Zarafa Camp is set on the edge of the Selinda Spillway and is a mixture of opulence and beauty set in the heart of one of the most idyllic spaces on earth. Overlooking the Zibadianja Lagoon, each of the camps 4 rooms are designed with comfort in mind. Build on raised platforms with leadwood sleeper flooring, the rooms are extremely decadent and decorated in an old world safari style. Large zanzibar doors lead through to beautiful sitting room, large bedrooms, plunge pool, and a delightful bathroom with large copper bathtubs.
The area around the lodge is known for its stunning wildlife. Wild Dogs often frequent the camp, and can be seen from the platforms of the rooms.
Location
Quick Facts
- On the remote Zibadianja Lagoon within the 320,000-acre Selinda Reserve, linking the Okavango Delta and Linyanti waterways
- Just 4 marquis-style tents, max 8 guests — teak interiors, antique furnishings, deep copper baths
- “Zarafa” means “beloved” — a nod to the first giraffe taken from Africa to Europe, gifted to King Charles X of France
- Guests get a high-spec Canon 5D Mk4 (400mm lens) and Leica binoculars for their stay
- Known for elephant, antelope, wild dog, cheetah, lion, leopard; September dry-season elephant migration through the reserve is a highlight
Dhow Suite (private add-on at Zarafa):
- Standalone 210 sqm (2,260 sq ft) 2-bedroom suite under ancient ebony trees on the same lagoon, on raised decking under canvas
- Comes with personal butler, private chef, dedicated safari vehicle and guide
- Indoor copper claw-foot bath, indoor/outdoor showers, wraparound decking with private plunge pool, outdoor seating and fire pit
- Same wildlife access as camp: leopard, lion, cheetah, elephant, buffalo, red lechwe, zebra, giraffe
- Activities: game drives, walks, night drives, bush dinners, fishing, canoeing, boating
Personal Thoughts on Zarafa
In terms of hte lodge itself, there is nothing wrong with Zarafa. It’s a very comfortable and luxurious camp. However, it just doesn’t hit the mark as well as Selinda does in my opinion. They share the same concession and are similarly priced. However, Selinda is in a league above Zarafa. Again, it’s not that Zarafa is not fantastic, but there is an impression that they’ve either tried too hard or not hard enough. Either way, it’s missed the mark a little. And I can only say this as I have had the pleasure of visiting both Selinda and Zarafa.
Where Zarafa does excel is with its wildlife. For some reason, I’ve had incredible luck there. I was woken by a distress call at 5am while staying there. I wandered a couple of metres out of the luxurious tent to investigate. I was still half asleep and still completely naked when I noticed a terrified impala looking up at me imploringly. Something was evidently wrong. A wild dog then rushed between legs and pounced upon the impala along with the rest of its pack which emerged from around the other side of my tent. I wasn’t even capable of fear. Just awe. Awe at seeing something wondrous that close up. That and the fact that I could now claim to have tea-bagged a wild dog. Well played Zarafa. The wildlife experience makes up for it all.
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