The Dhow Suite at Zarafa

Life beside Zibadianja Lagoon unfolds at nature's pace at The Dhow Suite at Zarafa, an exclusive-use safari retreat in Botswana's Selinda Reserve where extraordinary wildlife and complete privacy define every stay.

Stretching between the Okavango Delta and the Chobe and Savute ecosystems, the Selinda Reserve supports one of Botswana's richest concentrations of wildlife throughout the year. Elephant and buffalo gather here in remarkable numbers, while lion, leopard, cheetah and endangered African wild dogs patrol the surrounding floodplains. The lagoon immediately beyond the suite remains a constant source of activity, ensuring that even the quietest moments between safari excursions are rarely without wildlife.

Accommodation

Inspired by the graceful lines of a traditional East African dhow, the suite has been created entirely beneath flowing canvas with warm timber, rich textiles and handcrafted furnishings giving it a distinctive sense of place. Two spacious en-suite bedrooms extend from a central living pavilion, creating an ideal layout for families or friends travelling together. Expansive decks, a private plunge pool and generous indoor and outdoor living spaces allow guests to spend as much time immersed in the surrounding wilderness as they do exploring it.

Dining

Dining is tailored entirely around your day, whether that means breakfast overlooking the lagoon before an early game drive, lunch in the bush or dinner beneath a canopy of stars. As part of the Relais & Châteaux collection, every meal reflects exceptional culinary standards, complemented by attentive service that remains relaxed, personal and never intrusive.

Safari Experience

Every stay includes a private guide and safari vehicle, giving complete flexibility to explore the Selinda Reserve at your own pace. Game drives reveal one of Africa's finest predator ecosystems, while guided walks, boating on the lagoon and seasonal fishing provide a different perspective on this remarkable landscape. Night drives uncover an entirely different side of the reserve, with regular encounters including leopard, civet, porcupine, hyena and other elusive nocturnal wildlife. Guests with an interest in photography also benefit from a specially equipped safari vehicle designed to maximise every wildlife encounter.

Wildlife & Seasons

The changing seasons continually reshape the Selinda Reserve, bringing fresh wildlife spectacles throughout the year. Seasonal floodwaters sustain vast herds of elephant and buffalo, while predators follow close behind. Birdlife is exceptional, from African skimmers nesting along the lagoon to countless waterbirds attracted by the permanent waterways, ensuring every visit offers something different.

Location

The Dhow Suite occupies one of the reserve's finest positions beside Zibadianja Lagoon, the source of the Savute Channel and one of northern Botswana's most important wildlife habitats. This remarkable setting links the Okavango Delta with the Chobe and Savute ecosystems, creating an extraordinary wilderness where exceptional wildlife and complete exclusivity exist side by side.