Having been on 3 upscale safari’s in Africa, I would have to say that Zarafa Camp was nothing short of magical. Located in 320,000 acres with only 4 tents you can imagine the kind of personalized level of service you get (they were planning on building 2 more tents).
The tents were over 1,000 sq. ft. of pure luxury. From spacious bedrooms with 4 poster beds , private decks, sitting rooms, fireplaces, copper tubs, large bathrooms, and outdoor plunge pools and showers. The views from your decks are breathtaking. The property has that “Out of Africa ” feel.
The game drives were a great experience with our private land cruiser and guide. Zarafa is known for its remarkable concentration of wildlife. There was a lot to see from elephants, wild dogs, leopards, impala , hippos, warthogs, hyenas, lions and a large variety of bird watching. The property is so large you feel like you are on your own private adventure. The guides were fantastic and tailored our safari just for us. While having tea, and sitting on the main deck we saw sone wild dogs take down an Impala in front of us and the devour it. Frightening yet fascinating.
The camp loans guests Swarovski crystal binoculars and professional telephoto lens cameras, as the owners of the camp work with National Geographic. You can use your own memory card or purchase one from them. Our pictures turned out fantastic.
The food was top notch at this camp and was above all others in quality and quantity. You wonder how they can accomplish this in the bush in the middle of nowhere. Even though Mombo Camp gets the highest rating and charges the most we preferred the food and accommodations at Zarafa. Mombo may have more wildlife sightings but it is also more crowded and not as private.
Lunch was always a BIG buffet spread with lots of healthy options plus a barbecue where they grilled a lot of beautiful cuts of meat. The breads and desserts are all homemade. There was afternoon tea and an elegant dinner. Afterwards it is sitting around a campfire with a drink where you recount your days adventures with the other few guests. The GM’s are always available and they join you for all meals. You really feel like you are guests in their private home. The staff go above and beyond to make your stay as comfortable as possible. The staff is warm and friendly and they anticipate your every desire.
This is really the best and most opulent camp in Botswana and the Delta region. Such a camp does not come cheap (although much cheaper than Mombo Camp), but it is a once in a lifetime experience.
Highest of recommendations.
