Luxury Tented Safari Camp
Botswana

Zarafa Camp
Okavanago Delta

Zarafa Camp, Okavango Delta, Botswana
Zarafa Camp, Okavango Delta, Botswana
Zarafa Camp, Okavango Delta, Botswana
Zarafa Camp, Okavango Delta, Botswana

Highlights

  • Exclusive Location: Nestled along the pristine Zibadianja Lagoon, Zarafa Camp offers guests an unparalleled sense of seclusion and tranquility in Botswana’s private Selinda Reserve. The camp’s intimate setting provides breathtaking views of the water, where elephants and hippos gather, and the surrounding floodplains teem with wildlife, creating a serene yet thrilling environment.
  • Luxurious Tented Suites: Zarafa’s opulent tented suites are thoughtfully designed to offer both comfort and a close connection to nature. Each suite features expansive decks with private plunge pools, open-plan bathrooms with copper bathtubs, and indoor-outdoor showers. With elegant décor, fine linens, and panoramic views, the suites blend safari authenticity with top-tier luxury, offering a peaceful retreat after a day of exploration.
  • Exceptional Wildlife Viewing: Located in one of Botswana’s most biodiverse areas, Zarafa provides extraordinary wildlife encounters. Private game drives offer sightings of elephants, lions, leopards, buffalo, and wild dogs. Boat safaris along the lagoon present a different perspective, where you can observe hippos and crocodiles in their natural habitat, along with an abundance of birdlife, from African fish eagles to herons.
  • Gourmet Dining: Zarafa Camp is renowned for its exceptional culinary offerings. Guests enjoy gourmet meals prepared with fresh, locally sourced ingredients, often served alfresco under the stars. The camp’s chefs craft innovative, mouth-watering dishes, paired with fine wines from Zarafa’s impressive wine cellar. Whether dining in the main lodge or at a private location, each meal is a feast for the senses.
  • Eco-Friendly and Sustainable: Zarafa is deeply committed to sustainability and operates with minimal environmental impact. The camp runs entirely on solar power, ensuring a reduced carbon footprint. Built with natural materials and designed to blend into the landscape, Zarafa focuses on conservation and ethical tourism. The camp’s efforts support wildlife protection and local community development, making your stay both luxurious and environmentally responsible.
  • Breathtaking Landscapes: Surrounded by lush floodplains, lagoons, and woodlands, Zarafa offers one of the most scenic settings in Botswana. The ever-changing landscape is perfect for photography, with sunrise and sunset casting beautiful light over the water and plains. Whether enjoying the view from your private deck or while out on safari, the beauty of the Okavango Delta and Selinda Reserve is always in sight, providing a peaceful backdrop to your adventure.

Good to know

How to get there

Zarafa is approximately 45 minutes from Maun by light aircraft.

Are children welcome?

Yes, children are welcome at Zarafa Camp, though the camp is best suited for families with older children due to the nature of safari activities. Zarafa generally accepts children over the age of 8. The camp provides tailored experiences for families, ensuring that young guests have an engaging and safe adventure.

Giving back

Zarafa Camp has a strong commitment to sustainability and conservation, with a focus on preserving the natural environment and promoting responsible tourism. Their sustainability policy includes:

  • Solar Power: The camp is entirely solar-powered, reducing its reliance on fossil fuels and significantly minimising its carbon footprint. This ensures that all energy needs, including electricity and hot water, are sustainably met.
  • Eco-Friendly Camp Design: Zarafa is constructed using environmentally sensitive materials that blend into the natural landscape, causing minimal disruption to the surrounding ecosystem. The camp’s infrastructure is designed to have as little impact on the environment as possible.
  • Water Conservation: The camp employs water-saving measures, such as recycling greywater and using efficient water management systems, which help conserve precious water resources in the delta.
  • Waste Management: Zarafa follows strict waste management practices, including recycling and responsible disposal of waste. Plastic usage is minimised, and eco-friendly products are used whenever possible to reduce pollution.
  • Wildlife Conservation: As part of the Selinda Reserve, Zarafa is heavily involved in conservation efforts. The camp supports wildlife research and anti-poaching initiatives, particularly for endangered species like lions and African wild dogs.
  • Community Support: Zarafa contributes to local community development by providing employment, training, and supporting local businesses. The camp actively engages with nearby communities to promote education, sustainable livelihoods, and conservation awareness.

Wildlife you are likely to see

At Zarafa Camp, guests can expect to see a wide variety of wildlife, thanks to its prime location in the Selinda Reserve. The reserve is known for its rich biodiversity and offers excellent game-viewing opportunities, including:

  • Elephants: Large herds of elephants are frequently seen, especially around the Zibadianja Lagoon, where they gather to drink and bathe.
  • Lions: The area is home to several prides of lions, often seen on game drives, hunting or resting in the shade.
  • Leopards: These elusive big cats are commonly spotted in the reserve, especially during evening game drives or near wooded areas.
  • African Wild Dogs: Zarafa is located in one of the few regions where the endangered African wild dog is regularly seen, often hunting in packs.
  • Buffalo: Large herds of buffalo roam the floodplains, often seen alongside other grazing animals like antelope and zebras.
  • Hippos and Crocodiles: The Zibadianja Lagoon is home to numerous hippos and crocodiles, which can be observed from both land and boat safaris.
  • Cheetahs: Though less common than lions or leopards, cheetahs can occasionally be spotted hunting in the open grasslands.
  • Birdlife: The Selinda Reserve is a birdwatcher’s paradise, with species like African fish eagles, kingfishers, herons, and a variety of waterfowl frequently sighted, especially around the lagoon.

Why we love Zarafa Camp

The setting of this camp is so beautiful, overlooking the Zibadianja Lagoon, it has to be one of the most serene spots in Botswana. The fact that you can watch the wildlife from your private deck (with plunge pool) really makes it special.

Aisha Gross

Specialises in

Africa and the Indian Ocean
Zarafa Camp

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