Zarafa Camp (formerly called Zibalianja and then Zibadianja) is an exclusive lodge that focuses on individual hospitality and privacy while minimising its environmental footprint. Zarafa Camp boasts spectacular accommodations and wildlife sightings.
There are only 4 large marquee-style canvas tents at Zarafa. Each tent is positioned along the edge of the forest to take advantage of the spectacular view over the floodplains and savannas while offering cool shade. The spacious bedroom leads to an en suite bathroom with a copper bath and indoor and outdoor showers. The adjoining, comfortable lounge boasts furniture designed and handcrafted specifically for Zarafa and made from recycled ancient hardwoods. The tents are built on raised recycled 100-year-old teak decks, each with a private pool overlooking the lagoon allowing for exceptional bird and game viewing opportunities. A group of 6 guests can book the entire camp for their exclusive use at no extra charge – the camp's remaining tent is closed to allow the group complete exclusivity.
Zarafa camp has a large central area under canvas with an adjacent library containing a computer for viewing or downloading digital images. The main area is furnished in the same 'marquis style' as the tents and evokes the traditional safari ambience of the turn of the last century. Lounge and dining facilities can be enjoyed under canvas or on the full-length deck overlooking the expansive view and shaded by giant trees. Zarafa prides itself on being the greenest luxury camp or lodge anywhere; only recycled hardwoods and canvas were used in the construction, while the camp's electricity comes from its solar farm and a system of batteries and inverters.
Activities at Zarafa are flexible to suit guests' particular interests and include morning, afternoon and night game drives with experienced professional guides in custom-built 4x4 Toyota Land Cruisers. This predator-rich reserve includes cheetah, wild dog, lion, and leopard, while the massive herds of elephants are another highlight. Short, guided nature walks from camp are encouraged to introduce guests to some of Africa's less prominent wildlife. Rather than relaxing by the pool, siesta time can be spent in the sunken hide at the waterhole's edge, photographing the huge pods of hippos and crocodiles. Alternatively, guests can head on to the water in the custom-built boat, where water birds can be found in great variety and abundance, including an African skimmer colony.
Zarafa Camp offers spectacular views of the floodplains and savanna while giving guests an intimate and personal experience with abundant wildlife.
