, and Duba Plains Camp and the Duba Plains Suite.

Our Réserve-Collection luxury safari camps in Zimbabwe include Tembo Plains Camp and The Zanji Suite at Tembo Plains.

Our Kenyan Réserve-Collection luxury safari camps are Mara Nyika Camp and The Sambuk Suite at Mara Nyika, Mara Plains Camp and The Jahazi Suite at Mara Plains, Mara Toto Tree Camp, and ol Donyo Lodge.

The Great Plains Réserve-Collection Botswana safari camps are Botswana’s only Relais & Châteaux members.

Book Your Journey

Safari Suite

This private 2-bedroom suite comes complete with the services of a personal butler, chef, private safari vehicle, and wildlife guide. The suite has magnificent views of the crystal waters of Zibadianja Lagoon, the source of the famous Savute Channel, and all of the wildlife that accompanies it.

Flanking each side of the main lounge and dining area, the two bedrooms flow into an open layout, indoor bathroom complete with a copper-claw-foot bath and private indoor and outdoor showers.

Expansive, raised sleeper wood outdoor decking wraps around the entire unit  and offers guests private verandas, a central plunge pool, outdoor seating and a fire pit. The Suite also has a stationary bicycle available for guests to enjoy.

The Dhow Suite at Zarafa offers a high-quality pair of binoculars and a professional camera with a selection of lenses for your complimentary use. At the end of your safari stay with us, your wildlife images and video footage is downloaded as our gift to you to take home.

Rates

$9 290 to $17 590 per night on exclusive use only

More Details

$17 590 per Suite per night
15 June – 31 October 2024 & 20 December 2024 – 10 January 2025

$11 810 per Suite per night
01 November – 19 December 2024

$9 290 per Suite per night
11 January – 31 March 2025

$11 810 per Suite per night
01 April – 14 June 2025 & 01 November – 19 December 2025

$17 590 per Suite per night
15 June – 31 October 2025 & 20 December 2025 – 10 January 2026

The above rates are in US$ and based on a per person per night sharing basis. Guide rates are available on request

These rates include accommodation, scheduled activities, all meals, laundry service, non-alcoholic and alcoholic beverages including premium brand spirits and champagne,

The return scheduled seat in plane air transfers from Maun and/or Kasane Airports, as well as inter-camp air transfers from Great Plains properties and those third parties in the greater Okavango Delta and Linyanti/Savuti regions to Duba Reserve, are automatically included in the nightly rate – subject to a minimum 2-night stay. Where air transfers are from properties located outside of these regions, supplementary charges will be applicable.

Safari Experiences

The Dhow Suite at Zarafa Camp is tucked away along under ancient ebony trees alongside the Zibadianja Lagoon in the private Selinda Reserve.

This area is home to leopards, lions, cheetahs, elephants, buffalo, red lechwes, zebras, and giraffes. It is also a refuge for some uncommon species, such as African wild dogs, roan and sable.

For birders, the nearby African skimmer colony is a highlight. Hippos are visible from the camp in the lagoon, and elephants, antelope and even wild dogs regularly move through the camp.

The services of a private wildlife viewing safari vehicle and guide are automatically included in the nightly rate at this camp. This gives guests the ultimate flexibility and opportunity to enjoy early morning and late afternoon/early evening open-vehicle photographic safari drives.

Guided walks by our professional guides are an excellent opportunity to explore the surrounding area.

During your stay, take time to head out on our pontoon, HES Zib, and explore the floating islands dotted across the lagoon in front of the camp. Who knows, you may come across an elephant happily enjoying a meal of succulent papyrus! Water activities are water level dependent at certain times of the year.

Seasonal tag and release fishing is also possible.

For those who like to keep their fitness levels up, enjoy working out at the nearby equipped open-air gym. Our spa is available to guests seeking relaxation, offering a range of curated treatments and massages. These services can be enjoyed either in your room or at the spa, conveniently situated next to the Dhow Suite at Zarafa.

- Explore our other Great Plains Camps

Lasting Impact

Solar Mamas: Empowering Women and Bringing Power to Off-Grid Communities

The Solar Mamas are a group of 8 women that Great Plains sponsored to train in Solar Engineering. These ladies now run their own businesses, bringing Solar Energy to their off-grid communities. By bringing safe light to communities on the border of wildlife areas, the impacts are endless, from deterring elephants away from communities for human-wildlife coexistence to allowing school kids to study their homework after dark with solar lights instead of using candles.