Zarafa Camp is one of the finest camps in Botswana, occupying a stunning position overlooking a permanent lagoon on the vast and exclusive Selinda Reserve. In this pristine 130,000 hectare reserve, between the Okavango and Chobe, some of Botswana’s most iconic species abound. This is a very special camp, Botswana’s first Relais & Chateaux property, with just four achingly stylish suites, it is an intimate and exclusive safari experience.

Zarafa Camp has been designed with great love and care to provide a luxurious and stylish safari in prime wilderness and wildlife country. There is a sense of adventure about Zarafa. And while thoughtful luxurious touches sparkle throughout the camp, Zarafa always retains a wonderful sense of place. Like the other Great Plains camps, the style is that of an elegant vintage safari, with polished wood and leather armchairs, while intricate Zanzibari doors open to rich Persian carpeted rooms. Activities include morning, afternoon and evening game drives, guided walks and cruising on the lagoon on the wonderfully “HMS Zib” when water levels permit.

The setting of Zarafa Camp is really magnificent, overlooking the Zibadianja Lagoon, the source of the Savuti Channel, with African ebony trees arcing over the camp and tents, creating cooling shade over the impressive main area. The Selinda Reserve seamlessly connects with the Okavango Delta as well as the Chobe National Park. There is nothing ordinary or mainstream about this destination. It is all about unique, remote and wildlife-rich wilderness areas completely natural and exclusive.

There are four stylish and lavish tents, each a vast 100 square metres in size comprising of large bedroom connecting to a full lounge and open plan bathroom. Interior themes are of rich crimsons and chocolate tones under flowing canvas, creating the most sumptuous living environment. The spacious ensuite bathrooms each have an outdoor shower and claw-footed bath while the outdoor space of connecting verandah and plunge pool offer private locations for refreshment and relaxation.

There is a large central lounge with a well-stocked library at Zarafa Camp and a beautifully appointed dining area. A bush boutique for a spot of safari shopping as well as a small outdoor gym. Massages “in room” are also available.

Immense herds of Elephant and Buffalo, especially in the drier winter months (May-Sept) occur here, as well as Giraffe (the camp is named after the giraffe given to Charles X of France in 1826 by the Viceroy of Egypt and means “The Beloved one” in Arabic), Zebra, Wildebeest, Kudu, Warthog, Impala and the rare Roan Antelope may be found. With such strong populations of these animals, key predator species are always close by including: Lion, Leopard, African Wild Dog and sometimes Cheetah.