Zarafa Camp is an intimate, four room exquisite tented suite camp located on the130,000-hectare Selinda Reserve in northern Botswana, an area linking the Okavango Delta and the Chobe/Savute corridors. Its villa, the Dhow Suite at Zarafa, consist of two tented suites and private main area and operates entirely independently of main camp. Few camps rival the location of this little gem, Botswana’s first and only Relais & Chateaux property. Overlooking the crystal waters Zibadianja Lagoon, the source of the famous Savute Channel, every area of camp has a magnificent 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 The Dhow Suite at Zarafa 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. Zarafa has succeeded in successfully in retaining a clearly African feel, while balancing that delicate relationship between personal and informal and romance and adventure. Zarafa Camp has no equal in terms of its environmental credentials and its careful appointments.
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Video
Rooms
Units
Facilities
Activities and Services
Zarafa Camp - deck overlooking the Zibadianja LagoonCredit: Great Plains ConservationZarafa Camp - deck overlooking the Zibadianja Lagoon
Zarafa Camp - Main areaCredit: Great Plains ConservationAreal view of the main area at Zarafa Camp
Areal view of Zarafa CampCredit: Great Plains ConservationAreal view of Zarafa Camp overlooking the Zibadianja Lagoon
Zarafa Camp - lunch timeCredit: Great Plains ConservationZarafa Camp - lunch time
Zarafa Camp - fire pitCredit: Great Plains ConservationZarafa Camp - fire pit
Elephant in front of Zarafa CampCredit: Great Plains ConservationElephant in front of Zarafa Camp
Zarafa Camp - Solar farmCredit: Great Plains ConservationThe camp is run by an impressive solar farm of 170 panels with generator back-up;
Zarafa Camp - Main area loungeCredit: Great Plains ConservationZarafa Camp - Main area lounge
Zarafa Camp - Main area deckCredit: Great Plains ConservationZarafa Camp - Main area deck
Zarafa Camp overlooking the Zibadianja LagoonCredit: Great Plains ConservationZarafa Camp overlooking the Zibadianja Lagoon
Selinda Reserve LeopardCredit: Great Plains ConservationSelinda Reserve Leopard
Hippo in the Selinda ReserveCredit: Great Plains ConservationHippo in the Selinda Reserve
Wild Dog Near ZarafaCredit: Great Plains ConservationWild Dog Near Zarafa
Selinda Reserve ElephantsCredit: Great Plains ConservationSelinda Reserve Elephants
Zarafa Game DriveCredit: Great Plains ConservationZarafa Game Drive
Lioness on the HuntCredit: Great Plains ConservationLioness on the Hunt
Evenings around the FireCredit: Great Plains ConservationEvenings around the Fire
Zarafa Aerial ViewCredit: Great Plains ConservationZarafa Aerial View
Bounding Through the MarshlandsCredit: Great Plains ConservationBounding Through the Marshlands
Zarafa Camp - deck overlooking the Zibadianja LagoonCredit: Great Plains ConservationZarafa Camp - deck overlooking the Zibadianja Lagoon
Zarafa Camp - Dinner in the wine cellarCredit: Great Plains ConservationZarafa Camp - Dinner in the wine cellar
Zarafa Camp - Dinner in the wine cellarCredit: Great Plains ConservationZarafa Camp - Dinner in the wine cellar
Suites
Zarafa Camp is designed with exclusivity and privacy at its core. Each suite is positioned on the forest's edge, rimming the shores of the floodplains and far from a neighbour. The 305 square metre marquis style' canvas guest suites are expansive and open-air without exposing guests to the elements. Each of the three spaces of the suite is decorated with custom-made furniture, handcrafted from recycled ancient hardwoods. The raised decks, constructed of recycled African railroad sleepers, form the tent's foundation.
Upon entry is a large lounge appointed with a leather sofa, armchairs, personal bar and writing desk. Adjoining the lounge is the main bedroom and dressing area. Exiting the bedroom, a beautiful copper gas fireplace is strategically placed between the bathroom and the bedroom to allay the chill of the winter months. The main bathroom is comprised of a copper bath and shower, double sinks and private toilet. Off the bathroom, the raised walkway leads to the outdoor shower, complete with wrap around showerheads! The private verandah, running the length of the front of the suite, offers a private plunge pool, outdoor lounge and sweeping view of Zibadianja Lagoon's waters.
Each tent comes with its own professional camera body and zoom lenses for use during a stay. Photos are then downloaded as a souvenir at the end of your stay.
The Dhow Suite at Zarafa
The Dhow Suite at Zarafa, an immense 210 square metres (2,260 sq ft) in extent, is under beige, flowing canvas, with canopy ceilings and completely open (yet netted) sides. Entering through the heavy wood Lamu door transports guests to a lavish space of deep reds, browns, brass and copper, evoking richness and beauty. Central to The Dhow Suites are a full lounge and dining area fitted dining table, coffee table with cappuccino machine and a full-length leather couch and chairs. Two large bedrooms are connected to either side of the main area designed with an open layout bathroom with impressive copper claw foot bath, indoor shower, separate loo and double basins and even an open fire, with copper flue, to heat the room in winter. A large decking area fronts onto the suites with a 5 x 2.5 metre swimming pool, exercise bike and outdoor showers for each room, all with views of pristine Botswana wilderness. The adjoining main camp has a curio shop for those who need retail therapy and an in-room massage is also available.
Property Facilities
24-hour Security, Bar, Battery Charging Facilities, Communal Dining, Eco Friendly, Gym, Internet Access (Complimentary), Kiddies Club, Laundry Service (Complimentary), Library, Pool, Private Vehicle (Available), Restaurant, Spa
Room Facilities
Balcony / Deck, Bath, Complimentary Wi-Fi, Dressing Gowns, En-Suite, Fan, Fireplace, Hair Dryer, Laundry Service (Complimentary), Lounge Area, Mini Bar (Complimentary), Mosquito Nets, Outside Shower, Plunge Pool, Pure Cotton Linen, Safe, Shower, Tea / Coffee, Verandah
Available Services
Credit Card Facilities
Activities on Site
Big 5, Bird Watching, Boating, Catch-and-release Fishing, Fine Dining, Game Drives, Game Viewing, Game Walks, Helicopter Scenic Flights, Massages, Night Drives, Practice Green, Safaris, Walks (Guided), Wildlife Tours
Activities Nearby
Helicopter Rides
With a maximum of just eight guests, Zarafa Camp offers complete flexibility. Drives do focus on the most comfortable and productive times of day, early morning and late afternoon, but full day drives are also quite common at a guest’s request. Picnic brunch can be delivered, and the vehicles are stocked with cold drinks. The camp has two custom built Land Cruisers specially designed for our conditions and photography (fold-down screens, raised roofs, photographic bars, multi-plug invertors) with seven individual bucket seats.
Another huge benefit of staying within the conservancies is the ability to appreciate the stunning landscape on foot, peacefully, without the noise of engines. We highly recommend this unforgettable experience. Talk to the managers to arrange a good time and location for a walk. Usually early morning or evening is the best time, as the middle of the day is too hot to venture out of the shade. Wear good
walking shoes, a hat, and neutral coloured clothing so as not to alarm the wildlife, and take binoculars. Your guide will have water for you. Walks are led by licensed guides with firearm training.
The HES Zib, Zarafa’s special pontoon boat, is an utterly unique experience. The 275 sq. foot deck is complete with couches, a dining area and bar where guests can comfortably enjoy floating brunch or sundowners while watching hippos and elephants in the water. It is also an exceptional platform for birding.
Each of Zarafa’s guest suites has a professional camera set, including a camera body and lenses. Photos will be downloaded to a DVD on guest’s departure. Each suite comes with a pair of high-quality binoculars for guest use as well. For stargazers, each room comes with its own telescope for use on each suite's private deck.
A full syllabus of bush craft skills for our young explorers. This is a complimentary program that follows in the footsteps of National Geographic Explorers-in-Residence, Dereck and Beverly Joubert. An extensive pack will be provided to eager children on arrival, so they can learn about animal calls, how to track wildlife, and other facts and figures about the wild. At the end of a child’s stay, he/she will become a Young Explorer and Conservation Ambassador - ready to go out and tell the world about what they have learned and what they too can do to help protect this beautiful environment.
Fly-fishing and rod/reel kit is available for those who want to try their cast at the local fish (except January and February when there is a moratorium on fishing).
Explore the lagoon and channels around the area by flat-bottomed power boat.
The Spa at Zarafa is located between suite 4 and the Dhow Suite. The Spa offers guests two treatment
areas and with a range of treatments available. Spa treatments are at an additional cost.
Your Stay
3 Nights
Fully Inclusive - Bed, All Meals, Fees and Activities
Fast Facts
5 Star
Spoken Languages: English
No. Rooms: 4
Special Interests: Adventure, Big 5, Birding, Fishing, Flora, Gourmet, Leisure, Nature, Relaxation, Star Gazing, Wildlife, Wine
The renowned Duba Plains Camp sits in the heart the Okavango Delta on a 33,000-hectare private concession that typifies the region’s unique landscape. Duba Plains Camp has 5 bespoke suites and a 2-bedroom Duba Plains Suite. The camp sits on raised decking, with views of the surrounding floodplain; designed by Dereck Joubert to fit into the landscape and evoke the classic African safari style of the 1920’s. Each suite has a lounge area, a private verandah with private plunge pool and outdoor covered sala. The main area has a raised dining room, comfortable lounge with private dining areas, wine cellar and library. Guests staying at the Duba Plains Suite enjoy a private safari vehicle and guide as well as private butler and chef. Many consider Duba Plains to be the Okavango’s Maasai Mara because of the sheer volume of wildlife. Duba Plains prides itself on its extraordinary and intimate wildlife experiences. This is the place that owners, and National Geographic filmmakers, conservationists and explorers, Dereck and Beverly Joubert chose for their home base. Great Plains Conservation is the only operator on the concession, thereby offering guests the ultimate in exclusivity.
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Video
Rooms
Units
Facilities
Activities and Services
Duba Plains BedroomCredit: Great Plains ConservationDuba Plains Bedroom
Crossing the BridgeCredit: Great Plains ConservationCrossing the Bridge
Duba Plains Main AreaCredit: Great Plains ConservationDuba Plains Main Area
Young Lion at DubaCredit: Great Plains ConservationYoung Lion at Duba
Duba Concession Aerial ViewCredit: Great Plains ConservationDuba Concession Aerial View
Lion Pride at Duba Credit: Great Plains ConservationLion Pride at Duba
Duba Sundowners Credit: Great Plains ConservationDuba Sundowners
Buffalo in the MistCredit: Great Plains ConservationBuffalo in the Mist
Duba Plains Guest Suite InteriorCredit: Great Plains ConservationDuba Plains Guest Suite Interior
Duba Plains Guest Suite BathroomCredit: Great Plains ConservationDuba Plains Guest Suite Bathroom
Duba Plains Guest Suite Brass BathCredit: Great Plains ConservationDuba Plains Guest Suite Brass Bath
Open Chefs KitchenCredit: Great Plains ConservationOpen Chefs Kitchen
Duba Plains Photographic BoatCredit: Great Plains ConservationDuba Plains Photographic Boat
Duba Plains Guest Suite Evening Exterior ViewCredit: Great Plains ConservationDuba Plains Guest Suite Evening Exterior View
Duba Plains DiningCredit: Great Plains ConservationDuba Plains Dining
Duba Plains Main AreaCredit: Great Plains ConservationDuba Plains Main Area
Duba Plains Main DeckCredit: Great Plains ConservationDuba Plains Main Deck
Duba Plains Wine CellarCredit: Great Plains ConservationDuba Plains Wine Cellar
Elephant near Duba PlainsCredit: Great Plains ConservationElephant near Duba Plains
Duba Plains BoatCredit: Great Plains ConservationDuba Plains Boat
Hippo near Duba PlainsCredit: Great Plains ConservationHippo near Duba Plains
Duba Plains Game DriveCredit: Great Plains ConservationDuba Plains Game Drive
Lechwe at Duba PlainsCredit: Great Plains ConservationLechwe at Duba Plains
Eagle over Duba PlainsCredit: Great Plains ConservationEagle over Duba Plains
Duba Plains SunsetCredit: Great Plains ConservationDuba Plains Sunset
Suites
The intimate camp consists of five traditional-style tented suites, all on raised decking, each with views of the surrounding floodplain and the steady stream of wildlife parading past. Each suite has a lounge area, with place to write and do your photographic downloads, as well as the opportunity for private dining in your suite. Each has a private verandah plus beautifully appointed en-suite facilities consisting of flush loo, double basins and indoor and outdoor showers and luxurious baths. Fans and careful design maintain comfortable climate for rest and relaxation. Guests can enjoy their own private plunge pool and outdoor under cover sala/day rest area.
The Duba Plains Suite
The Duba Plains Suite, an exquisite two-bedroom tented villa located on the 33,000-hectare private Duba Plains Reserve, ensures your private Botswana safari. Tucked into the pristine Okavango Delta wildlife habitat with views across floodplains filled with iconic African wildlife species, there is simply no other private Botswana safari experience like this in the Okavango Delta. The perfect partner to the 2-bedroomed Zarafa Dhow Suite or Selinda Suite, the Duba Plains Suite is raised on recycled railway sleeper decking and offers guests fabulous views and a steady stream of wildlife parading past. This 2-bedroomed Suite has a wrap-around private verandah complete with private plunge pools. The heart of the Suite is an indoor lounge and dining area. Each sleeping area offers guests beautifully appointed en-suite facilities, including indoor and outdoor showers and a luxurious bath. Standing fans and a solar-powered air-conditioning system over the guest’s bed area ensure that the tent’s design maintains a comfortable climate.
Property Facilities
Bar, Battery Charging Facilities, Eco Friendly, Kiddies Club, Laundry Service (Complimentary), Library, Private Vehicle (Available), Restaurant
Room Facilities
Air Conditioning, Balcony / Deck, Bath, Complimentary Wi-Fi, Disabled Rooms, Dressing Gowns, Electrical Outlets, En-Suite, Fan, Hair Dryer, Internet Access (Complimentary), Laundry Service (Complimentary), Lounge Area, Mini Bar (Complimentary), Mosquito Nets, Outside Shower, Plunge Pool, Pure Cotton Linen, Safe, Sala, Shower, Tea / Coffee, Verandah
Available Services
Credit Card Facilities
Activities on Site
Big 5, Bird Watching, Boating, Catch-and-release Fishing, Fine Dining, Game Drives, Game Viewing, Game Walks, Helicopter Scenic Flights, Massages, Mokoro Excursion, Night Drives, Practice Green, Safaris, Walks (Guided), Wildlife Tours
Activities Nearby
Helicopter Scenic Flights
Safari drives (day & night) take place in some of Botswana’s best adapted vehicles. Duba Plain’s Toyota Land Cruisers are uniquely designed to traverse the floodplains. These are, of course, open-sided, canopied and customised for photographers (raised roofs, photographic bars, multi-plug inverters). Seating only four to six guests on each vehicle, the Cruisers are fully stocked with drinks and snacks. Each suite has a professional camera and lenses as a package for guests to use or try out. Images are downloaded and presented for them to take away at no additional charge.
While the focus remains on the most comfortable times of day (early to mid-morning and late afternoon to evening) for drives, it is very common in Duba Plains to spend full days out in the field, having brunch delivered to the vehicles because the wildlife is so good and our focus is on finding and spending time with these extraordinary experiences.
Our schedule is flexible and guests are encouraged to create their own itinerary according to their interests. Very often, our safaris will continue into the night in search of nocturnal species. Great Plains guides are also keen trackers and birders and guests are encouraged to experience everything the camp has to offer.
Another huge benefit of staying within the conservancies is the ability to appreciate the stunning landscape on foot, peacefully, without the noise of engines. Usually early morning or evening is the best time, as the middle of the day is too hot to venture out of the shade. Wear good walking shoes, a hat, and neutral coloured clothing so as not to alarm the wildlife, and take binoculars. Your guide will have water for you. Walks are led by licensed guides with firearm training.
Zipping through the Okavango Delta's network of waterways is an invigorating way to get a sense of the scope of this huge wetland. You’ll undoubtedly have wonderful birding and maybe even some hippo, buffalo and elephant sightings. (Boating is a seasonal activity, typically between May and October but varies seasonally).
This is a great activity during mid-day siesta. Make sure you’re with a guide. During January and February there is a moratorium on fishing. Catch-and-release fishing only.
Duba Plains Camp offers a full syllabus of bush craft skills for our young explorers. This is a complimentary program that follows in the footsteps of National Geographic Explorers-in-Residence Dereck and Beverly Joubert. An extensive pack will be provided to eager children on arrival, so they can learn about animal calls, how to track wildlife, and other facts and figures about the wild. At the end of a child’s stay, he/she will become a Young Explorer and Conservation Ambassador - ready to go out and tell the world about what they have learned and what they too can do to help protect this beautiful environment.
Each Duba Plains guest suite comes with a pair of high-quality binoculars for guest use as well as a professional camera set, including a camera body and lenses. Photos will be downloaded to a memory stick on guest’s departure. Photographic tuition through the Great Plains Wild Studio can be arranged for guests (at an additional cost and booked in advance). Tuition can be either on company cameras or own guest’s personal cameras.
Enjoy an aerial viewing experience with great scenery across the northern part of the Okavango Delta. Add a 15-minute champagne stop on palm island en route. Must be booked in advance and is subject to extra cost and availability.
Explore the Okavango Delta's permanent water channels by mokoro (when water levels allow). This is truly a refreshing yet peaceful experience allowing for wildlife and bird viewing from a unique perspective.
Your Stay
3 Nights
Bed and Breakfast
Fast Facts
5 Star
Safari Lodge
Spoken Languages: English
No. Rooms: 5
Special Interests: Big 5, Birding, Fishing, Flora, Gourmet, Indigenous Culture / Art, Leisure, Nature, Relaxation, Star Gazing, Wildlife, Wine