ZARAFA CAMP

Zarafa has a distinctive old-world, colonial safari style, combining the romance of a traditional African expedition camp with an exceptionally high level of luxury. The camp was designed by Dereck and Beverly Joubert and is filled with rich woods, copper, canvas and carefully selected antique-style furnishings. Recycled teak and railway-sleeper wood are used extensively, while the elevated position and large open verandas give the camp an authentic bush feel without compromising comfort. It is also a remarkably environmentally conscious camp, being solar powered and constructed with recycled materials.

The main guest area has an elegant yet relaxed atmosphere, with a comfortable lounge, library, bar and dining area opening onto broad viewing decks overlooking the lagoon. There is a private wine cellar, firepit and outdoor dining spaces, with bush dinners and other meals arranged according to the day's activities. A small spa and open-air gym add to the facilities, although the emphasis remains firmly on the wilderness rather than a resort-style experience.

The four accommodation units are enormous marquee-style luxury tents, each raised above the ground beneath the surrounding ebony and red ivory trees. They are beautifully furnished in a classic safari style, with hardwood floors, rich textiles, comfortable sitting areas and large beds protected by mosquito netting. The en-suite bathrooms feature double vanities, copper claw-foot baths and both indoor and outdoor showers. Each tent opens onto a large private veranda with spectacular views across the lagoon, together with a private plunge pool and outdoor shower. The attention to detail extends to the in-room safari equipment, with guests provided with Swarovski binoculars, a Nikon telescope and Canon camera equipment, making Zarafa particularly appealing to wildlife photographers and enthusiasts.

Guests enjoy twice-daily game drives, with the private reserve offering outstanding opportunities for seeing lion, leopard, wild dog, elephant and other wildlife. The guides are particularly experienced in tracking and interpreting animal behaviour, and the reserve's relatively low vehicle density can make for wonderfully private sightings. Depending on seasonal water levels, boating and canoeing provide an alternative way to explore the lagoon and surrounding waterways. Guided walking safaris are available, while night drives reveal the reserve's nocturnal wildlife. Full-day photographic safaris, birding, bush dining and specialist photographic experiences are also available. The camp's specially adapted safari vehicles are designed with photographers in mind, and the pontoon boat provides a relaxed way to explore the lagoon while watching hippos, crocodiles and birdlife.

Zarafa is situated in the 130,000-hectare Selinda Private Reserve in northern Botswana, an important wildlife area linking the Okavango Delta with the Chobe and Savuti ecosystems. The camp is accessed by light aircraft, making it an excellent choice for a Botswana fly-in safari and easy to combine with other camps in the Okavango Delta, Linyanti or Chobe regions. Its remote location, small size and private reserve setting create a sense of exclusivity that is difficult to replicate in larger safari destinations.