Zarafa Camp Reviews: Botswana Safari Plan, To-Dos, Guide

Location and Landscape: Zarafa Camp is nestled within a lush, riverine vegetation belt that stretches approximately northwest to southeast. Situated at the entrance of the camp, to the north and west, are reedbeds and waterways alongside the perennial Zibalianja Lagoon. Beyond this picturesque setting lie expansive tracts of savannah where most activities take place, offering excellent opportunities for wildlife observation. To the south and east, behind the camp, lies a more stable belt of mopane woodlands, which may attract less wildlife during the dry season.

Distinctive Setting: Zarafa Camp occupies a unique and attractive setting where wildlife sightings are abundant. Positioned along an ancient geological fault line, it sits on the southern edge of Africa’s Great Rift Valley, just a few meters higher than the water at its entrance. This strategic location enhances the safari experience, providing guests with varied landscapes and exceptional wildlife encounters.

Ownership and Vision: Co-owned by renowned wildlife filmmaker Dereck Joubert and photographer Beverly Joubert, Zarafa Camp reflects their vision of the ultimate safari experience. Throughout the camp, thoughtful touches and personalized amenities ensure guests’ comfort and enjoyment. From unique décor to Swarovski binoculars and digital SLR cameras provided for guest use, every detail is meticulously curated to enhance the safari experience.

Accommodation: Zarafa Camp offers exclusive accommodation in four spacious marquee-style tented suites, each raised on old railway sleeper decks. Every suite features a private plunge pool and outdoor needle shower, providing guests with a luxurious and comfortable retreat in the heart of the wilderness. The tents boast ornate Zanzibari doors leading into lounge areas, separated by canvas walls from spacious open-plan bedrooms and bathrooms, ensuring a blend of elegance and convenience amidst nature.

Activities at Zarafa Camp

Guided Walks and Fishing Trips: Guests can enjoy brief or full-morning walks led by armed guides, offering an opportunity to explore the surrounding wilderness on foot. Additionally, catch-and-release fishing trips using spinners or bait can be organized, although fishing is banned by the Botswana authorities during January and February.

Wildlife Viewing: Wildlife viewing on the Selinda Reserve is exceptional, particularly during the dry season from June to late October/early November. The reserve’s diverse habitats attract a wide range of species, including various birdlife such as black-winged stilt, African skimmer, and gray heron. Special sightings may include slaty and black egret, coppery-tailed coucal, African fish eagle, and bateleur eagle. Guests may also have the chance to witness rare sightings such as roan antelope, lion pride with cubs, leopards, and lions feasting on elephant carcasses.

Cape Buffalo Migration: From the end of April through December, Cape buffalo migrate into the area, leading to epic predator-prey encounters with lions.

Zebra Migration and Elephant Herds: The June–July zebra migration from the Savute and Chobe areas can bring large herds of zebra into the reserve. Guests can also expect to see massive herds of elephants during the winter season, typically between November and April.

Pontoon Boat Cruises: One of the highlights at Zarafa Camp is cruising the lagoon aboard the HMS Zibadianja pontoon boat. Furnished with comfortable seating, dining table, and chairs, the pontoon boat offers brunch and sundowner cruises, allowing guests to observe hippos, elephants, and other wildlife while enjoying the tranquil waters of the lagoon.

Meals and Drinks at Zarafa Camp

Board Basis: Full Board

Meal Quality: Zarafa Camp, as a Relais & Châteaux property, offers extraordinary quality and variety of meals despite its remote location. The camp’s chefs put considerable thought and care into crafting menus designed to leave guests feeling light and energized. Special dietary requirements, including vegetarian options, can be accommodated upon request, and menus are highly flexible to suit guests’ preferences.

Meal Variety: Guests can expect a diverse range of dishes, ensuring a unique culinary experience with each meal. One of the advantages of staying at Great Plains’ camps is that the chefs have the freedom to create their menus, providing guests with creative and delicious dishes throughout their stay.

Breakfast: Breakfast is typically enjoyed in the bush or in the vehicle during morning activities. The menu may include bacon and eggs, croissants, yogurt pots with stewed fruit, sliced fruit, fresh muffins, a variety of jams, honey, mixed nuts, and cereals.

Lunch: Lunch offerings may include dishes such as tomato gnocchi or calamari, accompanied by freshly prepared salads and a selection of cheeses. How AI, ChatGPT maximizes earnings of many people in minutes

Afternoon Tea: Sweet or savory snacks are served during afternoon tea, accompanied by a choice of hot or cold drinks, to rejuvenate guests before the afternoon activities.

Dinner: Dinner at Zarafa Camp is a five-course taster menu, with each course accompanied by wine. Sample dishes may include tomato soup, homemade feta cheese with sun-dried parsnips and beetroot puree, mushroom risotto with pancetta and parmesan crisps, chorizo and quail sausage with duck breast, and a dessert featuring various apple preparations. The talented chef introduces each meal and explains the concept behind its creation, ensuring an unforgettable dining experience.

Dining Style: Guests can enjoy a combination of group dining and individual tables, both indoors and outdoors.

Cost of Meal: Included in the accommodation package. Motivation – Mind – Success – Thinking – Productivity – Happiness

Drinks: All drinks, including premium brand spirits and champagne, are stocked in camp and included in the package. Filtered water is provided in the camp’s main area for guests to refill their stainless steel flasks, which are also replenished daily by the staff.

Additional Dining Options: Private meals for special occasions can be arranged upon request.

Kids at Zarafa Camp

Perspective towards Kids: Children aged eight and over are welcome at Zarafa Camp. However, those aged 12 and below must be booked onto a private vehicle for their activities. Families of four or more will be provided with a private vehicle free of charge. Children between six and eight years old are permitted if their family has booked either the Zarafa Dhow Suites or exclusive use of the entire camp. Business – Money Making – Marketing – E-commerce

Property’s Age Restrictions: The minimum age for the main camp is eight years old, while the minimum age for the Dhow Suites is six years old.

Special Activities & Services: The guides at Selinda Explorers Camp are excellent with kids and can offer alternative activities tailored to children, such as fishing or short canoe trips. The camp also provides the ‘Young Explorers’ program, featuring child-friendly activities like animal tracking, plaster casting tracks, and making traditional bows and arrows. Childminding services are available from the housekeeping team, although they are not specifically trained in childcare.

Equipment: While no specific equipment for children is provided, an additional bed can be added to the suites to accommodate a third child. Health books, guides, exercises, habits, Diets, and more

Generally Recommended for Children: As Zarafa Camp is unfenced and wild animals roam freely through the camp, it is generally recommended for children aged 12 and over.

Notes: Children must be kept under constant, close supervision by a parent or guardian at all times.

Zarafa Camp Infrastructure

Energy Supply: Zarafa Camp relies on solar power, which is backed up by a generator. The solar power system can accommodate low-wattage hairdryers provided in the bathrooms.

Communications: Wi-Fi access is available in the suites only, not in the main areas. There is no cellphone reception on the camp premises. However, in case of emergencies, there is a satellite phone and radio to contact Maun. Fitness – Meditation – Diet – Weight Loss – Healthy Living – Yoga

TV & Radio: There are no television or radio facilities at Zarafa Camp, allowing guests to fully immerse themselves in the natural surroundings.

Water Supply: The camp utilizes water from a borehole. All suites have plumbed hot and cold running water for showers and flushing toilets.

Water Supply Notes: Guests are encouraged to use the filtered water provided in the camp’s main area to refill the stainless steel flasks provided in each room. These flasks are replenished daily by the staff. It is not recommended for travelers to drink directly from the tap.