Kwando, Linyanti and Selinda

Welcome to the Zarafa Dhow Suite.

Here exclusivity takes on a new meaning, bonding with friend and family on an illustrious safari filed with excitement and discovery…

The Zarafa Dhow Suite is undoubtedly one of our most beautiful Great Plains Conservation Réserve Collection safari camps in Botswana. Zarafa means “the beloved one” or “the lovely one” in Arabic. The name comes from a giraffe presented to Charles X of France in 1826 by the Viceroy of Egypt. The giraffe was transported from Africa to France in a traditional Dhow.

Today the Zarafa Dhow Suite is a stunning two-bedroom tented suite located on the private 130,000-hectare (320,000-acre) Selinda Reserve of northern Botswana. The 210 square meters (2,260 square foot) suite is on raised decking under flowing canvas. Entering through the wooden Lamu door, exclusivity takes on new meaning.

A truly off-the-beaten-track safari in Botswana’s pristine Linyanti Wildlife Reserve.

Experience the spirit of a true African safari in northern Botswana’s remote Linyanti Wildlife Reserve. Revel in this untouched tract of wilderness with exceptional game viewing and tented accommodation styled to evoke the original spirit of safari, but amped up on comfort.
 

“Selinda Camp is filled with art, but I wanted to create a meaningful dialogue with our relationship with elephants in its design. It is an elephant-inspired luxury safari camp in many ways.

As you arrive at Selinda Camp, two giant elephant sculptures encourage you to understand who you are, forgive the past, and redefine your future using elephants as your guides.

Enjoy following lion prides and, of course, the regularly seen herds of elephants—some I have known for 25 years—as they visit this paradise on your safari in Botswana .”

Marvel at the mysterious Savuti Channel on the safari of a lifetime.Marvel at the mysterious Savuti Channel on the safari of a lifetime.

Savuti means ‘mystery,’ and the fascination with this wild, unpredictable channel has attracted travellers and explorers for years. Depending on imperceptible shifts in plate tectonics, the waters of the Savuti either flow strongly – attracting thirsty wildlife – or ebb, revealing grassy plains where antelope gather, attracting predators. For now, the channel flows right past Wilderness Savuti, which is perfectly positioned for an exceptional safari experience with incredible opportunities for land and water-based game viewing.

“Selinda Explorer’s Camp is where you can sit with your feet in the sand and listen to or tell stories of your safari adventures and is in an intimate camp built near the ground.” Dereck continues, “In fact, this Explorer Collection safari camp follows the kind of camps Beverly, and I have used for filming or research our whole lives. And yet, although offering an affordable Botswana safari experience, the camp has Persian carpets, exudes a real explorer’s camp feel, includes a lot of brass and copper, and is handmade by us just for you.”

Selinda Explorers Camp is located in the private 130,000-hectare (320,000-acre) Selinda Reserve of northern Botswana. The camp, which accommodates a maximum of only ten guests, is built on the banks of Botswana’s Selinda Spillway.

Subtly placed under the shade of the riverine forest, the camp’s style is reminiscent of early African explorer’s philosophies and practices. Whiling away afternoons under the canopy of African ebony and Mopane trees, interspersed with guided walks, canoeing, and early morning and late afternoon / early evening wildlife drives, make this affordable Botswana safari camp a respite from the ‘daily grind’ of a traditional safari.

This authentic tented camp draws on the classic East African safari traditions with beautifully detailed campaign-style furniture made from recycled hardwoods and soft furnishings from Zanzibar and the East.

The four custom-designed, semi-permanent guest tents provide comfort and style but with a magnificently raw spirit. Each tent offers guests a well-appointed bedroom, covered veranda, private ‘bustani bathroom’ complete with hot water showers and a flush loo. All the guest tents are at ground level, on slightly raised platforms.

Selinda Explorers Camp is an unassuming camp, light on its footprint but heavy on its experiential luxury. The atmosphere of the camp is one of bush elegance with a relaxed style, complemented by attentive staff, private, professional service and fabulous food.

Selinda Explorers Camp is an ideal property for those guests who want to experience Botswana’s extraordinary wildlife but in the most private setting and taking advantage of an affordable Botswana safari experience cost. Selinda Explorers Camp is perfect for individual travellers, couples, families and small groups of up to ten guests sharing.

The camp sits in prime predator habitat, in a handpicked location based on Dereck and Beverly Joubert, Great Plains Conservation owners and National Geographic Explorers, exploring the area for years. Lion, leopard, cheetah, and the recently discovered Explorers Pack of African wild dog hunt these parts regularly. There are possible sightings of good densities of giraffe, buffalo (in the dry season), and antelope – including roan and sable and recently spotted eland. In September, over 9,000 elephants traverse the private Selinda Reserve at the peak of the dry season. There is phenomenal birdlife along the Selinda Spillway’s banks for those looking for some ‘lifers’.

This camp, an Explorer Collection member of the Great Plains Conservation portfolio, combines beautifully with Duba Explorers Camp in the Duba Plains Reserve of the northern Okavango Delta.

Experience a life-changing safari at our seasonal camp located on the southern banks of the Linyanti River in northern Botswana. The true art of safari is waking up with the crisp dawn air to the sound of birds rejoicing. Enjoying a warm cup of coffee, anticipating what the day has to offer. It’s heading out into the wild, open plains on foot in search of new ground and thrilling interactions. In the fast-paced, man-made world we live in, there is a pull towards authentic and honest travel and experiences. We’re going back to our original ‘Bush Camps’ roots and introducing our newest expedition-style camp to Botswana, with Linyanti Expeditions.

Linyanti Wilderness Reserve is a private concession boasting splendid scenery of untouched grasslands, riverine forest and meandering lagoons. The sumptuous style belies the simplicity of the camp.  Organic layers with a comfortable lived-in feel are imbued with elegant touches of copper and cut-glass add a dash of old-world charm. Underscored by our ethos of eco-sensitivity, this Linyanti safari lodge touches the earth lightly. With only 6 tents, the camp has an intimate atmosphere, ensuring a personalized service for each guest. The main area has two canvas-covered hubs; a dining area with an exposed kitchen and an open lounge. As with most of our camps, the campfire is at the centre, drawing guests to enjoy the authentic experience of the African bush outside. The tents are firmly rooted on the ground, giving that extra level of connection to nature. Each room has en-suite bathrooms with chemical eco-friendly toilets and al fresco bucket showers. The wow factor in the rooms is the ‘star suite’. Each tent has a gazebo extension, where beds can be moved at night to give the experience of sleeping beneath a blanket of glimmering stars, immersing yourself in the wonders of the wilderness while still staying in the security of a mesh-enclosed area.

The location of our Linyanti safari lodge in the northern region of Botswana enjoys an abundance of wildlife. The area is frequented by vast herds of elephant, buffalo and zebra that attract iconic predators such as lion, leopard, cheetah and wild dogs.   The peaceful African night is often punctuated by the lion’s gruff, baritone contact call, wild dogs yipping or hyenas whooping in celebration of meal or morsel. Activities to enjoy on your Linyanti safari include walking safaris, river activities such as mokoro trips, day and night game drives. Linyanti Expeditions offers awe-inspiring birding with Carmine bee-eaters nest on the banks of the Linyanti River. All these are complimentary activities and led by our qualified and passionate guides who will share their knowledge and love of the bush with you. Walking and mokoro activities are possible for children over the age of sixteen years, making this Linyanti safari ideal for families with older children. 

Spend your time exploring the raw African wilderness on thrilling game drives, learn about the fascinating fauna and flora on walking safaris or float serenely along the waterways in a mokoro (canoe). A life-changing wilderness experience awaits you at Linyanti Bush Camp. With just six luxury tents, Linyanti Bush Camp offers an intimate Chobe safari experience in a private concession on the border of Botswana’s iconic Chobe National Park. The Chobe Enclave teems with wildlife and is best known for its large herds of elephants and buffalo. Our Chobe safari lodge sits on the banks of the Linyanti Wetlands – a significant area that is one of the primary sources of water during the drier months. Look forward to exceptional and diverse wildlife encounters year-round.

Home to Africa’s highest density of elephants, Little DumaTau offers exceptional encounters with herds of these majestic animals.

An exceptional wilderness awaits at Little DumaTau. This special corner of the Botswana wilderness is favoured by the continent’s largest population of elephants, and is also home to predators including lions and wild dogs. Enjoy the privilege of encountering these iconic animals in their most pristine natural habitat.

Cradled in the north-western corner of the game-rich Chobe National Park, lies the eco-friendly and earthy Camp Linyanti. Boasting only five rooms, Camp Linyanti offers guests an authentic and intimate safari experience. Located on the Linyanti lagoon with views of unexplored waterways, riverine forests and floodplains; Camp Linyanti is one of the Chobe’s hidden gems.

The Selinda Suite offers travellers the best safari in Botswana experiences and accommodation available. The private 2-bedroomed Suite rests on the banks of Botswana’s Selinda Spillway as it enters the Linyanti River in the Selinda Reserve. The private 130,000-hectare (320,000-acre) Selinda Reserve is one of the most pristine wilderness areas left on our planet. The reserve boasts large herds of elephants and regular sightings of the Selinda pack of African wild dogs. The famous Selinda Lion Pride, recently featured in the National Geographic film “Birth of a Pride” by Dereck and Beverly Joubert, also call Selinda home.

With the services of a private wildlife viewing vehicle and guide, guests explore an area with a sense of remoteness, a true spirit of Africa. The Selinda is an excellent example of a Botswana private reserve offering various species and rare animals to be seen when on safari.

The Selinda Suite is within walking distance of our Selinda Camp. It is themed to resemble that of the thatched village of Sangwali, which used to house 3,000 warriors and who loaned David Livingstone 200 men during his travels. The design represents the meeting place of three cultures, European, Mokololo and Bayei.

Two beautifully appointed suites flank a central, open-air, yet covered, indoor dining and lounge area. Flowing from the main area is a large private veranda and private swimming pool. With an en-suite bathroom and indoor shower, each guest suite is unique, designed with its unique colour palette and theme. A fifth element, ‘metal’, is also incorporated into the design. Every space enhances what Livingstone would have had, what he would have travelled with and found. But beyond that, we go back to the Robinson Crusoe feel, including rope textures, rooms under thatch, hammocks, lots of space, nautical elements and salvaged wood.

The 2-bedroomed Selinda Suite operates exclusively of the main Selinda Camp, much like our Zarafa Dhow Suite and the Duba Plains Suite. The nightly rates include the services of your private vehicle, safari guide, chef, manager/butler and a separate entrance to the residence.

Enjoy early morning and late afternoon safari drives that only return after sunset, guided walks, boating, tracking, birding, and other bespoke wildlife viewing activities are designed to place you in front of the best sightings of Africa’s most iconic species the area offers for a unique one-on-one life-changing experience. Guests should also aim to tick off as many of over 200 bird species in the area.

The Selinda Suite (including Selinda Camp) is also a proud Relais & Châteaux member property alongside our Botswana located Zarafa Camp, Zarafa Dhow Suite, Duba Plains Camp and Duba Plains Suite.

Revel in regal delight at Botswana’s King’s Pool Camp in the wild, remote Linyanti Wildlife Reserve.

Delight in a luxury safari at King’s Pool, in the wild Linyanti Wildlife Reserve in northern Botswana. This is Africa up-close. Come nose-to-trunk with an elephant in the underground hide, so close you could count their toes as they splash in the water. With an abundance of wildlife all around King’s Pool, you can expect the royal treatment, as the wildlife comes to you in this regal safari camp.

“Zarafa Camp,” says Dereck Joubert, CEO of Great Plains Conservation, “is a beautiful sweeping design we had a little fun with and epitomises the romantic Botswana safari many seek. The décor is hand made in a colonial style, all from reclaimed wood, which we purchased after the 2005 Tsunami to support local artisans in the East. I love spending an afternoon drifting quietly along the edges of the Zibadianja Lake in our houseboat. Sharing great stories as we watch the setting sun cast long shadows over huge herds of hippos and crocodiles or gently track elephant bulls as they swim the deep water from island to island. We recently watched painted dogs (wild dogs) chase impala into this lake once, only to have it stolen by a hippo!

Zarafa Camp was the first camp where we added our beautiful copper baths to the suite’s bathrooms. That romantic Botswana safari touch has become a sort of signature for us in all our camps, especially our Réserve Collection camps. We inserted Zanzibar doors to the suite’s designs, and the camp’s name Zarafa (meaning Beloved One) is a nod to the story of the first giraffe to be taken from Africa to Europe as a gift to King Charles X of France. The Zarafa Dhow Suite pays homage to this story and is an extension of the camp, and that story, downstream from the main camp.

We are, in essence, storytellers, of which there is still a beautiful ancient history of in Africa to be told.”

Zarafa Camp is located on the private 130,000-hectare (320,000-acre) Selinda Reserve. The Selinda Reserve links Botswana’s Okavango Delta with the Linyanti waterways, and every area of the camp offers stunning views over the Zibadianja Lagoon, the source of the Savuti Channel.

Zarafa Camp’s four guest suites individually measure over 100 square meters (1000 square feet) under flowing canvas. Each suite rests on raised reclaimed railway sleeper decking with the interiors consisting of a lounge area that flows to a beautiful bedroom and an open layout indoor bathroom complete with a copper claw-foot bath. Expansive outdoor decking that wraps around each guest suite offers guests a private plunge pool, outdoor seating and private outdoor shower.

Under a canopy of ebony trees, the main camp area offers guests a sizable main lounge, library, dining area and bush boutique. An outdoor gym and in-room massage are available. With all its careful appointments, Zarafa Camp maintains the perfect balance between luxury, adventure and offering that romantic Botswana safari experience. The camp has no equal when it comes to its environmental credentials. The camp’s construction consists of recycled hardwoods and canvas. All the camp’s electricity comes from its solar farm, and a biogas system converts vegetable waste into usable cooking gas.

The private Selinda Reserve is home to leopard, lion, cheetah, elephant, buffalo, red lechwe, zebra and giraffe. It is also a refuge for some uncommon species such as African wild dogs, roan and sable. And for birders, the nearby African skimmer colony is a highlight. From camp, hippos are visible in the Lagoon, and elephants wander through regularly. It is an exciting area, and guests are in the heart of this wilderness wonderland.

Zarafa Camp (and the nearby Zarafa Dhow Suite) were Botswana’s first Relais & Châteaux member properties. Today they are joined by our Selinda Camp, Selinda Suite, Duba Plains Camp and Duba Plains Suite as proud members in Botswana.

Home to Africa’s highest density of elephants, DumaTau offers exceptional encounters with herds of these majestic animals.

Exclusive excursions. Up-close encounters. An exceptional wilderness awaits at DumaTau. Its name means ‘roar of the lion’ in Setswana, but to us it’s also home of the elephants. While lions and other predators like wild dogs thrive here, it’s the elephants that steal the show.  Watch great herds criss-cross ancient wildlife corridors, spraying one another playfully in the Linyanti’s waters and munching on waterlilies.

Lebala means wide open spaces, and the camp is located in the Kwando Reserve’s 232,000 hectares of private unfenced wilderness. Here, the southerly flowing Kwando River disappears into the vast marshland to the east, outside of the Kwando Reserve. Lebala sits on the floodplains of the Kwando River and the special ecosystem is home to a wide variety of Africa’s plains game such as zebra, wildebeest, impala, giraffe, and tsessebe. The wonderful variety of wildlife also includes elephant, hippo, buffalo and the ever present predators of lion, cheetah and hyena. Lebala’s location away from the dense mopane woodland to the east of the Reserve facilitates the ease of traversing the concession looking for big game.

The camp itself is comprised of nine custom designed tents, with unique mosquito net walls, allowing an unobstructed flow of cooling breezes and stunning views. Each spacious tent has its own viewing deck, bathroom and luxurious double outside showers.

There is also one family tent which consists of an additional twin bedroom within the unit itself, ensuring that parents and young children sleep in the same tent for their peace of mind.

The main areas of the camp include a small swimming pool, a communal fire place and dining room, a curio shop, bar and lounge area complemented with a small library.

Outdoor private dinners can be organised by the poolside or by the fireplace for special occasions such as birthdays, anniversaries and honeymoons.

Lagoon is perched on the banks of the wild Kwando River, nestled beneath towering ebony and marula trees. The heavily forested site is home to a wide variety of birds and mammals, while elephant and hippo are normally visible from the camp. The stunning views and close proximity of wildlife all contribute to the pervading sense of calm at Lagoon.

Lagoons area in the Kwando Reserve has a well-earned reputation for big game and large herds of elephant and buffalo, especially in the winter months, when herds of up to a thousand are not uncommon. This vast concentration of game attracts the attention of large predators. The Lagoon wild dog pack regularly den close to the camp and the excellent viewing opportunities have led to Lagoons reputation as the place to see wild dog in Botswana.

Seasonally large herds of elephant drink at the river bank near to the camp in full view of the main deck, while pods of hippos are commonly seen languidly sunbathing in the water.

Lagoon accommodates up to 18 guests in nine expansive tents. Each tents private deck, living area, and bathroom all afford picturesque views over the river. Likewise, these views are also perfect to wake up to, in bed. Each tent has an ensuite bathroom with both an indoor and outdoor shower, as well as a bathtub for an enjoyable afternoon soak.

The main areas of the camp include a bar and sitting area, outdoor deck with a swing, dining area, curio shop, orientation centre, and a cosy second-level library overlooking the river.

Adjacent to the main area, is the family tent which has two entrances (one to the twin bedroom and the other to the main bedroom and living area). The family tent shares the same ensuite bathroom facilities.

Another special feature of the camp is the afternoon river cruise. The unique double deck boat allows several guests the opportunity to drift along the river while enjoying spectacular views, mammal and bird life while sipping at your sundowner of choice.

For those guests who enjoy fishing, there is ample room to throw a line in the water while the boat meanders along.

(Please note fishing is only offered in the open season March-December).

Even amongst the most discerning of travellers, the Linyanti Channel is fast becoming Botswana’s most sought-after wildlife haven. Nestled between the Okavango Delta and Chobe National Park, Linyanti is a rich yet diverse ecosystem that is fed by a permanent river flow. At the core of this wildlife haven is Linyanti Ebony, this intimate camp is made up of just four tents making it perfect for a more private and family oriented safari lodge experience. A unique place where you can embrace the “digital detox” and slip into the rhythm of an authentic and game-filled safari experience.

Built on raised decking overlooking the Linyanti Marsh, Linyanti Ebony is an intimate tented camp granting panoramic views of its exquisite natural setting. The camp’s mindful design offers an authentic, eco-conscious base from which to explore this significant wilderness. The main area encompasses an expansive lounge and dining area, sparkling plunge pool, cosy fire circle and boma; the perfect place to strengthen family ties on your Chobe safari. The spacious two-bedroom family tent has a self-contained lounge area and private deck looking out over the wetlands plus, a spacious en-suite bathroom that features a shower and roll-top bath. Larger family groups or parties of friends travelling together can reserve Linyanti Ebony exclusively with a minimum of eight people.  

Linyanti Ebony is home to some fantastic wildlife including a healthy population of predators such as lion, wild dog and several more elusive species delighting our guests year-round. Your memorable Chobe family safariis characterised by serene, sweeping scenes awaits. Evening time, our guests are treated to a concert of honking hippos and chirruping frogs, the perfect backing track to an al-fresco meal served beneath a star-studded night sky.  Explore the pristine riverine ecosystem of a Chobe safari on foot or cruise through the crystal-clear waterways on an expertly guided mokoro trip, marvelling at the bird and aquatic life as you go.