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 who travelled from Africa in a traditional Dhow.
Today the Zarafa Dhow Suite is a stunning two-bedroom room tented villa located on the private 130,000 hectare Selinda Reserve in northern Botswana. The 210 square metre (2,260 square foot) villa is set on raised decking under flowing canvas. Entering through the wooden Lamu door, exclusivity takes on new meaning.
The Dhow Suite can cater for a maximum of four adults and one child sharing, in two separate bedrooms, plus an additional guide’s tent if required. Children from 6 years are welcome.
The Suite is located adjacent to Zarafa Camp, Botswana’s first and only Relais & Chateaux property and overlooking the Zibadianja Lagoon. Central to the Dhow Suite is a full lounge and dining area fitted with dining table, leather couch and chairs. Two large bedrooms with open layout bathrooms and copper claw-foot baths, sit to either side of the main area. A large decking area fronts onto the Suite with a plunge pool, exercise bike and fire-pit, all with views of pristine Botswana wilderness.
With all its careful appointments, the Dhow Suite maintains the perfect balance between luxury, romance and adventure. The camp also has no equal when it comes to its environmental credentials with only recycled hardwoods and canvas used in the construction and the Suite’s electricity generated from solar power.
Selinda Reserve, at the crossroads of some of northern Botswana’s most prolific wildlife areas is home to leopard, lion, cheetah, elephant, buffalo, red lechwe, zebra and giraffe. It is also a refuge for some of the more uncommon species such as African wild dog, roan and sable. It is an exciting area, and guests are in the heart of this wilderness wonderland.
Activities include: Early morning and late afternoon/early evening game viewing in a private open 4×4 vehicle, guided walks and cruising on the Zibadianja Lagoon on “HMS Zib” when water levels permit. There is an open-air gym and in-room massages are available.
