Safari Information
SUGGESTED ITINERARY OVERVIEW
Zarafa Camp: Selinda Reserve, Botswana 2 FB Luxury Suite
Duba Plains Camp: Okavango Delta, Botswana 2 FB Luxury Suite
DAYS 1-3: ZARAFA CAMP, SELINDA RESERVE
THE SELINDA RESERVE
The Selinda Reserve is a 130,000-hectare private concession in northern Botswana at the crossroads
of some of northern Botswana’s most prolific wildlife areas; upstream from Savute Channel and Chobe
National Park and north of the expanding reaches of the greater Okavango Delta. This unique position
gives it the advantages of both of these famous areas but with the tremendous advantage of exclusivity.
It is a truly spectacular and varied landscape that boasts staggering wildlife populations in diverse
habitats year-round.
Home to some of the classic species, such as leopard, lion, elephant, buffalo, red lechwe, zebra and
giraffe, it is also a refuge for some of the more uncommon species such as African wild dog, cheetah,
roan and sable antelopes. And for birders, it will not disappoint. The African skimmer colony is a
highlight, as are the antics of the black egret on the shores of Zibadianja Lagoon. From camp,
hippos are visible in the lagoon and elephant wander through regularly.
ZARAFA CAMP
2 nights at Zarafa Camp in a luxury suite on a full board basis.
Zarafa Camp is an intimate, four room exquisite tented camp located on the Selinda Reserve in
northern Botswana, an area linking the Okavango Delta and the Chobe/Savute corridors.
Its villa, the Dhow Suites, consist of two suites and private main area and operates entirely
independently of main camp. Few camps rival the location of this little gem, which, together with
Duba Plains Camp and Selinda Camp, is one of only three Relais & Châteaux properties in Botswana.
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 Dhow Suites 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. As a consequence, Zarafa may in fact be the “greenest” luxury safari
camp on the continent. Only recycled hardwoods and canvas were used in the construction and all
the camp’s electricity comes from its solar farm while a ‘bio-gas’ system recycles vegetable waste into
usable cooking gas.
The Zarafa Camp guest suites, 1000 sq. ft in size are 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. Each suite has
a full lounge and a gas fireplace. The large bedroom is connected to an open layout bathroom with
impressive copper claw foot bath, indoor shower, separate loo and double basins.
Decking around the suite leads to the private plunge pool and outdoor shower, all with views of pristine
Botswana wilderness. Under an impressive canopy of African ebony trees, the camp has a sizable main
lounge, with adjacent library and dining area. Zarafa has succeeded in successfully in retaining a clearly
African feel, while balancing that delicate relationship between personal and informal and romance and
adventure. With a maximum of just eight guests, Zarafa Camp offers complete flexibility. While drives
do focus on the most comfortable and productive times of day, early morning and late afternoon,
full day drives, walks and boating (water level dependent) are great ways to fill the day at Zarafa.
DAYS 3–5: DUBA PLAINS CAMP, THE OKAVANGO DELTA
THE OKAVANGO DELTA
The placid waters and lush indigenous forests offer a safe haven for innumerable bird and wildlife
species. The renowned Duba Plains Camp sits in the heart of classic Okavango Delta habitat. A matrix
of palmdotted islands, flood plains and woodland, the 77,000 hectare private concession typifies the
region’s unique landscape. 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 wildlife experiences with reliable sightings of lion, buffalo,
red lechwe, blue wildebeest, greater kudu and tsessebe. Elephant and hippo trudge through the
swamps and leopard, and some nocturnal species, can be sighted as well. Birds abound, and the area
is a birdwatcher’s paradise. Okavango ‘specials’ include the rare wattled crane, Pel’s Fishing owl, whitebacked nigh theron and marsh owl. Great Plains Conservation is the only operator on the concession, offering guests the ultimate opportunity for private wildlife sightings.
DUBA PLAINS CAMP
2 nights at Duba Plains Camp in a luxury suite on a full board basis
Duba Plains Camp is a Relais & Châteaux member, and a wildlife connoisseur’s getaway to the
Okavango Delta. Built on a wooded island, connected to the prolific wildlife area by an elaborate
set of bridges, the camp is the base of many famous wildlife documentaries by National Geographic
filmmakers Dereck and Beverly Joubert.
The intimate camp consists of five traditional-style suites and the 2 bedroom Duba Plains Suite.
All sit on raised decking, each with views of the surrounding floodplain and the steady stream of
wildlifeparading past. Each suite has a lounge area, a private verandah, beautifully appointed en-suite
facilities consisting of flush loo, double basins and indoor and outdoor showers and luxurious baths.
Guests will be able to enjoy their own private plunge pool and outdoor under cover sala/day rest area.
The main area consists of a large raised dining room, and a comfortable lounge with private dining
areas, wine cellar, library, and chef’s kitchen with ample space for guests to either find a privacy or
come together.
The camp’s centre-point is the gathering place of all bush experiences, the fire place on an extended
deck into the swamp. Duba Plain’s Toyota Land Cruisers uniquely designed to traverse the floodplains.
Duba Plains offers Botswana’s best land safari as well as an Okavango Delta experience, from wildlife
viewing and birding or fishing from the boat, to walking and exciting drives with knowledgeable guides
and friendly hosts.
EXTENDING YOUR STAY WITH US
They have a variety of authentic camps and mobile experiences in Botswana and
Zimbabwe. We would be happy to facilitate and plan any extended stay you might require in Southern
and East Africa.
BOTSWANA
Duba Plains Camp | Duba Plains Suite | Duba Explorers Camp | Zarafa Camp | Zarafa Dhow Suite |
Selinda Camp | Selinda Suite | Selinda Explorers Camp | Selinda Pioneers Camp | Xigera Safari Lodge
KENYA
ol Donyo Lodge | Mara Plains Camp | Mara Plains Jahazi Suite | Mara Expedition Camp |
Mara Nyika Camp | Mara Toto Camp
ZIMBABWE
Tembo Plains Camp | Tembo Plains Suite | Mpala Jena Camp
We look forward to confirming the rates for this travel experience for you based on your personal travel
requirements. These may include your party size, special and unique travel requirements, dates of
travel, or any ruling special offers and the like that we can apply for you.
Please feel free to reach out to our Safari Designers and our team can discuss how your travels can be
expertly curated, specifically for you.