Zarafa Camp
Spending time here is about immersion – watching wildlife interactions develop over hours, learning the nuances of the landscape from expert guides, and appreciating how one exceptional setting can reveal something new each day. It’s a style of safari that feels thoughtful, unforced, and deeply true to Botswana.
Location
With open grasslands, floodplains and lagoon systems stretching across more than 320,000 acres, the area supports exceptional game viewing. Wildlife is often visible from camp itself, drawn to the water and open terrain that define this unique landscape.
Accommodation
Cross the polished wooden floors of the air-conditioned suites and you’ll find an inviting lounge, beautiful bedroom and open-plan bathroom. Wrapped around each suite you’ll find an expansive outdoor deck where you can take a dip in the serene plunge pool; bask in dappled sunlight whilst reclining on the outdoor seating; or cool off in the outdoor shower - all in complete privacy.
The Dhow Suite takes Zarafa’s outstanding hospitality to a new level. The stunning two-bedroom tented suite is perfect for families or couples travelling together. Set apart from the rest of the camp Dhow benefits from the services of a personal butler, chef, safari vehicle and wildlife guide. The only other visitors you might see are the elephants that frequent the plunge pool for a drink.
Experiences
- Zarafa is located in a wildlife wonderland, home to many predators and big game animals. Less common species, such as African wild dogs, roan and sable antelope, inhabit the area too.
- Delight in enthralling morning, afternoon and early-evening game drives in an open, 4×4 safari vehicle.
- Be led by your expert guide on a leisurely walking safari to learn more about the native flora and smaller fauna that inhabit the area.
- Seize the opportunity to catch a glimpse of Africa's elusive nocturnal animals in action on a night drive.
- Zarafa is close to the Zibadianja Lagoon, renowned for its colony of African Skimmers. A bird lover's paradise, each suite comes with its own pair of Swarovski binoculars.
- Explore the waterways by boat, perhaps even giving catch-and-release fishing a try when it’s in season.
- Hop aboard the large pontoon boat, grab yourself a sundowner and cruise the lagoon while watching hippos, elephants and other wildlife.
Get a snap of the action
Whether in a specialist vehicle on a game drive, soaring above the Spillway in a helicopter or cruising across the lagoons by boat, your expert guide will help position you to get that perfect shot.
Why We Include Zarafa in Our Journeys
For us, Zarafa is about immersion — lingering where the animals come to drink, watching elephants in remarkable numbers, borrowing professional cameras to capture encounters, and sensing the ebb and flow of the floodplain itself. In this setting, safari becomes less about ticking boxes and more about deep connection with the land and its wildlife.
We often include Zarafa for travellers who value time with nature, excellent guiding, and the opportunity to explore both land and water with intention and ease — creating journeys that feel rich in experience without being rushed.
From the Team
“Zarafa is one of those camps that really stays with you. Sitting quietly by the lagoon, watching elephants arrive in numbers you can hardly believe, you realise how powerful it is to simply spend time in one exceptional place. The guiding, the setting, the pace – it all comes together in a way that feels very true to Botswana.”
Why Plan Your Safari with Journeysmiths
Every journey we design begins with listening. Whether you’re travelling as a family, a couple, or across generations, we take time to understand how you want your safari to feel – not just where you want to go. From there, we carefully weave together exceptional places, trusted guides, and seamless logistics to create journeys that flow naturally and feel entirely your own.Every journey we design begins with listening. Whether you’re travelling as a family, a couple, or across generations, we take time to understand how you want your safari to feel – not just where you want to go. From there, we carefully weave together exceptional places, trusted guides, and seamless logistics to create journeys that flow naturally and feel entirely your own.
We prioritise working with properties that collaborate with local communities and address location-specific needs from education to anti-poaching. We assess our partners to ensure the people we work with share our values of ensuring our trips continue to act as a force for good. Here we share some of the positive impacts your stay here contributes to.We prioritise working with properties that collaborate with local communities and address location-specific needs from education to anti-poaching. We assess our partners to ensure the people we work with share our values of ensuring our trips continue to act as a force for good. Here we share some of the positive impacts your stay here contributes to.
Great Places to Combine with Zarafa Camp
Zarafa Camp works beautifully as part of a wider Botswana journey. We often pair it with contrasting environments to create a sense of flow and variety.Zarafa Camp works beautifully as part of a wider Botswana journey. We often pair it with contrasting environments to create a sense of flow and variety.
Atop 10-metre high cliffs on the western bank of the Boteti River, the distinctive Desert & Delta owned Leroo La Tau sits. An exceptional vantage point for the flowing river below, you’ll be treated to incomparable views of the rich wildlife without even leaving your room.
Chobe Game Lodge offers five-star luxury in the wilds of the bush. A haven of peace and tranquillity, the lodge overlooks the winding Chobe River, which is frequented by a whole host of bird species and wildlife including the world’s largest remaining population of elephants. Fully Ecotourism-certified, Chobe Game Lodge is sure to provide an unforgettable experience for couples, small groups and families alike
Perched atop a hill on the banks of the Chobe River, lies the sophisticated Sanctuary Chobe Chilwero. With panoramic views across the island-dotted floodplains - which many big game, predators, smaller mammals and birdlife call home - the lodge offers a memorable safari experience infused with plenty of luxury.
Set in one of the most private areas of Damaraland, Onduli Ridge is the perfect property if you relish tranquillity.
Cape Grace is quite simply one of the finest hotels in Africa. Classic, elegant, and offering unparalleled service, with waterfront and mountain views, it’s one of our favourites in Cape Town.
Set on a secluded stretch of the Zambezi River within Zambezi National Park, Mpala Jena Private Villas offer an exclusive safari experience with complete privacy, personalised guiding, and easy access to both wildlife-rich landscapes and Victoria Falls.
Blending the spirit of 1940s African exploration with modern exclusivity and opulence, Jacks Camp has long set the standard for luxury safari experiences. With the addition of the secluded Jack’s Private Camp, guests can enjoy an even more personal, private and tailored adventure in the midst of the stark beauty of the Kalahari Desert.
Matetsi River Lodge is one of the finest contemporary properties in Zimbabwe. Superbly situated for exciting wildlife safaris in the reserve and on the river, and for epic sightseeing at Victoria Falls, it ticks every box.
Spectacular!
"Spectacular birding and game watching trip to Botswana for 8 people. I have had the enormous privilege of holidaying in South Africa several times with Journeysmiths. All have been quite splendid-but the most recent trip was very probably the very best."
From the pristine wilderness of Linyanti, to the glistening floodplains of the Okavango Delta, and beyond to the shimmering salt flats of Makgadikgadi - this Botswana safari will leave you with incredible memories from beginning to end. Experience the diverse ecosystems and wildlife Botswana has to offer in this epic journey from plains, to delta to desert.
This memorable safari combines a journey through one of Africa’s most game rich areas, with a visit to one of the seven natural wonders of the world. Experience Botswana’s abundant wildlife in the spectacular Okavango Delta and Linyanti, before heading to the winding Zambezi River to see the astonishing Victoria Falls.
Travel across Southern Africa in complete luxury, staying at some of the most exclusive properties on the continent. With every single detail taken care of by exceptional guides and staff at each location, you can concentrate on what really matters - immersing yourself in an exclusive African safari experience.
From the glistening floodplains of the Okavango Delta, to the pristine wilderness of Linyanti, and beyond to the shimmering salt flats of Makgadikgadi - this family friendly safari will leave you all with lifelong memories. Experience the diverse ecosystems and wildlife Botswana has to offer in this spectacular journey from Delta to Desert.
Botswana is Africa’s most exclusive safari destination. Each enormous private reserve has just one or two luxury lodges guaranteeing a series of private experiences as you travel from one exquisite location to the next. Expert guides will take your family on safari among big cats and vast elephant herds in beautiful deltas and deserts.
Imagine gliding silently along an Okavango waterway in a mokoro canoe as zebra and impala graze the grasslands. Or cantering on horseback with your guide alongside giraffe. In the Kalahari, take an early morning walk with a San Bushman as he explains the ancestral secrets of survival.
Here’s something you might not expect. The people looking after you on safari might create some of your happiest safari memories. You’ll remember laughter and those after dinner stories and jokes around the campfire. During a three-night stay in a luxury camp, you’ll get to make friends with your guide, the chef, the vegetable gardener and the other people who love their work.
Botswana is a great choice for an exclusive family safari. Roaming the spectacular deserts, deltas and savannahs are literally millions of animals. The fertility and abundant water of the Okavango and Linyanti Deltas supports an incredible 200 different mammal species. The Government’s high value, low volume tourism policy helps conservation and enables you to enjoy a top quality private safari.
Between safaris there is plenty for children to do in camp while the adults relax. Safari lodges may be small and in remote locations, but they have excellent facilities and your hosts’ purpose is to give you the best possible time. In this section we also suggest a couple of places that combine easily to complement your Botswana safari.
We’ve compiled a list of our favourite experiences to inspire your imagination.
The best way to give your family the facilities it seeks may be to book out an entire camp or lodge. Perhaps you are planning a multi-generation safari. Or you may want to fulfil a dream of walking, mokoroing and camping out in the Okavango. You may simply crave an extra degree of privacy. Most lodges we use take fewer than 16 guests, some take only eight, so booking a whole lodge is a viable option.
Booking your family safari to Botswana opens a door to a world of exciting adventure. From the minute your Cessna touches the bush strip, your family will be in the wilds with expert guides. We curated the top 10 family experiences in Botswana to whet your appetite.
Escape into the wilds of Botswana, where the pristine landscape and varied wildlife abound. On a luxury safari in Botswana, you can expect to share your safari with only a handful of other guests, as our travel insider Philippa Page discovered.
Botswana is one of the best places for a family holiday of a lifetime! There are millions of animals across plains, deserts and deltas.
The Kalahari is a fascinating place for a family safari. The children can sit by a meerkat den watching these curious little creatures foraging and playing as one stands guard on its hind legs looking out for eagles. They can watch enthralled as a San Bushman reveals hidden secrets that have enabled them to survive here for thousands of years.
Botswana, a land of contrasts, captivates travelers with its seasonal transformations. The Okavango Delta floods draw abundant wildlife, while rains blanket the Makgadikgadi and Nxai salt pans in green. Chobe National Park hosts vast elephant herds, and the north's lush landscapes contrast with the Kalahari's stark beauty in the south. This unforgettable journey offers Africa’s most exclusive safari in complete luxury.
When seeking advice, we all agree that we should trust someone with first-hand experience. A frequent visitor to Botswana, Laura knows the luxury lodges and camps that reveal Botswana’s remarkable wildlife and the distinct landscapes that shape each safari experience.