Eastern-Side of the Selinda Reserve, near Zibadianja Lagoon

Zarafa Camp

DISCOVER

Zarafa Camp

Set within the vast and wildlife-rich Selinda Reserve in northern Botswana, Zarafa Camp offers one of the most exclusive and environmentally conscious safari experiences in Southern Africa. Overlooking the Zibadianja Lagoon—the source of the Savuti Channel—Zarafa blends old-world safari romance with cutting-edge sustainability. It’s a camp built for those seeking solitude, exceptional game viewing, and an intimate connection to the wilderness.

Zarafa Camp is deeply rooted in conservation. Designed with the smallest possible footprint, it is powered entirely by solar energy, constructed using recycled teak and canvas, and furnished with custom pieces crafted from reclaimed hardwoods. The result is a luxurious yet thoughtful retreat that complements the surrounding landscape and supports its long-term protection.

With just four opulent marquee-style tents, Zarafa Camp is as private as it is beautiful. Each tent is positioned beneath the shade of ebony and leadwood trees, offering panoramic views across the floodplains and savanna. Raised on 100-year-old reclaimed teak decks, the tents feature expansive bedrooms, indoor and outdoor showers, and copper soaking tubs in the en suite bathrooms. Private plunge pools and shaded verandas look directly out onto the lagoon, making it easy to observe birds, elephants, and other wildlife without leaving the comfort of your suite.

The lounge area within each tent is a private haven, furnished with handcrafted pieces designed specifically for the camp. Guests seeking complete privacy can book the entire camp for exclusive use—perfect for small groups or families—where the remaining tent is closed to ensure a truly personal experience.

The main camp area continues the vintage safari aesthetic, with canvas roofing, natural wood decks, and a collection of artefacts and photographs evoking the spirit of early explorers. Guests can relax in the open-plan lounge or dine under the trees on the expansive shaded deck. A small library with a guest computer is available for viewing and sharing photos, and the camp’s tranquil setting makes it easy to slow down and appreciate the rhythm of the bush.

Facilities at Zarafa Camp include:

  • Four luxury tented suites with lagoon views and private plunge pools
  • En suite bathrooms with copper bathtubs, indoor and outdoor showers
  • Private lounge areas with handcrafted furniture
  • Raised decks made from reclaimed hardwood
  • Central dining and lounge area, library, and shaded deck

Why choose Zarafa Camp?

  • Exceptional privacy with just four tents and an exclusive-use option
  • Premier predator viewing in the private Selinda Reserve
  • Award-winning eco-design powered entirely by solar energy
  • Direct views of the Zibadianja Lagoon and surrounding floodplains
  • Ideal for conservation-minded travelers, photographers, and romantic escapes

ACTIVITIES

Zarafa’s activities are personalised and flexible, with a focus on immersing guests in the wildlife and natural rhythms of the reserve. Game drives take place in custom-built open Land Cruisers, designed for comfort and photographic opportunities. The Selinda Reserve is a predator stronghold, home to cheetah, wild dog, lion, and leopard, as well as vast herds of elephant and buffalo. Morning, afternoon, and night drives are all offered, and timing is tailored to the guest’s interests and seasonal wildlife movements.

Walking safaris from camp offer a closer look at the intricacies of the bush, from animal tracks to birdcalls and medicinal plants. These guided nature walks provide a slower, more intimate perspective on the ecosystem.

Guests can also choose to spend time in the sunken photographic hide at the waterhole, where hippos, crocodiles, and thirsty herds come within meters of the lens. The hide is particularly rewarding during the heat of the day, when the lagoon becomes a magnet for wildlife.

When water levels allow, boat cruises on the lagoon reveal a different world entirely—quiet, reflective, and rich in birdlife. African skimmers, herons, bee-eaters, and kingfishers are frequently seen, and the sunsets over the water offer a magical close to the day.

DREAM DESIGN DISCOVER

Plan your bespoke safari with Think Africa Travel and experience Chobe the way it was meant to be intimate, immersive, and unforgettable.

CONTACT US ON +267 686 1797 OR ENQUIRE BELOW