In the Selinda Reserve in northern Botswana
Few camps rival the location of this little gem, overlooking the crystal waters of Zibadianja Lagoon
Location
Set within the vast and private Selinda Reserve, Zarafa Camp feels wonderfully exclusive, overlooking the peaceful Zibadianja Lagoon at the start of the Savuti Channel. You will love the sense of tranquillity here, where water meets wilderness, offering incredible access to a rich variety of wildlife against a stunning natural backdrop.
Rooms
The camp has just four spacious tented suites, each thoughtfully designed to combine luxury with comfort. Built on raised decks from reclaimed railway sleepers, the suites feature elegant hardwood interiors, plush furnishings, and beautiful handcrafted Zanzibar doors. You’ll enjoy a king-sized bed, a cosy lounge area, and an open-plan bathroom with a gas fireplace, indoor and outdoor showers, plus a freestanding copper bath that invites you to unwind in style. Each suite also has a private veranda with stunning lagoon views.
Amenities
The main area is shaded by ancient ebony trees, creating a serene retreat where guests love to relax. You can dine outdoors under the stars or browse the charming bush boutique for a special keepsake. For a touch of indulgence, the camp offers spa treatments either in your suite or on your private deck. The outdoor gym is another great way to keep active while soaking in the peaceful surroundings. You will love taking a refreshing dip in your private plunge pool, the perfect spot to relax and watch the wildlife come to the water’s edge.
Meals at Zarafa are a real highlight, served with thoughtful attention to detail. Guests enjoy freshly prepared dishes that showcase local flavours, whether dining under the wide African sky or in the intimate camp lounge.
Activities
There’s a wonderful variety of ways to explore the Selinda Reserve here. Guided safari drives reveal sightings of elephants, leopards, and wild dogs, while walking safaris offer a closer connection to the bush. The camp’s pontoon boat lets you gently cruise among the floating islands, spotting hippos and birds along the way. You’ll find every day offers something new to inspire and delight.
Sustainability
Great Plains runs dedicated conservation education programmes designed to engage young people living alongside protected areas. Through a blend of environmental education, hands-on activities, and mentorship, these initiatives help children connect with the natural world at an important stage in their lives.
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When to go to Botswana
Find out the best time to visit Botswana with our month-by-month guide.
- Best
- Good
- Mixed
- Jan
- Feb
- Mar
- Apr
- May
- Jun
- Jul
- Aug
- Sep
- Oct
- Nov
- Dec
January
January is the heart of the wet season, with heavy downpours usually in the late afternoons, which is a great excuse to watch the storm from the luxury of your camp or lodge. Much of the wildlife is still there it may just take a little longer to find as its more dispersed due to the surrounding surface water. This time of year is hot, and aside from the rainshowers it's sunny. This is the best time to see the Zebra and Wildebeest migration as well as large flocks of flamingos down in the Makgadikgadi Salt Pans. Rates are lower during the wet season.
February
February is also one of the warmer months, and is defined by both sunshine and heavy storms, which making it another great time for photography. It's now that the Central Kalahari begins waking up, with herds of game coming to graze the lush grassland. Again the peak migration should be in the Makgadikgadi now with large herds of wildebeest and zebra in the area. Game viewing is still great in many areas of the Okavango Delta with many of the dried camps on the western side top choice.
March
The wet season slowly comes to an end, leaving hot, drier days. There is still some rain, but only for short periods during the afternoon. Enjoy the green scenery and the lower accommodation rates. Towards the end of March the wildlife in the Central Kalahari really begins to pick up as large numbers of plains game head in the pans and Valleys. This is a great time of year to combine the Central Kalahari and Okavango Delta.
April
April is a fine month to visit Botswana, as the nights become cooler and sleeping is easier. Breeding season is underway for plains game, so keep an eye out for the clashing males attempting to woo the females out on the savannahs. Along with the breeding season comes more predator activity as the young animals are easy pickings. This is peak game viewing time in the Central Kalahari Game Reserve making it an integral part of any itinerary.
May
With the rainy season at an end, the temperature falls, making bush excursions more pleasant. Nights can be a little chilly, so you'll probably need an extra layer if you're heading out on an evening game drive. Skies become clearer and there are fewer mosquitoes. This is one of our favourite months to travel and also marks the final month before the peak season rates kick in in most camps.
June
June is the middle of winter in Botswana, and is one of the best times to visit the country. Days are pleasantly warm, and nights are spent tucked up cosily in your camp or lodge. Wildlife becomes concentrated around waterholes making it easier to spot. This is a great time to visit the Okavango Delta, Moremi and Chobe.
July
With warm sunny days, and cool nights, July is the perfect time to be in Botswana. Although this is the dry season, it's a great time to enjoy a traditional mokoro canoe trip as floodwaters begin to rise in the Okavango Delta, flowing down from the highlands of Angola.
August
The temperature begins to rise again in August, but it's still a superb time for game viewing, and the Makgadikgadi Pans are now accessible through until October. Water is now scarce in many of the parks, making game viewing easy. It's a good time to visit Savute and Linyanti.
September
Days in September are hot with sunny blue skies, and the nights are no longer cold. It does get quite dusty out in the bush thanks to many months without rain, and game viewing is excellent as predators and prey alike hunt to find water.
October
October is warmer, and safari activities take place during early mornings and late afternoons to avoid the worst of the heat. This is one of the final month before the rains come and the ground is at its driest making for exceptional game viewing. If you don’t mind hot days this is one of the peak game viewing months
November
November remains hot, but the rains return mid-month, bringing the plains and forests back to life. If you want to see young animals being born, and lots of predator action, this is the month to come. With rates dropping in November and the rains often falling later on in the month the first 2 weeks of November are a very popular time to travel. It also ties in nicely with great weather in Cape Town and the garden route.
December
The rainy season is now in full swing with often short heavy down pours int he evening, days are still mostly sunny. landscapes are lush and there is plenty of wildlife activity as the newborns flourish.
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