Zarafa Camp
Linyanti and Selinda

For the ultimate in glamping, Zarafa camp is an all-time winner. Overlooking the crystal waters of Zibadianja Lagoon, the source of the famous Savute Channel, every area of this fabulous camp has a gob smacking view. The lagoon is also the water source for a tremendous population of wildlife – dry season sightings boast buffalo and elephant by the hundreds. Zarafa Camp and Dhow Suites are the brainchild of the founders of Great Plains Conservation, who pooled their collective experience on safari to create what they deemed to be the best and most environmentally innovative camp on the planet. For the colder months, the copper fireplaces in the rooms are lit using gas from food waste.

Zarafa has succeeded in successfully in retaining a clearly African feel, while balancing that delicate relationship between personal and informal, romance and adventure. Rustic and fun are what describe this camp; termite mounds are turned into pizza ovens and each tent comes with its own Canon professional camera including a Canon 5D body and 35-135 mm and 100-400mm zoom lenses for use during a stay. Photos are then burned to a DVD as a souvenir at the end of your stay.

Each of the 3 tented suites are positioned on the forest’s edge and are an impressive 1000 square foot of sheer safari heaven! The rooms are decorated with custom-made furniture handcrafted from recycled ancient hardwoods. The raised decks, constructed of recycled African railroad sleepers, form the tent’s foundation. The private verandah, running the length of the front of the tent, offers a private plunge pool, outdoor lounge and sweeping views of Zibadianja Lagoons. In addition to the 3 suites, there is a ‘safari villa’, the Dhow Suites, which consist of two tents and private main area and operates entirely independently of main camp. For all guests, meals are generally table d’hôte and include a light breakfast at dawn, a hearty brunch on return from the morning activity, afternoon tea and snacks before the afternoon activity, rounded off with a sumptuous dinner in the evening. There is also a small boutique shop and fully equipped ‘jungle’ gym. In-room massage is also an option at additional cost.

Safari activities include walking, game drives and boating, or for something a little different, why not try the marvellous HES Zib, Zarafa’s special pontoon boat which is as romantic as it is unique.

One’s destination is never a place, but a new way of seeing things.
Henry Miller