Zarafa Camp is breathtaking. It is the pinnacle of years of perfecting the safari experience. It embodies authenticity, luxury and simplicity into a recipe of utter perfection. Every element of the camp has been clearly considered, and thoughtfully planned. The execution is impeccable - from the handmade furniture to the freshly prepared cuisine. The attention to detail is remarkable, and reflected in every experience at Zarafa Camp. Zarafa Camp is ideal for small groups who would like to combine privacy with superb accommodation and exceptional wildlife viewing (even from one's bed!).

The camp is designed with exclusivity and privacy at its core. Each tent is positioned on the forest's edge, rimming the shores of the floodplains and savannas and far from a neighbor. The 1,000 square foot 'marquis style' canvas tents are expansive and open-air without exposing guests to the elements. Each of the three "rooms" of the tent is decorated with custom-made furniture, handcrafted from recycled ancient hardwoods. The raised decks are constructed of recycled African railroad ties, and form as the tent's foundation. One enters the tent through a large lounge appointed with a leather sofa, personal bar and writing desk. Adjoining the lounge is the main bedroom and dressing area, where the overhead fans and seductive mosquito nets set the ambiance. Exiting the bedroom, a beautiful copper fireplace is strategically placed between the bathroom and the bedroom to allay the chill of the winter months. The main bathroom is comprised of a copper bath and shower, double sinks and private toilet. Off the bathroom, a raised walkway leads to the outdoor shower, complete with 360-degree shower heads! A private verandah, running the length of the front of the tent, offers a plunge pool, outdoor lounge and sweeping views of Zibadianja Lagoon's waters.

























“I have been privileged to spend quality time in most of Africa’s prime wilderness and wildlife areas. Yet, nothing could have prepared me for the beauty of the new site for the new Zarafa camp. When Dereck Joubert showed me around and explained in intimate detail where every room, every bath and every shower would go, I was breathless with wonder, admiration and pride as I looked over onto the beautiful savannahs and palm fringed floodplains in front of me.  The new Zarafa will set new standards, while remaining firmly entrenched in its roots, delivering a wonderful, personal, tented experience that fits in with its sense of place and space.”
- Colin Bell JANUARY '08 -

CAMP DESCRIPTION
In keeping with the style of the guest tents, the main lounge is also under 'marquis style' canvas. The emphasis of the architecture is on bringing the outside in. The unobstructed view across the Zibadianja Lagoon is emphasized by the integration of the natural world in the construction. A grand jackelberry tree provides shade while the cool breeze off the lagoon refreshes the air. Furnished in the same 'campaign' style furniture, the lounge evokes a traditional safari ambiance with dark woods and rich leathers. This spirit of exploration continues in the private library, where a collection of prized works on Africa is housed. After a day's exploits in the Reserve, tales and stories are exchanged around the fire pit, on the edge of the main verandah, with stargazing above.

Meals are generally table dôhte and include a light breakfast at dawn, a hearty brunch on return from the morning activity, afternoon tea and snacks before the afternoon activity, rounded off with a sumptuous dinner in the evening. Special meals and requirements can be catered for on request. All local drinks, wines and beers are included in the tariff. One of the advantages of a small camp is that we can be flexible with meal times and can adjust to suit wildlife sightings and individual guest preferences.

A small boutique shop stocks locally made goods and quality African artifacts. Payment can be by credit card (Visa and Mastercard only), traveler's cheque or cash.

LAUNDRY
Laundry is done on a daily basis and is complimentary.

ELECTRICITY
Zarafa Camp is among the only (if not the only) luxury camp in the world to be powered entirely by solar energy. A "solar farm" consisting of 150 Sanyo solar panels (205 watt each) produces sufficient electricity during daylight hours to handle all of the camp's electrical needs. The solar power is stored in a large bank of deep cycle batteries, each of which delivers 220v electricity through an invertor system, 24 hours a day. The solar farm and the invertor system are also devoid of any noise pollution, and maintain a peaceful surrounds for wildlife.



The solar farm, coupled with the stringent use of recycled hardwoods and careful camp operations, make this one of the "greenest" camps on the planet. No measure has been spared in an effort to minimize the camp's carbon and emissions footprint.

ACCESS
Airstrip transfer normally takes about 45 min but we allow 1 hour as during the transfer allowance is made for brief game viewing stops along the way.

Zarafa Camp's licensed (Category B) airfield is usually a 30-minute drive from camp, depending on seasonal water levels. The coordinates are S18"33.95'; E23"30.73'. Seat-in plane air transfers or private charters are the only means of accessing the Selinda Reserve.
Flying times: From Maun - 45 minutes; Kasane - 50 minutes; Motswiri - 15 minutes.

OUR FOOTPRINT
Selinda Reserve is a place of peace, where tranquility replaces the chaos of the modern world. It is also home to much wildlife, all of which is cautious of the Zarafa Camp's presence. It is our goal to limit our impact on the environment, to walk quietly and softly on the Earth, and that includes the noise and light pollution we generate as well as the more obvious by bi-products of our society. We are guests in this space. In limiting pollution, the wildlife is comfortable and often comes through camp. This is a gift.

A network of small tracks traverses the Reserve. If something exceptional begs our attention we do go off-road. We do this as sensitively as possible; ever aware of the impact we have on the environment.

THE MAIN AREA
Continuing the marquis style of the accommodation, the main area is all under canvas with an emphasis on the view and the wildlife viewing out front. Furnished in the same 'campaign' style furniture, the main area evokes the wonderful and traditional safari ambiance. Lounge and dining facilities may be enjoyed under cover or on the full length deck shaded by giant broadleaf trees.

POOL
Instead of one communal pool, each guest tent at Zarafa has its own private plunge pool looking onto the plains of Selinda.

MEALS
Meals are generally table dôhte and include a light breakfast at dawn, a hearty brunch on return from the morning activity, afternoon tea and snacks before the afternoon activity, rounded off with a sumptuous dinner in the evening. Special meals and requirements can be catered for on request. All local drinks, wines and beers are included in the tariff. One of the advantages of a small camp is that we can be flexible with meal times and can adjust meal times to suit wildlife sightings and individual guest's preferences.

SHOPPING
A small boutique shop stocks locally made goods and quality African artifacts. Payment can be by credit card (Visa and Mastercard only), traveler's cheque or cash.

ACTIVITIES
There is no set routine at Zarafa. We are small enough to be flexible. However, from experience, we recommend that wildlife activities are conducted when the wildlife is most active. Generally we explore the reserve in the early morning, late afternoon and at night. The midday siesta time can be spent at one of our waterholes in an elevated hide. However, Zarafa Camp is located in the heart of a brilliant wildlife area and often the best wildlife viewing at midday could be from your room! Wildlife and nature drives are the primary activity and are conducted in our open, 4x4 Toyota Landcruisers specifically adapted for our conditions. Walking is also encouraged and can either be a short walk from camp or as a full morning's activity. Walks are led by licensed guides who are firearm experienced. A private vehicle and guide service is available, but this must be booked in advance to guarantee the service. Private vehicles and guides are on a first-come-first-served basis and are at extra cost.



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Photographic Credits: Dana Allen, Dook, Colin Bell, Beverly Joubert