GOSEGO MOTSUMI
Luxury knows no bounds at Zarafa Camp, the flagship of Great Plains Conservation. Nestled on the private Selinda Reserve which links the iconic Okavango Delta with the Linyanti waterways, the camp is part of the prestigious Relais & Châteaux collection that has long been a haven for those seeking an unforgettable blend of comfort and nature.
It recently welcomed a group of guests who brought an aura of athletic prowess to its serene landscapes when the Botswana Olympic Team was flown in from Maun by Mack Air to unwind amidst the wilderness.
A hearty welcome
When Executive Chef Elona Manyenyeza, the culinary artist behind Zarafa Camp’s renowned dining experience, received the news that she would be cooking for the nation’s Olympic team, excitement buzzed through the kitchen. The athletes – fresh from the world stage – sought a retreat where they could relax and rejuvenate after the gruelling competition season.
For Chef Elona, this was an opportunity to blend the art of fine dining with the local flavours of Botswana, creating a menu that would not only satisfy the refined palates of her guests but also introduce them to the culinary treasures of the camp.
Crafting menus in the bush
She shared in an interview: “When you are in the bush, you need to be an all-rounder chef. As a chef, I want to explore African cuisine as it inspires me. As chefs, we must not forget our tradition and background. The food that we serve must embrace it.”
As the athletes arrived at the camp, they were greeted by Chef Elona’s offerings: a spread of delicacies that married international finesse with the authentic tastes of home. Around lunch and dinner, Chef Elona presented a menu featuring fresh vegetables in innovative dishes and healthy, sophisticated options, all highlights of Zarafa Camp’s dining experience.
She explained: “Relais & Châteaux sets the standard of making everything from scratch ensuring that food is served fresh. We use what is organic and free-range while interacting with our guests to give them an artistic culinary experience.”
Fit for peak performance
Cooking for elite athletes required more than just crafting beautiful plates. Chef Elona carefully considered the nutritional needs of her guests, creating meals that balanced indulgence with the dietary requirements of those accustomed to peak performance.
Breakfasts were a colourful affair with a buffet of tropical fruits, granola, and protein-rich options like egg omelettes paired with pastries and roasted vegetables.
Lunches were lighter yet satisfying – perfect for those returning from morning game drives. Pizza or freshly made avocado and pear salad became a favourite among the athletes, offering a lighter option to indulge in during a hot summer day.
As the sun dipped below the Delta’s horizon, dinners transformed into a multi-course affair, highlighting Botswana’s culinary heritage while embracing the diverse palates of the world’s best athletes.
Handwritten recipes
Chef Elona, known for her culinary mastery, freely shared the secrets behind the dishes that made the Olympic team’s stay unforgettable. After each meal, guests who found themselves captivated by the vibrant dishes could request her to unveil the magic behind her creations.
Chef Elona allowed them a glimpse into her world, offering a handwritten recipe with her personalised signature. It was an unexpected gesture because chefs often keep their secrets closely guarded.
For Elona, sharing these recipes allows the guests to carry a piece of the culinary art experience back home with them, thus creating a bond that lingers long after they left the camp’s tranquil embrace.
“It was a privilege to create meals that fuel both body and spirit,” Chef Elona reflected. “Seeing the joy on their faces as they tasted a dish that captured what I prepared made all the hard work worthwhile.”
On a personal note, stepping onto the island that hosts Zarafa Camp is like entering a world where nature’s grandeur meets artisanal luxury, all set against the dramatic backdrop of the southern shores of the Zibadianja Lagoon.
From the moment you arrive, it is clear that Zarafa is an invitation to experience the wild with all your senses. As you stand on the deck of the camp’s main lobby, the panoramic view of the lagoon reveals itself in full splendour.
Symphony of the savannah
Hippos surface with splashes and snorts, their presence felt even at night when their calls reverberate through the air, mingling with the distant roar of a lion pride on the hunt. It’s as if the wildlife has choreographed a symphony of the savannah, with each sound painting a picture of life unfolding in its purest form.
And then the resident elephant, a gentle giant who lingers close enough for guests to capture those picture-perfect moments, creating memories that seem to leap straight from a nature documentary.
Yet, while the wildlife is the star of the show, Zarafa Camp itself is a masterpiece. Every corner breathes the spirit of craftsmanship, from the lovingly prepared meals to the friendly, attentive staff whose warmth makes each stay truly unforgettable.
Timelessness
It’s not just about service; it’s about connection. Nthabiseng Mokotedi, the camp’s only female guide, is a testament to this ethos. A professionally trained guide, Mokotedi shares her deep knowledge of the area with passion, turning each game drive into a storytelling journey through the landscape.
The camp’s design is as captivating as the nature surrounding it. The colonial-style décor, crafted from reclaimed wood, gives a sense of timelessness, a tribute to artisanal beauty that transcends eras.
Golden touches glint in the sunlight while ornate bathtubs, elegantly designed taps and exquisite ornaments bring a sense of luxury to the wild. Surrounding you is a fine art collection of wildlife photography, captured through the lens of National Geographic photographers, Dereck and Beverly Joubert, who envisioned this haven for photographers and nature lovers alike.
Canon moments
Zarafa Camp offers more than just a front-row seat to nature’s wonders; it hands you the tools to capture them. Each tent comes with a complimentary Canon camera, encouraging you to capture the drama of a lion’s stare or the grace of a giraffe during your stay. There’s a certain thrill in taking your own photos, knowing that your snapshots will be preserved on a USB drive, moments that will transport you back to the Delta long after you’ve left.
For those seeking an active retreat, Zarafa’s open-air gym offers a unique experience where a workout is accompanied by the sights and sounds of the savannah.
Imagine lifting weights with a view of warthogs ambling in the distance or stretching into a yoga pose under the watchful eye of a passing elephant. It is the perfect way to stay connected with nature while keeping up with your fitness routine.
At Zarafa, you’re not just a guest but a part of the Delta’s living story, one frame at a time.