Zarafa Camp

Zarafa Camp is blessed with an extraordinary location in the eastern sector of the Selinda Reserve

Description

Zarafa Camp is about 2km south-east from the old Zibadianja camp and is situated overlooking the vast savannas and floodplains of the Zibadianja Lagoon under cool and shady Jackalberry and Red Ivory forests. The uninterrupted views from every part of the camp over these productive floodplains is truly breathtaking. The enormous shady trees, the palm fringed savannahs, the high wildlife and birdlife concentrations out front characterise the camp as does the elevated views across the flood plain that forms an extension of Zibadianja Lagoon's southern shores.

This breathtaking camp has four large and luxuriously appointed double or twin “marquis style” canvas tents that accommodate a maximum of 8 guests. It is the perfect camp for small groups who are looking for privacy combined with superb accommodation and great wildlife viewing (often directly from ones bed!). Each of the spacious tented rooms is expansive and is close on 100 square meters in size (or around 1000 square feet). Each one of the tents tent is positioned along the edge of the forests to take advantage of the spectacular view over the floodplains and savannas, while offering cool shade. Each tent comprises a spacious bedroom, an en-suite bathroom with copper bath & shower (as well as an additional outdoor shower for those who prefer the outdoors). The adjoining, comfortable lounge with its private pool rounds off our guest accommodation. A large shady veranda is standard as are overhead fans, flowing and seductive mosquito nets, and a beautiful handcrafted copper fireplace, strategically placed between the bathroom and bedroom for the winter months. The furniture has been designed and handcrafted by Don Young and his team specifically for Zarafa and is made from recycled ancient hardwoods.

Attractions

There is no set routine at Zarafa. We are small enough to be flexible. However, from experience, we recommend that wildlife activities are conducted when the wildlife is most active. Generally we explore the reserve in the early morning, late afternoon and at night. The midday siesta time can be spent at one of our waterholes in an elevated hide. However, Zarafa Camp is located in the heart of a brilliant wildlife area and often the best wildlife viewing at midday could be from your room! Wildlife and nature drives are the primary activity and are conducted in our open, 4x4 Toyota Landcruisers specifically adapted for our conditions. Walking is also encouraged and can either be a short walk from camp or as a full morning’s activity. Walks are led by licensed guides who are firearm experienced. A private vehicle and guide service is available, but this must be booked in advance to guarantee the service. Private vehicles and guides are on a first-come-first-served basis and are at extra cost.

Drives usually start at dawn and take a small break for brunch and possibly a siesta in the heat of the day unless there is something extraordinary happening in the bush. In the afternoon we like to get out as it cools and to make best use of the "softening" light.

As this is a private concession we are not restricted by park rules, so walks and night drives can be arranged.

Elephant are common around Zarafa Camp, with densities during the dry season on a par with those of the Chobe National Park. At the peak of our dry winter months, we have counted around 9000 elephants in The Selinda Reserve.

The lions that hunt hippos (the "surfing lions") are part of what has made this region famous. Their skill at hunting these huge animals is legendary. There is also the chance for the "spotted predators". The open plains are ideal habitat for cheetah while leopard viewing is rewarding when they are encountered.

Other common species include: buffalo (that sometimes congregate in huge herds numbering many thousand), giraffe, zebra, wildebeest, hippo, hyena, a variety of antelope including red lechwe, and the chance to spot a number of nocturnal species on our night drives.

Facilities

Intimacy

Instead of one communal pool, each guest tent at Zarafa has its own private plunge pool looking onto the plains of Selinda.

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