GREAT PLAINS DUBA EXPLORERS CAMP – DUBA PLAINS RESERVE – OKAVANGO DELTA

Duba Explorers Camp is tucked away in the northeast corner of the Duba Plains concession, a 77,000 acre private reserve in the Okavango Delta and the surroundings are dominated by permanent floodplain, interspersed with seasonal floodplains and grasslands and pockets of mopane and acacia woodlands.

The camp is set on a palm island surrounded on all sides by the pristine Okavango Delta. Under a canopy of mature jackalberry, leadwood, mangosteen and sycamore fig trees the camp has year-round shade and the camp’s location provides clear, unobstructed views across the surrounding water channels and allows cool breezes through the camp and guest tents.

Being part of a floodplain for most of the year the camp is on an island surrounded by beautiful landscapes and water courses. The camp is accessible only by two, gum pole bridges. At night listen to the sounds of hyena and lion and let the hippos sing you a to sleep.

LOCATION

Duba Explorers Camp is located in the Duba Plains Concession within the Okavango Delta in northern Botswana. Access is via a 45 minute light aircraft flight from Maun to Vumbura Airstrip and a 45 minute game drive to camp.

CAMP

The camp consists of just five tents of airy canvas on slightly raised decking with views of the surrounding flood plain. The tents are stylishly furnished with campaign writing desks, private verandas and ensuite facilities – flush loo, double basins and indoor shower.

Fans and careful open-air design maintain comfortable climate for rest and relaxation.

Wake up to panoramic views of the Delta floodplains and during the flood season the water channels link to open water filled with flowering water lilies and tall papyrus.

The main area is set under sweeping marquee canvas, on raised decking with an open-concept dining and lounge area.

ACTIVITIES

The unique flooding cycles of the Okavango Delta create a mosaic of habitats from permanent wetlands to seasonal floodplains to woodlands and grasslands and fosters an incredible diversity of wildlife. Plains created by dropping water levels in the dry season (December to April) form a perfect habitat for zebra, wildebeest, kudus and tsessebes. In the flood season (May to November) the area transforms into a water wonderland bringing its aquatic diversity with it. The year-round healthy herbivore population including elephant, buffalo and lechwe and good hunting terrain attracts predators such as lion, leopard and wild dogs.

Explore the water channels associated with the Ngoga River system by boat or traditional mokoro meandering through channels created by hippos and elephant. The mokoro allows you to glide silently through the channel systems and experience an undisturbed water world around you.

With over 400 bird species, birding is superb with spectacular species such as the malachite kingfisher zipping past you in a burst of colour. Vehicle safaris allow for exciting encounters with the predators resident to the area and on guided walks explore the islands, wetlands and plains, following the tracks and interpreting the signs of the wild.

Game Drives (day and night) – if you are here for the wildlife then the best way to see as much wildlife as possible is on a drive in customised open Land Cruiser.

Guided Walks – one of the benefits of staying within the conservancies is the ability to appreciate the stunning landscape on foot, peacefully, without the noise of engines. Usually early morning or evening is the best time as the middle of the day is too hot to venture out of the shade. Wear good walking shoes, a hat and neutral coloured clothing so as not to alarm the wildlife and take binoculars. Your guide will have water for you. Walks are led by licensed guides with firearm training.

Catch-and-Release Fishing – this is a great activity during mid-day siesta. Make sure you’re with a guide. During January and February there is a moratorium on fishing. Catch-and-release fishing only.

Motorised Boating and Mokoros – navigating through the Okavango Delta’s network of waterways is an invigorating way to get a sense of the scope of this huge wetland. You will have the opportunity for wonderful birding and maybe even see some hippo, buffalo and elephant sightings. Boating is a seasonal activity, typically between June and September but varies seasonally.

Young Explorers Programme – Duba Plains Camp offers a full syllabus of bush craft skills for our young explorers. This is a complimentary programme and an extensive pack will be offered to eager children on arrival so they can learn about animal calls, how to track wildlife, and other facts and figures about the wild. At the end of a child’s stay the child will become a Young Explorer and Conservation Ambassador – ready to go out and tell the world about what they have learned and what they too can do to help protect this beautiful environment.

GREAT PLAINS DUBA EXPLORERS CAMP IS OPEN ALL YEAR ROUND

THE CAMP WELCOMES FAMILIES WITH CHILDREN AGED 8 YEARS AND OLDER