Reviews of Duba Explorers Camp
Wildlife sightings and reviews
21 independent comments and wildlife information from our travellers who have visited Duba Explorers Camp and kindly agreed to share their thoughts. They do not necessarily represent the views of Expert Africa
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"Duba Explorers Camp review"
However the wildlife was more of a struggle as only 2 lions and 2 lionesses on the area . Large water buffalo herd , wild dogs and hyenas seen here . Some elephants but nothing like Savute and expectations were for good elephant viewing . Sue was keen to see elephants so upon reflection given the time of year perhaps we should have stayed at a camp nearer water .
However we had an amazing encounter with 2 leopards who had been fighting and were up 2 trees and lying between the 2 trees were 2 lions fast asleep .
One jumped to another tree and then came down and walked past us and all in lovely sunshine and just fantastic to see these wonderful animals close up ." See all these reviews: 7n in Botswana; 2n in South Africa; 2n in Zimbabwe
"Duba Explorers Camp review"
Lovely rooms and food.
My guide Paul was fantastic, thank you." See all these reviews: 6n in Botswana
"Duba Explorers Camp review"
I have been to this camp several times before and Love it ! Foster was my guide. Enjoyed a helicopter transfer into camp. Mention to Justine camp manager. Delicious food from chef Maunday ?
Wild dogs were in the area. Watched as they chased a Leopard up a tree. Leopard sighting each day, Highlight Leopard crossing the bridge to camp when we were sat by fire.
We took breakfast and sundowners next to Hippos at a waterhole and they were quite relaxed. Spotted a Honey badger very briefly before it disappeared into Long grass.
Spent some time with 3 females and 2 sub adult male lions.
Spotted a large herd of buffalo which Dubai plains is famous for ! Hyenas feeding on a carcass." See all these reviews: 15n in Botswana
"Duba Explorers Camp review"
An elephant decided to join us for my birthday dinner - a wonderful, if a little too close for comfort, encounter! Was privileged to watch both wild dogs and lions hunting.
Only criticisms are having 6 people in the safari vehicle (in Kwara the max was 4) and although the food very good, on a couple of occasions the meat was not edible.
This in no way diminished the meals as there was plenty of everything else." See all these reviews: 11n in Botswana; 6n in South Africa; 2n in Namibia; 2n in Zambia
"Duba Explorers Camp review"
Really enjoyed communal dining as always interesting to talk to other travellers.
Excellent guiding and camp staff very friendly.
Wonderful location and transfer by helicopter and unexpected treat ." See all these reviews: 14n in Botswana
"Duba Explorers Camp review"
Beautiful main building and individual tents in a fantastic location overlooking the water with lechwe, buffalo and wart hogs walking around in front of the deck. Food was superb and great camp staff.
Game viewing was great. We saw wild dogs on the first evening, lions hunting, two really great leopard sightings. Izzy our guide was fantastic - really knew how to position the car for the best shots and went out of his way to find what we were looking for. A friend on the trip had told him jokingly that he needed to find a Pel's fishing owl. So he went and found one during his lunch break perched perfectly in the trees nearby
We even ( unexpectedly) got helicoptered into and out of the camp because the water level was high
Overall a fantastic camp with great guiding." See all these reviews: 14n in Botswana
"Duba Explorers Camp review"
It was fun watching the wild dogs over lunch from the camp deck. They have a pack of 7 and a pack of 23, and both are seen regularly close to the camp.
We also particularly liked the night drive where we spotted African wild cat, spring hare, civet and genets.
It is however not possible to get to the rhinos from Duba Explorers Camp." See all these reviews: 8n in Botswana
"Duba Explorers Camp review"
The staff were attentive and made sure we always had what we required. When they learned we were celebrating our 40th anniversary they laid a special table for us by the plunge pool and arrived with a cake singing to us!
Our guide , Piet, was a wonderful guy ; quietly spoken , very thoughtful toward our needs and so knowledgeable. He and Kay were great company on our safari drives.
The quality of the food is very high , the accommodation is comfortable , even remarkable , given the remoteness of this beautiful location." See all these reviews: 6n in Zimbabwe; 4n in Botswana
"Duba Explorers Camp review"
Transfer from the airstrip was by helicopter which was a real treat and a special way to arrive to a very warm welcome from the camp staff. The camp is accessed via a wooden bridge over the channel. There are only five 'tents' and ours was extremely spacious and well appointed with everything for traveller comfort being thought of, from iced water, hot water at the impressive tea station, fans, charging points, wifi, Swarovski binoculars to borrow, bathrooms and an enormous bathroom suite.
The deck overlooking the channel was very comfortable and shady. Food was exquisite from breakfast out on drives, lunch, afternoon tea and a choice of main courses for dinner. There is a quirky plunge pool and a resident Pels fishing owl for the birders! An extensive bar included local gins. Laundry service available and very quick to return items, Staff were very friendly and went out of their way to make our stay memorable including involving guests in celebrating Botswana Independence Day.
We had a private guide / vehicle for the two of us. I'm not sure if this is usual or just luck. The main disappointment with Duba for us was the guiding / wildlife experience. It was quite predator focused but then the tracking wasn't great and there was a lot of chasing around trying to reach sightings which made for a very uncomfortable driving experience on two occasions, shaking me up so much I was unwell and missed two game drives as a result. The guide seemed to be under pressure and reactive rather than proactive despite us saying we were very relaxed about game viewing (we have been on safari many times before and are not chasing sightings). This meant that we arrived late to sightings or missed them and it was apparent that they were not really achievable due to the large distances involved.
The landscape is varied and we saw a very large herd of buffalo but on the whole wildlife was relatively scarce when we were there. The mokoro trip from the camp was worth doing as was the walk, which for us lasted two hours and included a leopard sighting. Overall its a lovely camp but perhaps not one we would visit again as we go for the wildlife experience and prefer something more rustic." See all these reviews: 8n in Botswana
"Duba Explorers Camp review"
The managers (KP and Tseppo(?)) run a tight ship and were well briefed on our dietary requirements which were well reflected in meal choices. Main courses ( from a choice of two) can be ordered for dinner, which is communal in the open.
Tent was spacious, very well equipped and with lovely furniture - probably the most comfortable of the places we stayed. They are stocked with toiletries so there is no need to bring your own (and best not to as camps are trying to prevent chemical run off into the wetlands). Views from communal deck and our tent were enchanting over the river.
Wake up call is 5am (with very welcome tea/coffee and biscuits) with game drive departures at 5.30am. Game drives run until about 12.00 with lunch served around 12.30. ‘Bush breakfast’ is taken on the drive about 8.30 - generous and tasty.
Dinners were scheduled for 7.30 which could be tight if the afternoon game drive ‘overruns’ (we had a 5 minute walk to our tent, and occasionally we felt there was insufficient time to freshen up for dinner).
Game drives finish with welcome cold towels on return. ‘Personal’ metal cold water bottles – which you can keep (topped up for every drive) are a nice touch.
Game drives were fabulous. Our guide Zacharias was a delight – studious, and dogged in pursuit of sightings for us. His dedication meant occasionally sundowners were missed -but when Wild Dogs and Leopards are on the menu, it’s really not surprising!
We are keen birders so once Zach was aware of this he did switch his attention to spotting birds for us too. He and other staff went our of their way to secure us a sighting of Pel’s Fish Owl – which we did successfully and had a sighting of a juvenile alongside the resident pair - the first confirmation of breeding the camp has had. He also conducted a walking safari for us which was a real highlight.
In summary , we found Duba Explorers to be a superb camp with highly professional and friendly staff and excellent food." See all these reviews: 9n in Botswana
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