Zarafa Camp is an intimate property perched on the banks of the Zibadiania Lagoon, Meaning ‘Beloved One’ in Arabic, Zarafa is co-owned and run by National Geographic wildlife filmmaker Dereck Joubert and his wife, photographer Beverly Joubert who work to preserve and share the incredible delta. The camp offers a perfect combination of tranquillity, traditional safari charm and wildlife adventure across the extensive private Selinda Reserve.
Awarded: Silver
Location
The camp is located on the private 320,000 acre Selinda Reserve. The reserve links Chobe National Park with the Okavango Delta and is home to lion, cheetah, leopard, buffalo, elephant and giraffe. Guests can also watch hippos splash and Zebras wade in the pristine Zibadianja Lagoon from the camp’s deck. The combination of wet and dry habitats means wildlife viewing is varied and extensive and the camp itself sits among lush, riverine vegetation with tracts of savannah beyond.
Rooms
The four canvas tents are raised on old railway sleeper decks and overlook the lagoon teeming with elephants and hippos. Through an ornate door, guests will find the spacious interiors decorated in rich reds and browns. Bedrooms open out to spacious lounge areas with polished wooden floors and leather furniture. There are pen-plan bathrooms with claw-foot bathtubs and a private deck offers a plunge pool and outdoor shower. Thoughtful touches are offered throughout from personalized stationery to Swarovski binoculars and digital SLR cameras.
Communal Areas
The main area is shaded under a canopy of ebony trees and offers a lounge, library, dining room and boutique. Interiors are decorated in an early-settler style and use only recycled hardwoods and canvas. An extensive deck offers a picturesque spot for dining and relaxing with views across the floodplains around the lagoon.
Activities
As the camp caters for only eight guests, activities at Zarafa are very flexible. Take day and night drives in custom-built Land Cruisers, morning or full-day walks with armed guides and fishing trips or cruises aboard the camp’s pontoon boat. Furnished with sofas and dining tables, a boat cruise along the lagoon is an ideal activity for brunch, sundowners and wildlife viewing.
Fully inclusive
When to go
Find out when is best to visit
- Excellent
- Good
- Poor
WET SEASON – ‘EMERALD SEASON’
During this period large concentrations of grazers can be found in time for calving season. These young animals attract large predator numbers from the surrounding areas. This is also a great time of year to see migratory bird species.
Wettest time of the year, with rain falling most days of the month, although rarely prolonged in nature. Temperatures are quite hot, averaging 31°C/88°F midday, while the nights average 20°C/68°F. During this period the park transforms into a lush green landscape, a stark contrast to the dry season.
Like the rest of Botswana, this region of the country has very distinct wet and dry seasons; rain occurs sporadically usually in the form of sharp thunderstorms from late October through to April, the rest of the year clear skies dominate. It is predominately a safari destination we would generally recommend visiting during the peak of the dry season; as the landscape dries up wildlife becomes more concentrated around the rivers and watercourse while at the same time thinner/ drier vegetation improves visibility.
Having said this, there is a lot to be said for the ‘emerald season’; beautiful green scenery, fantastic birding, large flowing rivers and fewer tourists can make for a wonderful and unique experience.
WET SEASON – ‘EMERALD SEASON’
During this period large concentrations of grazers can be found in time for calving season. These young animals attract large predator numbers from the surrounding areas. This is also a great time of year to see migratory bird species.
Wettest time of the year, with rain falling most days of the month, although rarely prolonged in nature. Temperatures are quite hot, averaging 31°C/88°F midday, while the nights average 20°C/68°F. During this period the park transforms into a lush green landscape, a stark contrast to the dry season.
Like the rest of Botswana, this region of the country has very distinct wet and dry seasons; rain occurs sporadically usually in the form of sharp thunderstorms from late October through to April, the rest of the year clear skies dominate. It is predominately a safari destination we would generally recommend visiting during the peak of the dry season; as the landscape dries up wildlife becomes more concentrated around the rivers and watercourse while at the same time thinner/ drier vegetation improves visibility.
Having said this, there is a lot to be said for the ‘emerald season’; beautiful green scenery, fantastic birding, large flowing rivers and fewer tourists can make for a wonderful and unique experience.
WET SEASON – ‘EMERALD SEASON’
During this period large concentrations of grazers can be found in time for calving season. These young animals attract large predator numbers from the surrounding areas. This is also a great time of year to see migratory bird species.
Wettest time of the year, with rain falling most days of the month, although rarely prolonged in nature. Temperatures are quite hot, averaging 31°C/88°F midday, while the nights average 20°C/68°F. During this period the park transforms into a lush green landscape, a stark contrast to the dry season.
Like the rest of Botswana, this region of the country has very distinct wet and dry seasons; rain occurs sporadically usually in the form of sharp thunderstorms from late October through to April, the rest of the year clear skies dominate. It is predominately a safari destination we would generally recommend visiting during the peak of the dry season; as the landscape dries up wildlife becomes more concentrated around the rivers and watercourse while at the same time thinner/ drier vegetation improves visibility.
Having said this, there is a lot to be said for the ‘emerald season’; beautiful green scenery, fantastic birding, large flowing rivers and fewer tourists can make for a wonderful and unique experience.
DRY SEASON
Wildlife will begin to move closer to the water sources as the clear skies dominate. The rain fades, and midday temperatures are more pleasant. Mornings can be surprisingly cool, so it is advisable to pack some warm clothes.
Like the rest of Botswana, this region of the country has very distinct wet and dry seasons; rain occurs sporadically usually in the form of sharp thunderstorms from late October through to April, the rest of the year clear skies dominate. It is predominately a safari destination we would generally recommend visiting during the peak of the dry season; as the landscape dries up wildlife becomes more concentrated around the rivers and watercourse while at the same time thinner/ drier vegetation improves visibility.
Having said this, there is a lot to be said for the ‘emerald season’; beautiful green scenery, fantastic birding, large flowing rivers and fewer tourists can make for a wonderful and unique experience.
DRY SEASON
Wildlife will begin to move closer to the water sources as the clear skies dominate. The rain fades, and midday temperatures are more pleasant. Mornings can be surprisingly cool, so it is advisable to pack some warm clothes.
Like the rest of Botswana, this region of the country has very distinct wet and dry seasons; rain occurs sporadically usually in the form of sharp thunderstorms from late October through to April, the rest of the year clear skies dominate. It is predominately a safari destination we would generally recommend visiting during the peak of the dry season; as the landscape dries up wildlife becomes more concentrated around the rivers and watercourse while at the same time thinner/ drier vegetation improves visibility.
Having said this, there is a lot to be said for the ‘emerald season’; beautiful green scenery, fantastic birding, large flowing rivers and fewer tourists can make for a wonderful and unique experience.
DRY SEASON
The landscape continues to dry up, with good game sightings becoming more likely. Midday temperatures are average around 25°C/77°F, the mornings can however be surprising cool at around 11°C/52°F, so be sure to pack a warm fleece.
Like the rest of Botswana, this region of the country has very distinct wet and dry seasons; rain occurs sporadically usually in the form of sharp thunderstorms from late October through to April, the rest of the year clear skies dominate. It is predominately a safari destination we would generally recommend visiting during the peak of the dry season; as the landscape dries up wildlife becomes more concentrated around the rivers and watercourse while at the same time thinner/ drier vegetation improves visibility.
Having said this, there is a lot to be said for the ‘emerald season’; beautiful green scenery, fantastic birding, large flowing rivers and fewer tourists can make for a wonderful and unique experience.
DRY SEASON
Clear skies dominate. Midday temperatures are pleasantly warm throughout the country, though mornings can, however, be very cold.
Botswana has very distinct wet and dry seasons; rain is common, usually in the form of sharp thunderstorms from October through to early May, the rest of the year clear skies dominate. As Botswana is predominately a safari destination we would generally recommend visiting during the peak of the dry season; as the landscape dries up, wildlife becomes more concentrated around the rivers and watercourse while at the same time thinner/ drier vegetation improves visibility.
Having said this, there is a lot to be said for the ‘emerald season’; beautiful green scenery, fantastic birding, large flowing rivers and fewer tourists can make for a wonderful and unique experience.
There are also two significant exceptions to the above rule of thumb; Kalahari Desert and the Makgadikgadi which come into their own during the wet season as wildlife moves in to take advantage of the fresh, lush grass.
Temperatures can be very high in and around the wet season; when the sunlight is at its strongest, however nights can be cool to sub-freezing throughout the year. So, don’t forget to pack warm clothing!
DRY SEASON
Clear skies still dominate, the landscape has now become quite parched; ultimately making this the perfect time for game viewing. Midday and night temperatures are climbing, with midday temperatures becoming hot, averaging 29°C/84°F in August and 33°C/91°F in September. Mornings remain surprisingly cool, so do pack something warm.
Like the rest of Botswana, this region of the country has very distinct wet and dry seasons; rain occurs sporadically usually in the form of sharp thunderstorms from late October through to April, the rest of the year clear skies dominate. It is predominately a safari destination we would generally recommend visiting during the peak of the dry season; as the landscape dries up wildlife becomes more concentrated around the rivers and watercourse while at the same time thinner/ drier vegetation improves visibility.
Having said this, there is a lot to be said for the ‘emerald season’; beautiful green scenery, fantastic birding, large flowing rivers and fewer tourists can make for a wonderful and unique experience.
DRY SEASON
Clear skies still dominate, the landscape has now become quite parched; ultimately making this the perfect time for game viewing. Midday and night temperatures are climbing, with midday temperatures becoming hot, averaging 29°C/84°F in August and 33°C/91°F in September. Mornings remain surprisingly cool, so do pack something warm.
Like the rest of Botswana, this region of the country has very distinct wet and dry seasons; rain occurs sporadically usually in the form of sharp thunderstorms from late October through to April, the rest of the year clear skies dominate. It is predominately a safari destination we would generally recommend visiting during the peak of the dry season; as the landscape dries up wildlife becomes more concentrated around the rivers and watercourse while at the same time thinner/ drier vegetation improves visibility.
Having said this, there is a lot to be said for the ‘emerald season’; beautiful green scenery, fantastic birding, large flowing rivers and fewer tourists can make for a wonderful and unique experience.
DRY SEASON
Game viewing can be spectacular during October; however, temperatures continue to rise before the start of the rains, with midday temperatures over 40°C/104°F not uncommon. We suggest early morning starts during this time to make the most of the cool temperatures!
Like the rest of Botswana, this region of the country has very distinct wet and dry seasons; rain occurs sporadically usually in the form of sharp thunderstorms from late October through to April, the rest of the year clear skies dominate. It is predominately a safari destination we would generally recommend visiting during the peak of the dry season; as the landscape dries up wildlife becomes more concentrated around the rivers and watercourse while at the same time thinner/ drier vegetation improves visibility.
Having said this, there is a lot to be said for the ‘emerald season’; beautiful green scenery, fantastic birding, large flowing rivers and fewer tourists can make for a wonderful and unique experience.
WET SEASON
The first rains arrive, usually in the form of sharp afternoon showers. The temperatures still however remain very hot, while the humidity adds level of discomfort. Game viewing can still be great, but just be prepared for a little heat.
Like the rest of Botswana, this region of the country has very distinct wet and dry seasons; rain occurs sporadically usually in the form of sharp thunderstorms from late October through to April, the rest of the year clear skies dominate. It is predominately a safari destination we would generally recommend visiting during the peak of the dry season; as the landscape dries up wildlife becomes more concentrated around the rivers and watercourse while at the same time thinner/ drier vegetation improves visibility.
Having said this, there is a lot to be said for the ‘emerald season’; beautiful green scenery, fantastic birding, large flowing rivers and fewer tourists can make for a wonderful and unique experience.
WET SEASON
During this period large concentrations of grazers can be found in time for calving season. These young animals attract large predator numbers from the surrounding areas. This is also a great time of year to see migratory bird species.
Wettest time of the year, with rain falling most days of the month, although rarely prolonged in nature. Temperatures are quite hot, averaging 31°C/88°F midday, while the nights average 20°C/68°F. During this period the park transforms into a lush green landscape, a stark contrast to the dry season.
Like the rest of Botswana, this region of the country has very distinct wet and dry seasons; rain occurs sporadically usually in the form of sharp thunderstorms from late October through to April, the rest of the year clear skies dominate. It is predominately a safari destination we would generally recommend visiting during the peak of the dry season; as the landscape dries up wildlife becomes more concentrated around the rivers and watercourse while at the same time thinner/ drier vegetation improves visibility.
Having said this, there is a lot to be said for the ‘emerald season’; beautiful green scenery, fantastic birding, large flowing rivers and fewer tourists can make for a wonderful and unique experience.
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What People Say
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The personalised service provided was far beyond my expectations. A three week trip visiting four countries in Africa, multiple game reserves, wineries and much, much more was flawless. While a close encounter with a leopard and her cubs…
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We got in touch after hearing about Hide & Seek from a friend. Have to say hats off to Jamie, he was so patient throughout, even through our indecisiveness! Ultimately we ended up with the most incredible holiday of our lives. Thank you again, we will be back!!
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Thank you for arranging our Safari holiday in Kenya and Tanzania for us. It was to celebrate our 40th. Wedding anniversary which was on July 1st. 2018, and through your arrangements, we have had a holiday that we will never forget...
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Thanks so much for a truly unforgettable once in a life time holiday. Hopefully we will be in touch again soon!
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Spot on in terms of itinerary . We not disappointed by any of the suggestions and had the best holiday ever! Thank you!
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Jamie was very helpful throughout the booking process and recommended the perfect holiday. There was nothing we would change having now been out to Tanzania. I would highly recommend Hide & Seek to friends and relatives.
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Jamie was excellent. Once I described what we wanted I knew he would come up with the business. ..and he did!!! 5 stars
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We spoke to numerous travel agents over the period we looked at booking our honeymoon and only hide and seek gave me the confidence I was looking for. Really pleased with our decision.
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Hide and seek dealt with our last minute travel plans extremely well. Obviously, our accommodations shifted as availability diminished but ultimately they came up with a vacation that we will never forget.
