Zarafa Dhow Suites
BotswanaThe Zarafa Dhow Suites rises seamlessly from the shores of the Zibadianja Lagoon in the Selinda Game Reserve. Here, Great Plains Conservation has created the pinnacle of private luxury safari. Sleeping just four adults in superb exclusivity, Zarafa Dhow Suites are the new level in genuine eco-tourism without any sacrifice to indulgence. The Selinda reserve is a secluded and prolific private wilderness that links the world-renowned Okavanga Delta and the Linyanti swamps and supports an astonishing array of iconic African wildlife.
Luxury under Canvas
Relais & Chateaux
Supreme Service
Seclusion for family and friends
Zarafa Dhow Suites sleeps just four adults (with the option for an extra child) in understated opulence. The two magnificent en-suite double rooms are appointed with huge fireplaces for the chilly winter nights. The fireplace separates the gorgeous “Out of Africa” bedroom from the understated but spectacular bathroom – the highlight of which is a generous copper bath with panoramic views of the Zibidianja Lagoon. Likewise, the outside shower looks out over the birds and mammals that frequent the shallows on the shores of the lagoon.
The rooms are separated by a spacious dining area and lounge – replete with sumptuous chesterfield sofa, ornate Zanzibari doors and Persian carpets. You will eat either in the dining room – especially on chilly nights – or more frequently out on the multilevel deck where a large private pool offers you exquisite respite from the midday heat while you sip a gin and tonic and look out over the wonders of the lagoon and the Selinda Game Reserve beyond.
Exploring the wilderness
As the dawn breaks over the 320 000 unfenced acres of the Selinda Game Reserve, you will have a quick cup of piping hot coffee before heading out to explore and discover the wonders of this exceptional wilderness. You might find a pride of lions – unusually large because of their propensity to eat hippo – settling down in the shade for the day, a huge male delivering his last roar with the rising sun. As the heat builds, herds of elephant will make their way to the edge of the lagoon. The calves and the more playful adults will roll joyfully in mud while egrets dart in and out to collect disturbed insects and fish eagles watch regally from a distance.
In the midday, from the comfort of your deck, you might see a huge herd of buffalo make their way to the lagoon shores to drink before meandering off in search of peaceful shade. You could also immerse yourself in the wild on foot while examining the smaller creatures of Selinda – the insects, birds, tortoises – or even an elephant bull resting in the shade.
In the evening, you might cruise the waters of the lagoon looking out for pods of hippo grunting in the soft dusk light while you sip on a sundowner, the sounds of the Botswana night building all around you. On your way back to a delicious Zarafa dinner, you might spot a leopard – totally unfazed by your presence – marking his territory as he slinks into the night.
Travelling to Zarafa
Maun – situated right on the edge of the Okavango wetlands – is the launch pad for Zarafa. There are daily flights into Maun from Johannesburg, Kasane (Chobe) and Windhoek. From Maun you will experience a panoramic flight on a small plane directly into the Selinda Game Reserve where it is a short and scenic drive to the camp in an open game viewing vehicle. Iconic Africa will arrange all your transport arrangements to and from Zarafa.
