The Dhow Suite At Zarafa

Highlights

• Private suite spanning over 2,260 sq. feet
• Two spacious bedrooms with twin or double bed options
• Relais & Châteaux recognised the dining experience
• Exquisite dishes crafted with locally sourced ingredients
• An exceptional wine list featuring world-class vintages
• Catch-and-release fishing is available from March to December
• Thrilling and diverse activities immersed in the beauty of the Okavango Delta
• Spacious suite with two separate bedrooms, ideal for families
• Child-friendly amenities, including customised meal options
• Within minutes of sister camp, Zarafa Camp, adjoining main camp

Information

• Lodge type: Luxury Safari Villa
• Location: Selinda Reserve, Botswana
• Lodge size: 2 Bedrooms
• Recommended stay: 3-7 nights

Experience The Dhow Suite At Zarafa In The Heart Of The Selinda Reserve

The Dhow Suite at Zarafa is one of the most extraordinary and luxurious retreats in Africa. This stunning two-bedroom tented suite is set within the 130,000-hectare Selinda Reserve in northern Botswana, a pristine wilderness that links the Okavango Delta to the Chobe and Savute corridors. Offering breathtaking views and access to iconic wildlife, it's a dream setting.

Entirely under canvas, the Dhow Suite combines exceptional luxury with seamless integration into its natural surroundings. As one of Africa's largest and most elegant suites, it offers unparalleled comfort. Located near Zarafa Camp, part of Botswana's prestigious Relais & Châteaux collection, it overlooks the tranquil Zibadianja Lagoon—the source of the famous Savute Channel.

Spanning 210 square meters (2,260 square feet), the Dhow Suite features high canopy ceilings, open netted sides, and beige canvas walls that immerse guests in the surrounding wilderness. Sustainability is at the heart of the Dhow Suite. Its eco-friendly design and operation harmonise perfectly with the untouched and private Selinda Reserve, ensuring guests can enjoy this incredible setting responsibly.

The wildlife here is remarkable. Selinda Reserve is a sanctuary for iconic species like lions, leopards, elephants, giraffes, zebras, and buffalo, along with rarer animals such as African wild dogs, roan antelope, sable, and cheetahs. Bird enthusiasts will delight in the African skimmer colony and the unique behaviour of Black egrets along the lagoon.

The Dhow Suite at Zarafa is more than a safari retreat—it's an immersive journey into the heart of Africa's wild beauty.

Rooms And Suites

The Dhow Suite at Zarafa offers an exclusive and luxurious safari experience. This private suite, spanning over 2,260 sq. feet, mirrors the elegance of a bygone era while incorporating modern comforts.

The suite is designed with two spacious bedrooms that adjoin a central living area under a beautifully canopied beige canvas, resting on a deck built with century-old teak railroad ties. Guests can choose between twin or double bed configurations, all equipped with mosquito netting and cooled by a combination of standing fans and over-bed air-conditioning.

Each bedroom is complemented by an open-air-style en-suite bathroom featuring an indulgent claw foot copper tub, double vanities, and an indoor shower as well as outdoor shower. To ensure visitors' convenience, the suite also comes with a separate flush loo room and a full range of luxurious amenities, including soap, shampoo, conditioner, lotion, and hairdryers.

A gas fireplace enhances the cosiness during cooler months, blending comfort and sophistication seamlessly.

Cuisine And Wine

At The Dhow Suite at Zarafa, dining is more than just a meal — it is an unforgettable experience tailored to your preferences. The kitchen is recognised by Relais & Châteaux.

Executive Chefs craft exquisite dishes using the finest locally sourced ingredients, ensuring every bite reflects the rich flavours of the region. With a commitment to excellence, all meals are prepared to international standards and accompanied by an exceptional wine list featuring some of the world's finest vintages.

Whether you prefer to dine indoors or under the stars on a private deck, every detail is considered to create a magical culinary moment.

Special requests are always welcomed, from dietary accommodations to bespoke menus, promising a unique and personalised gastronomic adventure.

Facilities

The central lounge and dining room is a welcoming space when staying at The Dhow Suite at Zarafa, complete with a cosy small bar and a thoughtfully designed coffee and tea station. Step outside to discover an expansive deck featuring a fire pit and ample seating—perfect for enjoying serene evenings under the stars.

The 5m private swimming pool invites you to take a refreshing dip, while private decking leads to an exclusive plunge pool, offering an intimate escape into relaxation. Inside, the lounge is thoughtfully arranged with a comfortable couch, two armchairs, and a dining table, all complemented by a convenient coffee station.

A well-stocked mini bar boasts an impressive selection of beverages, including fine wines and premium spirits, ensuring every indulgence is at your fingertips. Wi-Fi is available within the suite, keeping you connected when needed, though the lack of a mobile signal ensures a true retreat into tranquillity.

Activities

Guests staying at The Dhow Suite at Zarafa can partake in a curated selection of activities that showcase the region's natural beauty and wildlife. Game drives with a private game drive vehicle are a highlight, offering the chance to spot a diverse array of wildlife, including big cats, elephants, and other iconic African animals. For those seeking a more intimate connection with nature, guided bush walks are also available, providing insights into the smaller details of the wilderness, such as plant life, tracks, and insects.

Visitors can immerse themselves in the serenity of the waterways with boating excursions. The flat-bottomed aluminium powerboat enables exploration of the nearby lagoon and channels, while the H.E.S. Zib pontoon offers a luxurious floating experience, perfect for enjoying brunches or sundowners as the vibrant scenery unfolds. Bird enthusiasts will delight in the opportunity to observe a variety of avian species from this unique vantage point.

For avid photographers, The Dhow Suite provides access to a professional camera set, allowing guests to capture the remarkable sights of the Okavango Delta. Additionally, fishing enthusiasts can try their hand at catch-and-release fishing between March and December, testing their skills with the local bream. These diverse activities ensure that every guest's stay is as thrilling and memorable as Zarafa's enchanting surroundings.

Child Friendly

The Dhow Suite at Zarafa offers the perfect retreat for families seeking both comfort and adventure in the heart of the wilderness. With ample space and two en-suite bedrooms, families with up to three children can enjoy exclusive luxury suitable for young travellers. The suite is equipped with additional amenities, ensuring a comfortable stay for children, including child-friendly meal options and activities tailored to entertain younger guests.

The camp's Great Plains Young Explorers program adds an enriching dimension to the experience, offering children the chance to engage in hands-on activities such as learning to track wildlife, identifying bird species, or even participating in guided art and cooking sessions. These activities are designed to be both educational and engaging, nurturing a child's curiosity about the natural world. Families can also enjoy shared experiences like safaris and guided nature walks, fostering a deeper connection to their surroundings while making lasting memories together. The thoughtful combination of safety, adventure, and fun makes The Dhow Suite an ideal destination for families.

Spa And Wellness

The Dhow Suite at Zarafa provides guests with exclusive access to a tranquil wellness experience. The private deck of the suite offers a serene setting for personal fitness and relaxation activities or a in room massage option. Guests can request exercise equipment such as spinning bikes, yoga mats, and dumbbells to maintain their fitness routine while enjoying stunning views of the lagoon.

For relaxation and rejuvenation, the nearby Spa at Zarafa is the perfect retreat. With two treatment areas and a variety of therapies available, guests can indulge in personalised spa treatments designed to enhance their well-being. All treatments are expertly crafted to provide a sense of balance and tranquillity, ensuring a truly luxurious and restorative experience.

Spa visits and treatments are at an additional cost, giving guests the flexibility to curate their ideal wellness itinerary.

In Conclusion

Visiting the private Selinda Reserve and staying at the Dhow Suite at Zarafa offers a unique chance to connect with Africa's wild beauty. This exclusive retreat combines luxury and nature, letting guests experience the wilderness in comfort. Whether watching elephants by the water or a predator's dramatic chase, every moment here celebrates life at its purest.

The Selinda Reserve's dedication to conservation helps protect the region's incredible biodiversity. Guests play a key role in these efforts, with their stay supporting endangered species and preserving this pristine habitat. It's a reminder that responsible tourism can help safeguard our planet's natural treasures.

With stunning landscapes, abundant wildlife, and Zarafa's exceptional hospitality, Selinda Reserve promises unforgettable memories. Step away from everyday life into a world where nature rules. For those seeking adventure, peace, or a chance to make a difference, The Dhow Suite at Zarafa is truly unmatched.