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Zarafa Camp

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Zarafa Camp
Botswana
18° 19' 48" N, 23° 18' 0" E
Zarafa Camp
Selinda Reserve
Botswana
18° 19' 48" S, 23° 18' 0" E
General description: 
  Zarafa Camp (formerly called Zibalianja and then Zibadianja) was completely rebuilt and relocated in 2008. An exclusive lodge with the focus on individual hospitality and privacy; whilst also placing strong emphasis on minimizing its environmental footprint; Zarafa Camp boasts spectacular accommodations and wildlife sightings.  
Facilities: 
  Zarafa has a large main area with adjacent library under canvas. A small boutique curio shop stocks locally made goods and quality African artifacts. There is also a library with a computer for viewing or downloading digital images. The main area is furnished in the same 'marquis style' as the tents and evokes the traditional safari ambiance of the turn of the last century. Lounge and dining facilities may be enjoyed under canvas or on the full-length deck shaded by giant trees - overlooking the expansive view and the wildlife that passes by. Zarafa prides itself on being the greenest luxury camp or lodge anywhere. Only recycled hardwoods and canvas were used in the construction and all the camps electricity comes from its solar farm and a system of batteries and inverters. National Geographic Adventure magazine - November 2008 edition has honoured Zibadianja as one of the world's top 50 eco-lodges All electricity is solar-powered and water is solar- and/or gas-heated depending on weather.  
Accommodation: 
  There are only four large (100m² / 1000 square foot) marquee style, canvas tents at Zarafa. Each tent is positioned along the edge of the forest 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 and shower. There is an additional outdoor shower for those who prefer the outdoors. The adjoining, comfortable lounge boasts furniture that has been designed and handcrafted specifically for Zarafa and is made from recycled ancient hardwoods. The tents are built on recycled 100 year old teak decks raised off the ground, with each tent having its own private pool overlooking the lagoon with exceptional bird and game viewing opportunities.  A large shady veranda is standard as are overhead fans, mosquito nets, and a beautiful handcrafted copper fireplace, strategically placed between the bathroom and bedroom for the winter months. A group of six guests can book the entire camp for their exclusive use at no extra charge. The camp's remaining tent gets blocked off to allow that group full exclusivity.  
Game viewing and activities: 
  Activities at Zarafa are flexible to suit guests' particular interests and include morning, afternoon and night game drives with experienced professional guides in custom-built 4x4 Toyota Land Cruisers. Short guided nature walks from camp are encouraged, to introduce guests to some of Africa's less prominent wildlife. Siesta time can also be spent in the sunken hide at the waterhole's edge. Zarafa Camp is very close to the lagoon and the source of the Savute Channel. The view from camp is breathtaking and the lagoon is home to huge schools of hippo and crocodiles. Water birds are found in great variety and abundance. Abundant plains game can be found here including lechwe, kudu, buffalo, zebra and giraffe. It is also a predator-rich reserve including cheetah, wild dog, lion, and leopard. The massive herds of elephant are another highlight while a wide variety of birds - some 300 or more - can be seen.  
Children Policy: 
Children over the age of 12 years are welcome at Zarafa Camp but children under 12 years are accepted if the party takes the whole camp.
Why we like it: 
  Luxury tented camp with spectacular views over the floodplains and waterways. Zarafa Camp offers a intimate personal experience Activities are flexible and can be tailor-made to guest’s requirements With only 32 guests, the Selinda Reserve offers a peaceful and private wildlife experience Abundant wildlife seen on game activities  
Botswana
18° 19' 48" N, 23° 18' 0" E
Tour Operator: 
Wilderness Safaris