The exterior of a luxurious safari tent with wooden deck, set among large trees in a natural landscape in Botswana.

Zarafa Camp

Zarafa Camp majestically sits on a hilltop overlooking the crystal-clear Zibadianja Lagoon in the private Selinda Reserve, where the Okavango Delta and Chobe/Savute corridor converge. This intimate safari camp, with only four spacious tented suites, is Botswana's first Relais & Châteaux property – sustainable, romantic, and luxurious at the same time. The surroundings host an impressive wildlife, including elephants, buffalo, leopards, and wild dogs, which regularly visit the lagoon. Designed as a visionary showcase project for green luxury, the camp uses recycled hardwoods, solar technology, and biogas – and has been awarded an environmental prize from Relais & Châteaux. Zarafa offers an authentic safari experience for discerning guests, where luxury, sustainability, and nature meet in harmonious connection.

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Details

  • Country

    Botswana

  • Location

    Selinda Reservat, Linyanti Region

  • Price

    from 1.725 € per person/night

  • Best time to travel

    April - October

Rooms

The four safari suites at Zarafa Camp span an impressive 100 m² and rest on elevated platforms made from recycled railway sleeper wood — including an exclusive Dhow Suite for private use. Under flowing canvas and framed by ancient ebony trees, they blend classic safari charm with contemporary comfort: rooms and lounge open to a generous indoor/outdoor bathroom with a copper clawfoot bathtub, rain shower, gas fireplace, and private plunge pool on the veranda. Handcrafted Zanzibari doors, brass details, antique kilim rugs, and motor skills facilitate a stylish retreat. Each suite features air conditioning, ceiling fans, minibar, safe, binoculars, telescope, and even Canon cameras with memory cards to take home – ideal for photography lovers.

The exterior of a luxurious safari tent with wooden deck, set among large trees in a natural landscape in Botswana.
A luxurious guest suite with a viewing deck extending outside, illuminated by small lamps during dusk or night.
Luxurious guest suite with four-poster bed and rustic decor in a Botswana safari camp.
A luxurious guest suite with a four-poster bed inside a wooden cabin, with a mosquito net draped over it and a view of a deck and pool outside.

Culinary

The culinary experience at Zarafa Camp reflects the luxurious ambiance: the main tent lounge, dining area, bar, and library are situated under a protective leafy canopy with views of the lagoon. Guests enjoy exquisite meals – from communal dinners at a long table to private dinners in the bush or in the Dhow Suite – accompanied by fine wines from the private wine cellar.

A sunset scene at the camp with a table of liquor bottles and two chairs on a wooden deck overlooking a wetlands landscape.
Luxurious lounge with leather sofas, a central coffee table with decorative items, and large windows with a view of nature outside.
An outdoor dining area on a wooden deck overlooking a river at sunset, with tables, chairs, and lanterns creating a cozy atmosphere in a natural setting.
A cozy outdoor gathering area with wooden chairs around a fire pit under large trees and a tent structure in the background.

Activities

Zarafa Camp offers an impressive variety of activities, perfect for safari lovers – flexibly tailored by the low guest number. Highlights include traditional game drives (day & night), guided bush walks, and boat trips on the Zibadianja Lagoon with the pontoon “HES Zib,” ideal for brunch or sundowners. Photography fans can use the Canon cameras and telescopes in the suites. The Young Explorers Program teaches children bushcraft, animal sounds, and conservation knowledge. Additional offerings include fly fishing, outdoor fitness, and wellness treatments in the spa or suite.

A water vehicle traveling across a wide, calm river during sunset with open plains in the background.
A young leopard lies on a tree branch, gazing intently at the camera with a cloudy sky in the background.
A boat with people on a lake surrounded by wetlands in a vast plains landscape, with a distant tree line and blue sky.
An elephant standing on grassland near trees with tented accommodations in the background in Botswana.

Location

Zarafa Camp is located in the private Selinda Reserve (approximately 130,000 ha) in northern Botswana, creating an ecologically valuable connection between the Okavango Delta and Chobe/Savute corridor. The camp overlooks the Zibadianja Lagoon, the source of the Savuti Channel, surrounded by wetlands and woodlands – home to elephants, buffalo, hippos, and rare species such as wild dogs, roan, and sable antelopes. The remote location guarantees exclusivity, tranquility, and impressive wildlife observations – an authentic safari gem in the wilderness of Botswana.

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Contact person

A smiling young woman with long hair stands outdoors with lions resting in the background.
Anja Sterker

Travel Designer

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