Zarafa Camp Welcomes You!

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

This romantic Botswana safari camp is ideal for viewing leopards and painted dogs. Enjoy stunning views over the crystal waters of the Zibadianja Lagoon and the magnificent landscape of the Selinda Reserve from every area of the camp.

We have developed an under-canvas experience in camp with expansive, open, luxurious spaces that feel original and authentic.

I encourage you to relax on your private deck, under the ancient Ebony trees, and spend days staring at the parade of passing wildlife. Well, at least that is what I do there.”

– Dereck Joubert

Zarafa Camp Welcomes You!

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

We have developed an under-canvas experience in camp with expansive, open, luxurious spaces that feel original and authentic.

I encourage you to relax on your private deck, under the ancient Ebony trees, and spend days staring at the parade of passing wildlife. Well, at least that is what I do there.”

– Dereck Joubert

The Camp

Zarafa Camp epitomises the romantic Botswana safari adventure. This Réserve-Collection luxury safari camp is located on the private 130,000-hectare (320,000-acre) Selinda Reserve.

The Selinda Reserve links Botswana’s Okavango Delta with the Linyanti waterways, and every area of the camp offers stunning views over the Zibadianja Lagoon, the source of the Savuti Channel.

With all its careful appointments, Zarafa Camp maintains the perfect balance between luxury and adventure – the desired romantic Botswana safari experience.

Under a canopy of ebony trees, the main camp area gives guests a sizable main lounge, indoor and outdoor dining areas and a well-appointed bush boutique. Enjoy searching for your ideal wine in our private wine cellar, or enjoy dinner surrounded by hand-picked estates. An outdoor gym and spa are available.

The camp has no equal when it comes to its environmental credentials. The camp’s construction consists of recycled hardwoods and canvas, and its electricity comes from its on-site solar farm.

A beautifully appointed spa is available for guests to enjoy. Guests can enjoy a range of treatments in the privacy of their suite or on the open-air deck alongside their private swimming pool.

The private Selinda Reserve is home to an array of iconic African wildlife, including leopard, lion, cheetah, elephant, buffalo, red lechwe, zebra, and giraffe. 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, and from camp, hippos are visible in the Lagoon, and elephants wander through regularly.

The private Selinda Reserve is an exciting area, and guests are in the heart of this romantic Botswana safari wilderness wonderland.

Fellow Réserve-Collection luxury safari camps in Botswana include The Dhow Suite at Zarafa, 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.

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

Book Your Journey

Safari Suite

Zarafa Camp was our first safari camp. It was here that we first added our beautiful copper baths to the suite’s bathrooms. That romantic Botswana safari touch has become a signature element in all our safari camps, especially our Réserve-Collection 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 the story of this iconic African wildlife species.

Zarafa Camp’s four guest suites individually measure over 100 square meters (1000 square feet) under flowing canvas. Each suite rests on raised reclaimed railway sleeper decking.

The interiors of each of the four, private guest suites consist of a lounge area that flows to a beautiful bedroom and an open layout indoor bathroom complete with gas fireplace, shower and claw-foot copper bath. Hand-crafted Zanzibar doors are central to the guest’s suite designs too.

Expansive, private outdoor decking wraps each guest’s suite and offers guests a private plunge pool, outdoor shower, and outdoor seating.

Rates

From $1 935 to $3 665 per person sharing per night

More Details

$3 665 per person sharing per night
15 June – 31 October 2024 & 20 December 2024 – 10 January 2025

$2 460 per person sharing per night 
01 November – 19 December 2024

$1 935 per person sharing per night 
11 January – 31 March 2025

$2 460 per person sharing per night 
01 April – 14 June 2025 & 01 November – 19 December 2025

$3 665 per person sharing 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. Single guest, child rates, private safari drive and guide rates are available on request.

These rates include accommodation, scheduled activities, all meals, laundry service, and non-alcoholic and alcoholic beverages, including premium brand spirits and champagne. Return scheduled seat in plane inter-camp air transfers, including air transfers from Maun and/or Kasane Airports, are included in the US$ nightly rate – subject to a minimum 2-night stay.

Safari Experiences

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

This area is home to all the iconic African species, including leopards, lions, cheetahs, elephants, buffalo, red lechwes, zebras, and giraffes. Additionally, the elusive African wild dogs, roan and sable find refuge here.

You do not need to leave your suite to enjoy wildlife sightings, as a variety of wildlife regularly pass through the camp.

Guests have the opportunity to enjoy open-vehicle photographic safari drives in the early morning and late afternoon/early evening.

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 available.

For those who like to keep their fitness levels up, enjoy working out in our equipped open-air gym, or relax at the spa or on your deck as our therapists pamper your body and mind with a range of curated spa treatments and massages.

- Explore our other Great Plains Camps

Enjoy a sundowner cruise on the Zibidianja Lagoon

Enjoy a private dinner in the Zarafa wine cellar.

Catch and release a tigerfish!

Lasting Impact

Conservation Education: Knowledge Sharing with the Next Generation of Conservation Leaders

The youth living alongside conserved land engaging in conservation initiatives is critical. Our conservation education programs engage youngsters with the natural world at a pivotal time in their lives. Through thoughtful engagement, environmental education, fun and mentorship, youth in communities surrounding our protected wildlife areas can learn to appreciate their ecosystems’ uniqueness and become conservation champions. Great Plains Student Conservation Camps are one of our longest-running community programs. Since the program began more than ten years ago, hundreds of children in Kenya and Botswana have benefitted.