 Zarafa Camp re-opened in June 2008 with a beautiful design and spectacular new location in the eastern sector of the Selinda Reserve. As an immediate recipient of accolades from numerous sources, Zarafa Camp is a true gem. Recent rave reviews and high praise include:
Zarafa Camp is blessed with an extraordinary location. The camp, positioned under the shady canopy of jackalberry and red ivory trees, overlooks the patchwork of savannas and floodplains of Zibadianja Lagoon's southern shores. These uninterrupted views are breathtaking and provide regular sightings of the Reserve's prolific wildlife. Zarafa Camp originally re-opened as Zibadianja Camp, inheriting its name from the previous camp of the same name. However, it was a challenge to pronounce, and it was agreed that as of January 1, 2009, the camp would be renamed Zarafa Camp. The site is 2km southeast of the original Zibadianja Camp. Zarafa means "the beloved one" or "the lovely one" in Arabic. The name comes from a giraffe, which was presented to Charles X of France in 1826 by the Viceroy of Egypt. The giraffe was a sensation to all who saw her, and provided inspiration. The new Zarafa Camp lives up to the name, inspiring even the well-traveled, and renewing the spirit of all who visit.  The Zarafa Safari Experience At Zarafa the intimacy of the camp's size allows for an extremely private all round experience hosted by Stuart, Tessa and Rose, while you are guided by Dukes and Steven. Drives usually start at dawn and take a small break for brunch and possibly a siesta in the heat of the day unless there is something extraordinary happening in the bush. In the afternoon we like to get out as it cools and to make best use of the "softening" light. As this is a private concession we are not restricted by park rules, so walks and night drives can be arranged. Wildlife in this area varies slightly from that at Selinda in that this camp is very close to the lagoon and the source of the Savute Channel. The view from camp is breathtaking and at the lagoon itself huge schools of hippo gather and crocodiles slide into the water as you approach scaring off water birds in great variety and abundance. While you are tucked into your bed at night, you will be lulled to sleep by the sounds of the lagoon's hippos. Elephant are common around Zarafa Camp, with densities during the dry season on a par with those of the Chobe National Park. At the peak of our dry winter months, we have counted around 9000 elephants in The Selinda Reserve.  The lions that hunt hippos (the "surfing lions") are part of what has made this region famous. Their skill at hunting these huge animals is legendary. There is also the chance for the "spotted predators". The open plains are ideal habitat for cheetah while leopard viewing is rewarding when they are encountered. One of Africa's most endangered predators, the Wild Dog, is usually resident and the Selinda pack frequently dens in close proximity to our camps. Other common species include: buffalo (that sometimes congregate in huge herds numbering many thousand), giraffe, zebra, wildebeest, hippo, hyena, a variety of antelope including red lechwe, and the chance to spot a number of nocturnal species on our night drives. All photos courtesy of Great Plains Conservation |
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