OUR 2024 ECO AND ANIMAL FRIENDLY FEATURED VEGAN LODGES
Zarafa Camp
Few camps rival the location of this little gem, overlooking the crystal waters of Zibadianja Lagoon
Botswana’s first Relais & Châteaux property (now joined by the new Duba Plains Camp), Zarafa Camp is among the most remote and exclusive camps in the whole of the Okavango Delta. It is located on the far eastern edge of the private 130,000 hectare Selinda Reserve, where it is one of only two camps (the other being Zarafa’s much larger sister property, Selinda Camp). Here it enjoys an enviable position on the edge of the huge Zibadianja Lagoon, the source of the Savute Channel and the link between the Linyanti and Okavango water systems.
While Zarafa Camp as a whole is small, its individual tented suites are huge. There are just four of these suites, identical marquee tents built on raised wooden platforms constructed from recycled railway sleepers. They are set on the edge of the lagoon, sheltered under giant ebony and ivory trees.
The activities available at Zarafa Camp include day and night game drives and short guided walks accompanied by armed guides. Water activities, including boat safaris and fishing, are available when the water levels are high, but game-viewing activities are predominantly land-based.
With all its careful appointments, Zarafa Camp maintains the perfect balance between luxury and adventure that offers that romantic Botswana safari experience. Under a canopy of ebony trees, the main camp area offers guests a sizable main lounge, library, dining area and bush boutique. An outdoor gym and in-room massage are available. The camp has no equal when it comes to its environmental credentials. The camp’s construction consists of recycled hardwoods and canvas. All the camp’s electricity comes from its solar farm, and a biogas system converts vegetable waste into usable cooking gas.
The private Selinda Reserve is home to leopard, lion, cheetah, elephant, buffalo, red lechwe, zebra and giraffe. It is also a refuge for some uncommon species, such as African wild dogs, roan and sable. And for birders, the nearby African skimmer colony is a highlight. From camp, hippos are visible in the Lagoon, and elephants wander through regularly. It is an exciting area, and guests are in the heart of this wilderness wonderland.
