Africa by Lusso

At a glance

Luxury camp located on the private 230,000-acre Selinda Reserve
Just four marquee-style tented suites with private decks and plunge pools
Witness some of Africa’s largest elephant and buffalo herds
Complimentary use of high-quality camera equipment and binoculars
Children eight years and older are welcome

Overview

Shaded by a canopy of ebony and ivory trees, the four marquee-style tented suites are elevated on wooden decking, each with its own plunge pool and shaded veranda. Decorated in custom-made furnishings, they enjoy the traditional safari ambiance of a bygone era, with rug-covered wooden floors, fireplaces, net-draped king beds, copper baths and indoor and outdoor showers.Built under canvas, the central areas extend out to spacious viewing decks where sundowners can be shared around a sociable fire pit. Delicious meals are served in the elegant dining area or out on the deck, accompanied by a selection of fine wines. There's a bush boutique and an outdoor gym, and in-room spa treatments are available on request.

Morning and afternoon game drives are conducted in specially adapted photography vehicles and short walks, birdwatching and pontoon cruises provide excellent opportunities to view the reserve's abundant wildlife.

When to visit

Best

Good

Varied

January

32ºC

Maximum Tempurature

19ºC

Minimum Tempurature

75mm

Average Rainfall

January is in the peak of the green season, with hot sunny spells punctuated by spectacular afternoon thunderstorms, providing welcome relief from the summer heat. Birding is excellent at this time of the year as it's peak breeding time for many of the migrant bird species. Game viewing is good with many predators chasing the fast-developing young of their prey species. It's also an ideal month for photography due to the vivid colours, dramatic skies and excellent air clarity. This is a significantly more affordable time of year to visit Botswana, however some camps do close.
February

32ºC

Maximum Tempurature

19ºC

Minimum Tempurature

97mm

Average Rainfall

February continues into the peak of the green season with hot, humid days punctuated by spectacular thunderstorms. Birding is still excellent with many migrant species still around. You may still see some animals giving birth, with increased predator activity in search of an easy meal. February is also excellent for photography with dramatic skies and vibrant landscapes bursting with colour. The green season offers the opportunity to stay in some truly wonderful camps at greatly reduced rates from the peak season.
March

31ºC

Maximum Tempurature

17ºC

Minimum Tempurature

88mm

Average Rainfall

March sees the temperatures start to cool down, although days are still hot and humid. The rains also start to ease off, however afternoon thunderstorms are still to be expected. March remains an excellent month for landscape photography with dramatic skies and clear air. It's also a great time for bird watching with many migrants in their breeding plumage.
April

31ºC

Maximum Tempurature

17ºC

Minimum Tempurature

28mm

Average Rainfall

April is a transitional month between summer and the start of winter. Days continue to be hot and sunny, however the evenings are starting to get cooler. Rainfall has almost ceased across the country, although there may still be a few scattered showers. As the temperatures can vary significantly between the day and night, layers are recommended. April signals the start of the impala rutting season, a great time to witness dramatic clashes between rival males fighting it out for females.
May

28ºC

Maximum Tempurature

10ºC

Minimum Tempurature

5mm

Average Rainfall

May signals the start of the dry season and there is almost no rainfall throughout the month. Daytime temperatures are still pleasantly warm and sunny, however evenings and early mornings are cool, so layers and a jacket are recommended. Waterholes start to dry up and animals start to move towards more permanent sources of water, making for some excellent and varied game viewing, particularly in the Savute region where herds of zebra and buffalo congregate in large numbers. In the Linyanti and Chobe River System, breeding herds of elephant start to increase in density daily as they visit the permanent waters to drink. The rising waters also attract a range of resident water birds, while the migrants take to the skies to head north for their winter feeding and breeding grounds.
June

25ºC

Maximum Tempurature

6ºC

Minimum Tempurature

1mm

Average Rainfall

June is a wonderful time to visit. You can expect beautifully warm days, however nights and early mornings are cold, so layers are recommended. The dry season has started in earnest with animals congregating in large numbers along the fringes of the Okavango Delta and on the waterways of the Savute Channel and Linyanti river systems. Sightings of African wild dogs improve as they begin to search for dens for their puppies. This is also a good time for walking safaris.
July

25ºC

Maximum Tempurature

6ºC

Minimum Tempurature

0mm

Average Rainfall

July is Botswana’s coldest month, with warm sunny days but near-freezing mornings and evenings; plenty of layers and jackets are recommended. July is also the driest month in Botswana with no rainfall. The soft light combined with dust from the dry landscape and prolific game make for some dramatic photography. More and more animals congregate around permanent water sources, which also become a focal point for predators. This is peak season in Botswana so advance booking is essential.
August

28ºC

Maximum Tempurature

8ºC

Minimum Tempurature

0mm

Average Rainfall

August remains extremely dry with clear blue skies, temperatures on the rise and warm days. However, evenings and early mornings are still cold. The elephant herds are getting larger in Chobe and Linyanti and with limited water available, there is often tension among the breeding herds around waterholes. Short grass, bare trees and limited water ensure excellent game viewing with wildlife congregating around permanent water sources. August is a very popular safari month in Botswana so advance booking is strongly advised.
September

33ºC

Maximum Tempurature

13ºC

Minimum Tempurature

1mm

Average Rainfall

The weather starts to change in September, signalling the end of winter. For the most part, the country is dry and temperatures start to rise quite rapidly, with hot dry days and warmer evenings. Bird watching is good thanks to the arrival of the first migrant bird species. Water levels start to drop, leading to high concentrations of elephant and buffalo herds in the Chobe and Linyanti regions, as well as some excellent predator action.
October

35ºC

Maximum Tempurature

18ºC

Minimum Tempurature

13mm

Average Rainfall

October is the hottest month in Botswana with balmy evenings and daytime temperatures often reaching 40°C. Game viewing is excellent, vegetation is sparse, and animals gather around the last remining waterholes, giving the big cats excellent hunting opportunities. The Chobe and Linyanti areas are thriving with large herds of thirsty elephants. Birding is excellent with hundreds of birds breeding and nesting and the heronries full of activity.
November

34ºC

Maximum Tempurature

19ºC

Minimum Tempurature

49mm

Average Rainfall

November sees Botswana emerging from the dry season, with soaring thunderclouds and more migrant bird species returning once the rains start. Wildlife viewing remains good with many animals still congregated around the waterholes. In Chobe & Linyanti, the riverbanks are crowded with large herds of elephant and buffalo. When the rain arrives around mid-November it's in the form of dramatic thunderstorms, causing wildlife to disperse to feed on fresh new vegetation. As the pans start to fill, the antelope birthing season begins, with many predators seeking out the vulnerable young. Prices drop significantly in November, offering excellent value for money if you are able to travel at this time.
December

33ºC

Maximum Tempurature

19ºC

Minimum Tempurature

71mm

Average Rainfall

December is the start of the green season. The rains become more regular, with thunderstorms every few days cooling down the hot daytime temperatures. Nights are warm and humid. Grazing is plentiful on the plains and predators take advantage of the newborn wildebeest and young antelope. Sightings of lion, leopard and cheetah are also likely. The migrant birds have all arrived and birding is excellent. Dramatic skies and vibrant colours make for excellent photography.

Location

Zarafa Camp is located on the private 230,000-acre Selinda Reserve in northern Botswana. Light aircraft charters run from Kasane and Maun to the Zarafa Airstrip, a 45-minute drive from the camp. Private charters can also be arranged.

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