Zarafa is the most exclusive camp we sell. It sits on an island in the Zibadianja Lagoon in the east of the Selinda Reserve, and it was designed by the film-makers and conservationists Dereck and Beverly Joubert as the camp they themselves would want to stay in. Four tented suites, and a separate private villa. It is Botswana's first and only Relais and Chateaux property.
We will not pretend about the price. It is enormous. What you get for it is wildlife viewing that is genuinely among the best in the country, and a level of detail that is hard to find anywhere. This is good cheetah country, wild dog turn up regularly, there is a resident lion pride, and the nocturnal list runs to aardwolf, civet and honey badger. In the dry season, particularly July to October, the elephant and buffalo numbers in Selinda are extraordinary.
The suites are vast and reached by wooden walkways, each on a raised deck under ebony and ivory trees looking over the lagoon. A curtain separates the bedroom from a large lounge with hand-carved furniture, a leather sofa and brass lamps. Ceiling fans plus discreet air conditioning keep it cool. The bathroom has a deep copper bath, a shower and twin basins. The covered veranda runs the full length of the tent with a viewing scope, though the animals often come close enough that you will not need it, and leads to a further deck with an outdoor shower and a plunge pool.
The main area is under a draped tented ceiling with solid wooden floors, chunky furniture, woven rugs and leather sofas, which gives it the feel of a good club. It opens onto a large deck where meals are served, including lamp-lit dinners, with a firepit for sundowners and day beds on the other side for watching elephant at the lagoon.
The Dhow Suites is the private villa, entirely separate from the camp, sleeping four adults in 1920s-influenced style with its own cook and staff, a pool and a huge veranda.
One detail worth knowing: a professional Canon camera and lenses are provided for your stay. If you have ever wanted to try proper wildlife photography without buying the kit, this is the place.
Four immense suites, each with a bedroom, a lounge with writing desk and an en suite with copper bathtub, shower, twin basins and flush toilet. Mosquito nets, an open fire, air conditioning and ceiling fans, solar electricity, an outdoor rain shower, a veranda, sun deck and plunge pool. Yoga mat and weights, plus a supply of drinking water, tea, coffee and spirits.
A completely separate private villa for four adults, 1920s in influence, with two very large suites, a pool, a huge veranda and its own cook and staff.
Tell us what you are after and we will tell you honestly whether it is the right fit, and what else is worth considering.
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