Set on the Zibadianja Lagoon, the source of northern Botswana's Savute Channel, and overlooking the open plains of the enormous Linyanti Selinda Concession, Zarafa (“the beloved one”) Camp was established in 2008 by award-winning wildlife film-makers Derek and Beverly Joubert. You can only reach this remote camp by air, but it's worth the trip, and every cent, for its five-star comforts, intimate accommodation, excellent service and guiding, glowing eco-credentials and the sheer number of animals that roam free and unrestrained in the landscape. The extravagant sunsets must be mentioned – they are a photographer's dream!
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This intimate camp has just four luxurious tented suites, each beautifully furnished with a nod to colonial chic – leather couches, wooden floors and glorious copper bathtubs and indoor and outdoor showers. There's a central fireplace for cold nights, a private plunge pool for steaming afternoons, a king-sized bed and your own exercise equipment. Soak up the views – the tents overlook the waterway so the wildlife is at your doorstep, and darkness reveals the breathtakingly dramatic African night sky.
Zarafa Camp is owned by Great Plains which is dedicated to creating lasting, sustainable conservation solutions for the world's iconic wildlife and wilderness areas. Through their model of compassionate protection and intelligent management, funded by low-impact tourism, they integrate communities, governments, and the private sector. Embracing the concept of 'Conservation Tourism', they prioritise environmentally sound practices while ensuring benefits directly support conservation efforts without a negative impact on the land or wildlife. A contribution of $95 per guest, which is included in the nightly rate, goes towards the above goals.
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12 nights from $9.4K per person
12 nights from $9.1K per person
14 nights from $10.1K per person
13 nights from $9.3K per person
11 nights from $7.2K per person
Zarafa Camp can be booked with Timbuktu as part of a tailor-made Botswana trip, rather than as a standalone room reservation. Start online, customising one of our recommended Botswana trips featuring Zarafa Camp or get advice and suggestions from one of our Botswana specialists who will design the trip around your dates, check availability and handle every booking for you.
Stays at Zarafa Camp start from around $2.3K, or US$2.3K, per person per night as part of a tailor-made trip. The exact price depends on your travel dates, room type and the shape of the rest of your itinerary. A Timbuktu travel specialist can give you an accurate quote for your dates.
If you like your big cats alongside a dose of epic scenery, Linyanti is the place to be.
