Zarafa, the first and only Botswana member of the prestigious Relais & Châteaux portfolio, as well as a National Geographic Unique Lodge of the World, and Great Plains Conservation, was created by Dereck and Beverly Joubert, world-renowned wildlife photographers and co-founders of Great Plains itself. Zarafa, a luxurious tented camp and one of the ‘greenest’ camps on earth, is situated in the private Selinda Reserve. With just four beautifully appointed, air-conditioned and sumptuous tented villas raised on polished, timber decks with private plunge pools, indoor bathroom and ‘open-air’ showers overlooking the bush, Zarafa is like no other. Here you will discover exclusivity and privacy. Overlooking the Zibadianja Lagoon, Zarafa evokes a sense of history and bygone days, an intimate historical-style safari perfect for guests looking for a more private safari experience, with the emphasis on first class hospitality, and with every amenity on hand. Every room at Zarafa comes equipped with a professional Cannon SLR camera and a pair of Swarovski binoculars for personal use during your stay, and then on departure a collection of the images you have taken during your stay will be ready for you to take home on a USB stick. The bar and viewing decks at Zarafa are perfect for animal spotting while a delicious dinner is taken under the stars or in the well appointed dining area. Activities include early morning, afternoon and night game drives in open 4X4 safari vehicles to search for lion, hippo, buffalo, giraffe, cheetah, wild dog, elephant and the elusive leopard. Bird enthusiasts will not be disappointed either with 300 species of birds in the region. Guided walks, seasonal fishing and cruising on the Zibadianja Lagoon on “HMS Zib” when water levels permit, are the other activities on offer. The pontoon boat is very comfortable and spacious with couches, a dining area and bar where guests can enjoy sundowner drinks and the perfect African sunset. Zarafa has a gym and spa offering yoga mats, spin bikes and in-room massages for those keen on some exercise or indulgence.
