The Camp

Location: Selinda Reserve, Botswana
Number of Tents: 4 + Dhow Suites

Zarafa Camp caters to guests seeking an intimate experience of luxury in the bush. Accommodations are in four spacious tents sheltered beneath leafy trees, with breathtaking vistas of Zibidianja Lagoon. Each tent includes a large bedroom with king-size or two twin beds, an en suite bathroom featuring a copper soaking tub and both indoor and outdoor rain showers, and a broad wooden veranda with directors’ chairs positioned to survey the wildlife activity in the lagoon. The Zarafa Dhow Suites comprise a 2,220-square foot exclusive use villa that sleeps up to four adults and one child in two en suite bedrooms with a private lounge, dining area and plunge pool. The camp's main area is furnished in the same 'campaign' style as the tents and evokes the classic safari ambience of a century ago. Relax into one of the deep leather sofas in the lounge, and enjoy candlelight dining beneath canvas or on the expansive deck shaded by giant broad-leafed trees. After dark, draw up chairs around the campfire and listen to the sounds of the African night.

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Facilities & Amenities

• En suite bathroom with tub and indoor/outdoor showers
• Family Accommodation: 1 Dhow Suite with 2 en suite bedrooms connected by a shared lounge, dining area, deck and private plunge pool
• Soap, shampoo, conditioner, lotion and insect repellent
• Hair dryer
• Room fan
• Gas fireplace
• 220v charging outlets in room
• In-room safe
• Canon digital SLR camera kits provided for guest use
• Swarovski binoculars provided for guest use
• Yoga mats, bands and weights provided for guest use
• Private plunge pool
• In-room massage (extra cost)
• Wi-Fi in guest tents
• Laundry included
• Local drinks included (house alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks)
• Credit cards accepted (Visa and MasterCard)
• No air conditioning, telephone or cellular coverage

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Wildlife Viewing & Activities

Zarafa Camp is surrounded by the Selinda Reserve’s varied habitats: open savanna, flowing channels surrounded by dry woodland, and broad river systems and floodplains that draw thousands of animals seeking to quench their thirst in the dry season. Activities are flexible to suit guests' particular interests and include day and night wildlife drives with experienced professional guides in custom-built 4x4 Land Cruisers. Guided nature walks from camp introduce guests to some of Africa's less prominent wildlife. Between excursions guests can relax in camp and enjoy a swim or a massage. The camp also offers fishing on a seasonal basis. Zarafa boasts all of Chobe’s diverse wildlife: abundant plains wildlife includes lechwe, kudu, buffalo, zebra and giraffe, while plentiful predators such as cheetah, wild dog, lion and leopard are frequently sighted. Massive herds of elephant are another highlight, and birdlife is superb, with at least 300 species observed.

The below chart helps to illustrate major wildlife sightings often experienced in the Linyanti Reserve adjacent to the Chobe National Park. This area is well known for elephant herds, which are at their peak in the drier months of July to October, and it's a great location to track wild dogs and see lion. A variety of other mammals, birds and reptiles may be seen as well. Exact sightings will depend on weather trends and wildlife movements.

Climate

Conservation

Zafara Camp is owned by Great Plains Conservation, co-founded by Dereck and Beverly Joubert, award-winning filmmakers at National Geographic for more than 25 years, who have spent much of that time filming in and around the Selinda Spillway. Their films, dedicated to conservation, have revolved around the larger and more famous animals in the region (elephant, rhino, zebra and leopard) because, in their words, "we need to focus our attention on the intrinsic value of nature, and if we can't see it in lions, whales or elephants, then what hope would there be for the lesser known and often far more endangered species?" Having made films for both National Geographic and Walt Disney Pictures, the Jouberts’ efforts have been seen by more than a billion people in 50 languages. Among their award-winning films are 'Ultimate Enemies,' 'Relentless Enemies' and 'Eye of the Leopard,' all filmed around Zafara Camp.

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