Zarafa Dhow Suite Camp

Overview

Here exclusivity takes on a new meaning, bonding with friend and family on an illustrious safari filed with excitement and discovery…

The Zarafa Dhow Suite is undoubtedly one of our most beautiful Great Plains Conservation Réserve Collection safari camps in Botswana. Zarafa means “the beloved one” or “the lovely one” in Arabic. The name comes from a giraffe presented to Charles X of France in 1826 by the Viceroy of Egypt. The giraffe was transported from Africa to France in a traditional Dhow.

Today the Zarafa Dhow Suite is a stunning two-bedroom tented suite located on the private 130,000-hectare (320,000-acre) Selinda Reserve of northern Botswana. The 210 square meters (2,260 square foot) suite is on raised decking under flowing canvas. Entering through the wooden Lamu door, exclusivity takes on new meaning.

Within walking distance of Zarafa Camp, the Zarafa Dhow Suite overlooks the Zibadianja Lagoon. Central to the Zarafa Dhow Suite is an expansive indoor lounge and dining area fitted with a dining table, leather couch and chairs.

Two large suites, each with an open layout indoor shower and copper claw-foot bath, lead off either side of this central area. Outdoor decking of recycled railway sleeper hardwood extends around the sides and front of the private safari camp. On the main deck, guests enjoy an outdoor seating area, exercise bike (available on request), firepit area and a private swimming pool. There are expansive views of pristine Botswana wilderness and the lagoon stretching out toward the horizon. The services of a private butler, chef, game drive safari vehicle and guide are included in the nightly tariff.

The Zarafa Dhow Suite maintains the perfect balance between luxury, romance, and adventure with all its careful appointments. The camp also has no equal in terms of its environmental credentials, with only recycled hardwoods and canvas used in its construction, a gas fireplace in each suite and the entire camp’s electricity generated from solar power.

At the crossroads of northern Botswana’s most prolific wildlife areas, the private Selinda Reserve is home to iconic African species such as leopard, lion, cheetah, elephant, buffalo, red lechwe, zebra, and giraffe. It is also a refuge for some of the more uncommon species such as African wild dog, roan and sable. It is an exciting area, and guests are in the heart of this wilderness wonderland.

Zarafa Dhow Suite, and Zarafa Camp, are Botswana’s first Relais & Châteaux properties. Today, our Selinda Camp and Selinda Suite, Duba Plains Camp and Duba Plains Suite have also joined the prestigious ranks of proud Relais & Châteaux members.