Welcome to the Selinda Reserve - an enormous 300,000 acre private wildlife reserve located in the remotest reaches of northern Botswana - selinda, selinda reserve, okavango delta, safari, botswana, walking safari, zarafa camp, national geographic, exclusive game reserve, luxury, pristine wildlife, elephants, lions, the big 5, motswiri, Zibadianja, camp, game drives, linyanti, chobe, private, walking trails, wild dog, spillway, savute, dereck and beverly joubert, colin bell

WELCOME TO ZARAFA CAMP
Zarafa Camp re-opened in June 2008 with a beautiful design and spectacular new location in the eastern sector of the Selinda Reserve. As an immediate recipient of accolades from numerous sources, Zarafa Camp is a true gem. Recent rave reviews and high praise include:

National Geographic Adventure (November 2008): Top 50 Eco-lodges of the World
Tattler (November 2008): Top 101 Lodges and Hotels of the World

Zarafa Camp is blessed with an extraordinary location. The camp, positioned under the shady canopy of jackalberry and red ivory trees, overlooks the patchwork of savannas and floodplains of Zibadianja Lagoon's southern shores. These uninterrupted views are breathtaking and provide regular sightings of the Reserve's prolific wildlife.

Zarafa Camp originally re-opened as Zibadianja Camp, inheriting its name from the previous camp of the same name. However, it was a challenge to pronounce, and it was agreed that as of January 1, 2009, the camp would be renamed Zarafa Camp. The site is 2km southeast of the original Zibadianja Camp.

Zarafa means "the beloved one" or "the lovely one" in Arabic. The name comes from a giraffe, which was presented to Charles X of France in 1826 by the Viceroy of Egypt. The giraffe was a sensation to all who saw her, and provided inspiration. The new Zarafa Camp lives up to the name, inspiring even the well-traveled, and renewing the spirit of all who visit.

ZARAFA, THE GIRAFFE
Zarafa is a true story about a young giraffe that, in 1826, appeared at the port of Marseilles as a gift from the Viceroy of Egypt to Charles X of France. Her journey to France began with her capture and taming in the Ethiopian highlands of southern Sudan. She then travelled 3,500 miles down the Blue Nile and the Nile accompanied by three cows that provided her with 25 litres of milk each day. From Alexandria, she embarked on a ship across the Mediterranean to Marseilles, France. Due to her height, a hole was cut through the deck above the cargo hold to allow her to extend her neck. After the voyage of 32 days, she arrived in Marseilles. She was then carefully escorted the last 900 km by foot to Paris. Zarafa's arrival in Paris caused a sensation - the 'beautiful African' captivated crowds of people. Over 100,000 people came to see her, approximately an eighth of the population of Paris at the time. An enthralled Charles X made sure that Zarafa was exhibited daily in the Jardin du Roi. Soon, songs, poems, satires, clothes and hair fashions were reflecting the impact of her arrival.

Zarafa remained in Paris for a further 18 years until her death. Her body was stuffed and displayed in the foyer of the Jardin des Plantes in Paris for many years, before being moved to the museum at La Rochelle, where it remains today.

In 1999, the American author Michael Allin wrote the book Zarafa: A Giraffe's True Story, from Deep in Africa to the Heart of Paris published by Delta books and available in most bookstores.

Photographic Credits: Dana Allen, Dook, Colin Bell, Beverly Joubert