A photographer’s heaven

Everyday around teatime, chef Pierre presents tonight’s menu to you: fresh vegetables, innovative dishes, healthy and sophisticated – one of the many highlights of Zarafa Camp. Zarafa is Arabic for ‘loved one’, a name they gave to the first giraffe they discovered in 1826. Although Zarafa Camp carried a different name, when they opened in 2008, it quickly became the ‘beloved one’ of everybody, hence the new name. Synonymous with exclusivity and perfection, Zarafa Camp is positioned in the extreme eastern side of the 130,000-hectare Selinda Reserve in northern Botswana. A unique spot: Zarafa Camp sits on an island in the floodplains of the southern shores of the Zibadianja-Lagoon, the source of the Savute Channel. There is a great abundance of water, assuring a constant flow of hippos, elephants and other wildlife seeking refreshment. Even at night, the hippos will let you know they are around. In the camp, everything breathes craftsmanship; the food, the excellent guides, the design in the furniture. And all this comes with a great sense of appreciation for the beauty of the Okavango Delta. Owners and National Geographic photographers Dereck and Beverly Joubert created a complete eco-friendly camp where photographers can bloom. Grab your complimentary Canon camera and do not miss a single frame.

An exclusive place comes with great accommodations. Each of the camp’s four immense marquis-style private tented suites are raised up on wooden decking on the forest’s edge and are shaded by a canopy of African ebony and Red ivory trees. The tents consist of three rooms (bedroom, lounge and bathroom) and are decorated in custom-made furniture. Feel a traditional safari ambience, with vintage items such as leather sofas, armchairs and a classic bathtub. And how about warming up weary bodies after an exciting Okavango Delta safari in a soothing bath next to a crackling fire? Each tent includes a personal fireplace to take the edge off those chilly mornings and evenings. Besides that, you will find mosquito nets, overhead fans, in- and outdoor shower, personal bar, private verandah, plunge pool and outdoor deck offering sweeping views over the Zibadianja-Lagoon. Zarafa’s main lounge, dining area and bar is also under canvas with an emphasis on bringing the outside in. Chef Pierre serves his excellent food on the full-length deck. A small boutique shop offers local products to take home for gift sharing. An open-air “jungle gym” is available for those seeking some physical action (with fresh African air in your lungs, working-out never felt this good). Afterwards, reward yourself with an in-room massage (additional charge).

Activities in Okavango Delta at Zarafa Camp

Camera ready? Action! Photographers are among us. At Zarafa camp it isn’t hard to get beautiful wildlife in focus. The guides will coach you during the process, and each tent comes with its own Canon camera including a Canon 40D body and 35-135 mm and 100-400mm zoom lenses for use during your stay. Even better: at the end of your stay, your photo memories will be stored on a an USB drive as a souvenir to take home. And you will have plenty of time to practise with your gear: Zarafa Camp offers ultimate privacy and flexibility when it comes to activity options. If the crisp morning air isn’t shooed away by the sizzling heat of the sun, you venture out in the morning in a specially adapted, photography vehicle. And then, in the afternoon, when the dusty heat of the day is gone and the sky turns pink, it is time for a night drive (with spotlight). To see eye-to-eye with wildlife, short walks from the camp are offered, too. Bird watching is excellent everywhere: from your private deck (with the complimentary Swarovski HD binoculars), during a walk, game drive or during sundowners on the pontoon boat (don’t miss out on that one!). This Okavango Delta reserve offers great bio-diversity; it is worth capturing in eternity.

Tripadvisor comments Zarafa Camp

This one is hard! How can you improve on perfect. Your wish is their command and they make you feel like you are a visitor in their lovely home. Our guide Lets, is a professional photographer and taught us so much. We always had the perfect shot. Four nights was not enough! I could have stayed there 4 weeks and never tired of the wonderful hospitality. I have not even spoken about the reason we were there. The game! We saw over 150 elephants in one place - so much to see in such a wonderful intimate setting.

debra s from Dallas, Texas

Zarafa is exquisite. Excellent and very knowledgeable guides and TONS of wildlife. The rooms are massive and very comfortable. The "surround sound" outdoor showers spray from all angles - and if you're lucky you can shower while watching an elephant or buffalo play around in the water in front of camp. The staff is beyond accommodating. They don't say no to anything - they will make anything happy to make your stay as enjoyable as possible. If you have the opportunity to go, GO!

Colby B