ZARAFA

Zarafa: Our View

Zarafa was once the fantastic, "no frills" Zarafa, but since the recent refurbishment of early 2008 the camp has totally changed.…in a good way!  We always loved the down-to-earth approach of Zarafa and so the private plunge pool approach took quite some getting used to.  However, having sailed through the first season, Zarafa has found its place amongst Botswana’s most luxurious lodges, whilst keeping the character it became so famous for.  The game here is very good and the walking in this reserve is some of the very best in Botswana.  The camp is truly stunning and luxurious, yet so very intimate at the same time.  We love Zarafa and we are so glad we can still say that!

Zarafa is up there as one of the best camps in Botswana. It is almost too luxurious but it does not break any of our barriers with regards to needless modern amenities. Great game, great service, lovely camp and definitely worth 5 paws.

Zarafa: The Detail

Zarafa camp is located on the Selinda Reserve, private concession, in the Linyatni region of Northern Botswana, north of the Okavango Delta. The reserve is a 45 minute flight from Kasane, if coming from Chobe National Park or Victoria Falls, and 45 minute to 1.5 hour flight if coming from Maun. The airstrip is a 20 minute drive from the camp.

The main area of Zarafa Camp is made up of two large rooms, a dining room on the right and an incredibly furnished lounge area with ornaments and books around the place. There is a central walkway which leads out onto an open  veranda area looking over the Zibadianja Lagoon, which teems with game.

At a maximum of eight guests, the emphasis here is on individual hospitality and privacy.  Each tented room has 360 veranda and which is dissected by a private pool and outdoor shower, which seems to spray water inwards from all directions! The bedroom and living areas are huge, and equipped with vintage and antique decor. And just to throw a contemporary touch into the mix, you get your very own Canon 50D camera for your stay. The bathrooms are designed with copper influence all round, a free standing copper bath, sink and shower. Just in case you get chilly, there is also a central fireplace.

All of the Chobe wildlife is present at Zarafa with a varied bird and mammal community.  Abundant plains game can be found here including lechwe, kudu, buffalo, zebra and giraffe.  It is also a predator-rich reserve including cheetah, wild dog, lion and leopard.  The massive herds of elephant pass through the area in the dry season.

There is a wealth of activities here including game drives, walks, night drives, bush dinners, fishing, canoeing and boating.