Zarafa Camp ♥

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Inside Botswana’s private Selinda Reserve, sets the intimate and luxurious Zarafa Camp. It occupies a scenic setting atop an ancient, slightly raised earth bank, beside the lagoons and floodplains, which stem from the Zibadianja Lagoon. It is one of Botswana’s most exclusive, and most beautiful camps.

Zarafa stands in a line of lush, riverine vegetation, which runs roughly north-west/south-east. In front of the camp, to the north and west, are the reedbeds and waterways beside the permanent Zibalianja Lagoon, and beyond these are tracts of savannah, where most activities are conducted. This is an attractive, open environment where wildlife can easily be spotted at a distance. Behind the camp, to the south and east, is a fairly solid belt of mopane woodlands, where the wildlife is usually of much less interest during the dry season.

Even a casual glance at a satellite map of Zarafa will show that Zarafa is positioned on a clear and ancient line dividing two regions of different vegetation. In fact, it’s on the high side of a geological faultline, which is the southern extreme of Africa’s Great Rift Valley – even if it is only a few metres higher than the water in front of it.

Zarafa is co-owned by renowned wildlife filmmaker Dereck Joubert and his wife, photographer Beverly Joubert, who have tried to create their ultimate safari camp in Zarafa. Thoughtful touches are evident throughout, from the distinctive décor and personalised guest stationery to the Swarovski binoculars, digital camera and memory cards provided for guests’ use.

Zarafa’s accommodation consists of just four sprawling marquee-style tented suites, raised on old railway sleeper decks, and each with a private plunge pool and outdoor needle-shower. An ornate Zanzibari door leads into a lounge area, separated by canvas partitions from a spacious open-plan bedroom and bathroom. Polished wooden floors are lined with rugs, topped with leather furniture and wooden chests to create an early-settler feel. All the canvas is double-sided, helping the suites remain cool in summer and warm in winter, while the roof of each suite has three layers: an inner lining for decoration and two outer layers for protection and insulation.

In each suite there are lovely extra touches, including a chest of watercolour paper and paints and a small range of wildlife books. There is even a yoga mat and weights for those who feel like a light workout! A number of chests and leather and brass-trimmed boxes are stocked with a selection of alcoholic beverages, mixers, tea and coffee, ice and chilled fresh water. We noticed during our visit in April 2016 that there were bottles of Amarula, brandy, whisky and gin, as well as decanters of sherry and port, but drinks can be supplied to suit your preferences.

The bedroom in each of Zarafa’s suites has a large bed with mosquito net and overhead ceiling fan, while behind is plenty of hanging and shelving space where you’ll find bathrobes, a hairdryer, an umbrella, insect repellent and spray, and a digital safe. Also hidden away here is an air-conditioning unit designed to silently and effective cool the sleeping area within the mosquito net.

The bathroom facilities include a luxuriously deep copper bath, indoor rain-head shower, twin basins and a separate flush toilet. For the winter months, a copper gas heater helps to keep the tent warm – an almost unheard-of luxury, even by the high standards of Botswana’s other safari camps!

In 2014, Zarafa opened the Zarafa Dhow Suites, effectively two private villas situated at the far end of the main camp. Operating completely separately from the main camp, the Dhow Suites can be booked only for exclusive use by a family or group of friends, and guests here are catered for entirely separately from the main camp. The suites are very similar in style to the main camp, down to the exploration-style décor. Each can cater for up to four adults or a family group of five in two individual en-suite bedrooms. With their own private pool, along with a private chef, camp manager, staff and guide, the Dhow Suites provide the ultimate exclusive experience.

A large marquee encompasses Zarafa’s main area, its lounge, dining room, bar and library all beautifully decorated in the same early-settler style as the suites. This main area leads out to an extensive deck where, weather permitting, most meals are served. Meals are a social event with guests seated around one table, though private dining can be arranged on request.

*For a full list of available activities, the best time of the year to visit, and any other relevant enquiries, please contact a Sister Hippo Travel Consultant!