Zibalianja Camp is a really lovely intimate camp (it has only 3 tented rooms) set on a small tree-island in the middle of the picturesque and open grasslands of Botswana's Selinda Reserve. Approaching the camp from rather dry and sandy surroundings, it is something of a surprise when you round the corner and find that Zibalianja stands on its own green lawn. The camp is located by the Selinda Spillway: a vital (if usually dry now) ancient watercourse that links the Linyanti with the Okavango.
The rooms at Zibalianja have been created from traditional Meru tents, and are all built on raised wooden platforms, giving far-reaching views of the surrounding plains. There's a central reed-walled dining room and a relaxing area with a memorable small bar. Below this, and next to the camp's waterhole, is a fantastic little hide where you can get down to ground level with the visiting big game around you.
Zibalianja offers 4x4 game drives (day and night) and also occasional short walks. If you'd like to walk more, then consider a two-or three-night excursion on the Selinda Walking Trail.
Selinda's team are old hands in Botswana, having run excellent small camps here for years. Their guides are some of Botswana's best: informative, enthusiastic and dedicated. The nature of the open environment in the Selinda Reserve means that often you can spot game a long way off, and it's perfect for following predators like wild dogs on hunting sorties.
Ideal length of stay: 2 to 3 nights. If wild dogs are denning in the area (usually around June time) you may wish to stay longer in order to increase your chances of a sighting.
Central facilities: Zibalianja's common areas are set in a peaceful lawned garden and include an open-sided dining area, library and lounge, and small curio shop. There is also a lovely thatched circular bar overlooking a waterhole to the front of the camp. Wildlife often wanders up during the day and evening, and makes entertaining viewing. A hide has also been built below the ground next to the waterhole – if, for example, elephant are spotted approaching and you are in camp, the staff will alert you so that you can hide down there before they arrive. This is a fantastic way to get really close up to game, and it gives an interesting and different perspective to that captured on a game drive.
Directions: Fly in. The camp is a 10—15 minute drive from Selinda Airstrip, always depending on what you see on your way.
Accessible by: Fly-and-Transfer
Key personnel
Owner: Linyanti Explorations
Staff: The camp is very ably managed by the friendly Tessa Campbell and Stuart Bell. Mots is the camp's excellent and knowledgeable guide.
Food & drink
Usual board basis: Full Board
Food quality: The food served at Zibalianja during our stay was excellent. The usual format applies here – a light breakfast is served around the camp's fire prior to your early morning game drive; then brunch is served at around 11 o'clock. Tea follows at about 4 o'clock and a full supper at around 8.
Breakfast consists of tea and coffee, along with cereal, toast, fruit and yoghurt. Brunch consists of a selection of buffet dishes (breads, salad, cheeses, scotch pancakes) which you can help yourself to, and also a main hot dish (one of the dishes we were given on our last visit, was a delicious aubergine, tomato and cheese bake).
At tea time, tea and coffee and fresh juice are offered, along with savoury and sweet dishes – the gooey double chocolate brownies are particularly memorable… You are usually offered a choice of two main dishes for supper, which you choose before hand. We were served a very good main course of Kudu and fresh vegetables on our most recent trip to Zibalianja. A choice of red or white wine is also offered with the meal.
Dining style: Group Meals
Dining locations: Indoor and Outdoor Dining
Room service: Room service is not available – this is a safari camp.
Cost of meal e.g. lunch: Included
Drinks included: Bottled water, soft drinks, local beers and spirits and a limited selection of (usually) South African red and white wines are included. Champagne and imported wines and spirits will cost extra and may need to be requested in advance.
Children
Attitude towards children: Generally children are welcome but please take into account the restrictions below.
Age restrictions: Children over 12 years of age are accepted. Children of 8 years and over may be accepted if the whole camp is booked out, but this must be requested in advance.
Activities: None.
Equipment: No special equipment is available at Zibalianja.
Generally recommended for children: Yes, Zibalianja is recommended for children who are over 12 years of age.
Notes: Zibaliaja is a very open with dangerous wildlife in the area, and is not suitable for small children. There are no family tents at this camp, and third beds cannot be added to any of the rooms.
Central communications
Power supply: Generator
Communications: For all intents and purposes you should consider yourself out of contact. There is no mobile reception, no direct phone or fax and no email – this is the bush! Radio contact can be made with headquarters in an emergency.
TV & radio: No television or radio, this is the bush!
Health & safety
Malarial area: Yes
Medical care: All camp managers are first-aid trained and a comprehensive first-aid kit is kept at camp. In an emergency, camps can arrange for clients to be flown out.
Dangerous animals: High Risk
Security measures: Because of the Okavango's large population of dangerous game, and the fact that Zibalianja is unfenced, guests are escorted to their rooms after dark. Alarms, sirens or whistles are provided in the rooms in case of an emergency.
Fire safety: There are extinguishers on the balconies of all rooms.
Extras
Disabled access: On Request
Laundry facilities: A full laundry service is included, save for the washing of underwear. Washing powder is provided in the bathrooms for this purpose.
Money: No exchange facilities are offered. There are safe deposit boxes in the rooms.
Accepted payment: Mastercard and Visa credit cards are accepted. Diners and Amex are not. No commission is charged on credit card transactions. Rand, £, $, Euros and Botswana Pula are accepted.
Wonderful small camp
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A little under our expectations.
This is a lovely and intimate camp, with very nice and friendly people, excellent service and food and beautiful location.
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Zibalianja review
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