BOTSWANA - Zarafa, Selinda Reserve, Northern Botswana
The Selinda Reserve is a private 135,000 hectare wildlife area which follows the floodplains of the Selinda Spillway. The Selinda Spillway is a waterway that winds its way through dry landscapes to connect the Okavango Delta in the west to the Linyanti and Kwando wetlands and rivers in the east. The full length of the Selinda Spillway meanders through the Selinda Reserve and draws a wonderful variety of wildlife to the area.
Ecologically similar to the Linyanti Reserve, Selinda's floodplains cover a greater area. Similar to the Linyanti, in the dry winter months enormous herds of elephant remain close to the permanent water of the Zibadianja Lagoon (the Savute Channel's origin) and the Linyanti waters.
Because Botswana is so flat, the water can flow in one of two directions, or as happens in some years, it can flow in both directions! Waters from the Okavango Delta pour into the Selinda Spillway and flow from west to east. In the extreme east of the Selinda, waters from the Kwando and Linyanti rivers and floodplains force their way up the Selinda Spillway from east to west.
Zarafa has received accolades internationally:
- Top 50 Eco-Lodges of the World - National Geographic Adventure (November 2008)
- Top 101 Lodges & Hotels of the World – Tatler (November 2008)
ACCOMMODATION:
Zarafa Camp has only four large and luxuriously appointed double 'marquis style' tented rooms – hosting a maximum of eight guests in camp at any time.
The emphasis is on personalized service and on an exclusive experience. This camp is also ideal for a family or small group or anyone who values privacy.
Each tented room is built under shady trees with a large deck, en-suite bathroom with beautiful copper bath and indoor shower. Off the bathroom, a raised walkway leads to the outdoor shower. A private verandah runs the length of the front of the tent, with a private plunge pool – all with sweeping views of the Zibadianja Lagoon.
Zarafa is probably still the only luxury wildlife camp in the world powered entirely by solar energy. The solar farm and invertor system are devoid of any noise pollution and disturbance to the peace of the surroundings and wildlife, while still providing the camp with all comforts. Every effort has been made to minimize the camp's carbon and emissions footprint.
ACTIVITIES AND WILDLIFE:
Game drives are usually richly rewarding, with high concentrations of antelope, zebra, giraffe, blue wildebeest, and buffalo. Predator viewing includes lion, leopard, wild dog and cheetah. The massive herds of elephant are a highlight while a wide variety of birds - some 300 or more - can also be seen.
Walking with a licensed, armed guide is a true African adventure. The afternoon, sunset and evening times are perfect for game drives, as the heat resides, the colours soften and the nocturnal wildlife, large and small, emerge and become active.
The Zarafa lagoon is home to schools of hippo. Elephant are very common around Zarafa Camp, with densities during the dry season on a par with those of the Chobe National Park – the highest in Africa. The lions that hunt hippos are part of what has made this Selinda region famous.
One of Africa's most endangered predators, the Wild Dog, is usually resident and the Selinda pack frequently dens near camp.
BACKGROUND:
Zarafa Camp is the sister camp to Selinda Camp – the difference being that Zarafa is smaller and more luxurious and therefore priced accordingly.
Zarafa means "the beloved one" or "the lovely one" in Arabic. The name comes from a giraffe which was given to Charles X of France in 1826 by the Viceroy of Egypt. She was a sensation and survived an unusual journey by sea to France.
Dereck & Beverly Joubert are co-owners of Zarafa. This famous couple are extraordinarily dedicated to wildlife and conservation worldwide, but have spent much of their time filming in the Selinda Spillway area. Some of their award-winning films are 'Ultimate Enemies', 'Relentless Enemies' and 'Eye of the Leopard' - all filmed here.