Duba Plains Camp: Our full report
Situated on a private reserve in the northern Okavango Delta, Duba Plains Camp has long been one of our favourites.
Looking out over floodplains interlaced with watery channels that are a haven for wildlife. It’s also where renowned wildlife photographers and filmmakers Dereck and Beverley Joubert made their now famous documentary, (Relentless Enemies).In 2017 this intimate tented camp – along with the separate two-bedroom Duba Plains Suite – was completely rebuilt, retaining its traditional style but adding an even greater level of luxury.
The rebuilt camp retains just five tented rooms, as well as the separate Duba Plains Suite. All are raised on recycled railway sleeper decking and offer guests superb views of the surrounding floodplain and the steady stream of wildlife parading past.
Inside, ceiling fans and an environmentally friendly air-conditioning system over the guests’ bed work with careful tent design to maintain a comfortable ambient temperature. As well as a luxurious bath, beautifully appointed en-suite facilities consist of a flush toilet, double basins and indoor and outdoor showers.
Each tent also has a lounge area, which incorporates a place to write and do your photographic downloads, and offers the opportunity for private dining. The attention to detail even extends to the provision of a long-lens camera and binoculars in each tent, to enhance your wildlife experience.
Outside, beyond their veranda, guests can enjoy their own private plunge pool with a view, or head for their shaded sala, where two daybeds invite relaxation.
The main area consists of a large, raised dining area and a comfortable lounge with private dining areas, wine cellar and library. There’s ample space for guests to either get away and be private or be all together if they want to. There is a small camp shop, and guests can request in-room treatments with the on-site masseuse.
Entirely separate from the camp, the two-bedroom Duba Plains Suite takes privacy to another level. The camp's centre-point is the gathering place of all bush experiences – the fireplace on an extended deck over the marshes.
Guests in the suite enjoy the services of their own guide, with a private game-drive vehicle, as well as a private butler and chef.
Activities for all guests at Duba Plains centre around day and night safari drives. They also offer boat cruises, depending on water levels. Note that at some times of the year (usually May–September), the water levels can be very high and require a short boat transfer from camp to the game-drive vehicles. This in turn can limit the possibility of night game drives, and the higher water levels can also increase the chances of getting stuck in some areas of the reserve. That said, the vehicles at Duba Plains are specifically adapted to these environments and we understand that the likelihood of getting stuck in these is now quite low (but certainly not impossible)!
Within the 330km2 Duba Plains Reserve, the camp prides itself on its extraordinary wildlife, from lions and leopards to elephants and buffalo and almost everything in between. Duba Plains is unique in that the camp is home to one of the Okavango’s highest concentrations of Red Lechwe. For many years it was known almost exclusively for the interactions of lion and buffalo, which resulted in the Jouberts’ documentary, Relentless Enemies – chronicling the battle for survival between the lions and buffalo on the plains, and how each species has adapted to this unusual way of life.
In 2014, however, the main lion pride split. Now the smaller prides prey mostly on red lechwe, and more leopards have moved into the area.
On one visit, members of the Expert Africa team watched with bated breath as a herd of some 700-strong buffalo surrounded the date-palm islands where a pride of 14 lions were hiding. They described the scene as nothing less than dramatic, as angry buffalo tried to flush out the lions only to be repelled with much snarling and growling.
That said, Duba’s reputation for lion sightings remains well founded. On our January 2024 visit we were aware of one lioness with three small cubs, and we witnessed two dominant males mating with two different lionesses. We also witnessed a full lion hunt: stalk, chase and kill.
Intriguingly, it was the general animal behaviour here that we found fascinating. A herd of 14 kudu walking past metres from our sundowner spot; a mother warthog trotting past the same drinks stop: I held my breath expecting her to charge off when she realised her proximity to us. The animals showed that they were totally relaxed around the vehicles, a testament to Duba’s great guiding and the respect that the guiding teams have shown the wildlife over the years.
Birdwatching at Duba is excellent, with flocks of egrets, herons and cormorants to be seen, along with bee-eaters, kingfishers and eagles. On our January visit we were also lucky enough to see some of the rarer species – the rosy-throated longclaw, white-backed pelicans and secretary birds.
Our view
Duba Plains in its new and much more luxurious incarnation certainly delivered on the, ‘Wow factor’. With the very high standards of hosting and guiding, it's not a surprise that the camp attracts more repeat visitors than is usual for most Okavango Delta camps. Given that the surrounding area stands out for its wildlife, Duba Plains is definitely be one to consider, in tandem with other Okavango camps, for a luxury safari.
Botswana expert
Geographics
- Location
- Okavango Delta Safari Reserves, Botswana
- Ideal length of stay
- Three or four nights is ideal here. At certain times of the year the camp offers a “pay 3 stay 4” deal.
- Directions
- Guests usually fly by light aircraft from Kasane (1hr 25 mins) or Maun (40 mins) into Duba Plains. It is about a five-minute transfer by 4WD vehicle from the airstrip to camp.
- Accessible by
- Fly-and-Transfer
Food & drink
- Usual board basis
- Full Board & Activities
- Food quality
- Duba Plains, like its sister camps – Zarafa Camp and Selinda Camp – has an executive chef and a hand-picked wine list drawn from a cellar stocked by winemaker friends of the Jouberts.
On our most recent stay in January 2024, we were once again impressed with the food at Duba Plains. Vegetarians and most other dietary requirements can be catered for on request.
A light breakfast is served before heading out on the morning game drive. This is usually quite a straightforward buffet of cereals, fruit, yoghurt, freshly made muffins, tea and coffee.
Brunch, which is served on returning from the morning activity, was varied and tasty. Our choices included a Waldorf salad, a spicy butter bean and tomato dish, sweetcorn and couscous salad, a green salad and a steak salad. A selection of cooked options such as bacon and eggs can be prepared on request. Alternatively, it is not unknown for guests to be out on a particularly busy and exciting game drive, and for the camp to arrange for a “bush breakfast” or packed brunch to be driven out to them!
The afternoon tea at Duba was absolutely delicious on our last visit, from the savoury homemade shortbread to small fruit salads and sweeter tartlets, accompanied by fresh lemonade and iced tea. During tea time, the evening's dinner menu is announced by the chef.
Dinner, which usually incorporates a choice of two or three main courses, can be served around one long table, or to private tables. During our most recent stay we enjoyed the traditional BBQ meal. This started with a coconut and cauliflower soup with a freshly made bread roll. The main course was a selection of meats, from the traditional seswaa (pounded beef) and a delicious goat curry to beef fillet and boerewors (a type of South African sausage), all accompanied by carrots, peppers, courgettes and sautéed new potatoes. Amarula ice cream with honeycomb rounded off the meal, together with a good selection of cheeses and wines. - Dining style
- Mixture of group dining and individual tables
- Dining locations
- Indoor and Outdoor Dining
- Further dining info, including room service
- None
- Drinks included
- All drinks that are stocked in camp, including premium brand spirits and champagne.
Each room is provided with glasses and a flask of filtered drinking water that is replenished daily. Although plastic bottles of water are available, guests are encouraged to top up from the filtered water in the camp's main area.
Special interests
- Birdwatching
- Duba Plains is located deep in the Okavango among a matrix of palm-dotted islands, floodplains and woodland. Birders in Botswana will find a rich and varied birdlife, with good numbers of typical Okavango specials such as Pel's fishing owl, slaty egret and wattled crane.
- See ideas for Birdwatching in Botswana
- Wildlife safaris
- Duba Plains, historically famous for its lion and buffalo interaction, which can be very exciting to say the least! Staying a few nights here will give you the best chance of seeing this spectacle.
- See ideas for Wildlife safaris in Botswana
- Private villas & houses
- The two-bedroom Duba Suite is perfect for those looking for exclusivity on a Botswana safari. Set almost in a world-class wildlife reserve, it combines luxury with a traditional style, and benefits from a private guide and game vehicle, a private chef and a butler.
- See ideas for Private villas & houses in Botswana
- Luxury
- In the heart of the Okavango Delta, Duba Plains Camp’s six opulent tented rooms each features a private plunge pool, outdoor sala and air conditioning. Superb guiding, excellent food and a hand-picked wine list round off the luxury experience on a Botswana safari.
- See ideas for Luxury in Botswana
Children
- Attitude towards children
- Children over the age of 12 years are welcome at Duba Plains.
- Property’s age restrictions
- The camp may accept children between the ages of six and 12 years old, but a private vehicle must be booked, and this will be at an extra cost.
Children younger than six may be accepted by special arrangement, but then only if the entire camp is reserved for exclusive use. - Special activities & services
- Great Plains Young Explorers program introduces children to the wilderness as Conservation Ambassadors, with activities as diverse as cooking, birding and tracking wildlife.
- Equipment
- The two-bed Duba Plains Suite can accommodate a family of five.
- Generally recommended for children
- We would not recommend Duba Plains Camp for children below the age of 16 years, unless staying in the suite. The game viewing can be intense and the atmosphere is very adult. In addition, children may find it particularly upsetting to watch a kill first-hand. If staying at Duba with children younger than 16 years, we would recommend booking a private vehicle for greater flexibility and enjoyment.
- Notes
- Duba Plains is not an ideal camp for children. Dangerous game is known to move through camp on a regular basis. The rooms themselves are raised on decks, with a steep drop from the verandas. The camp is also open to water in front for much of the year, and the pool is not fenced. Children must be under the constant supervision of their parents.
Our travellers’ wildlife sightings from Duba Plains Camp
Since mid-2018, many of our travellers who stayed at Duba Plains Camp have kindly recorded their wildlife sightings and shared them with us. The results are below. Click an animal to see more, and here to see more on our methodology.
100% success
100% success
100% success
100% success
100% success
75% success
50% success
50% success
33% success
25% success
25% success
0% success
0% success
0% success
0% success
0% success
0% success
Communications
- Power supply notes
- Solar and generator.
- Communications
- WiFi is available in each suite, but there is no cellphone reception.
- TV & radio
- There is no TV or radio.
- Water supply
- Borehole
- Water supply notes
- Hot and cold running water is supplied to the en-suite bathrooms, which also have flushing toilets.
Sustainability
Growing together with the locals
The team at Duba Plains is committed to build a long-lasting and fruitful relationship with the local communities who lease the land the camp is built on. Locals make up for 80% of the staff employed and in addition to financial benefits and training, they are offered the chance to engage in the two projects aimed at socioeconomic development of their villages in Gudigwa and Seronga.
In collaboration with Great Plains Conservation and Pack for Purpose, the camp facilitates the Conservation Education Program in Botswana by mentoring children at the primary school in Gudigwa about the benefits and importance of protecting wildlife.
Another initiative in the villages of Gudigwa and Seronga is promoting traditional skills. Aimed at empowering women, the project creates employment opportunities that lead to an increase in family income and self-growth. The women create items such as traditional basketwork, hand-sewn and embroidered products and hand-beaded glass and food nets, which are sold in the curio boutiques of the camp. The project has helped women acquire additional skills such as communication or even knowledge about entrepreneurship and how to open and run a small business.
Guests are encouraged to participate by donating general supplies such as notebooks, pens or reading material for children or fashion and crafting magazines, acrylic paints and brushes for local artisans.
See more great sustainability projects in Botswana
Health & safety
- Malarial protection recommended
- Yes
- Medical care
- The nearest doctor is in Maun. All management and guides are first aid trained and medical evacuation is available in case of emergencies. There is a nurse on call (via radio) 24 hours a day. Please note that it is only possible to fly out of camp during daylight hours as the bush airstrips do not have any lighting at night.
- Dangerous animals
- High Risk
- Security measures
- Guests are escorted to their rooms after dark, as dangerous wildlife is known to wander through the camp. A safety briefing is given on arrival. “Fog horns” are provided in the rooms to sound the alarm in case of an emergency.
- Fire safety
- There are extinguishers outside all the rooms and in the main area.
Activities
4WD Safari
Birdwatching
Boat trip
Fishing
Guided walking safari
Helicopter
Night drive
Extras
- Disabled access
- On Request
- Laundry facilities
- A laundry service is included at Duba Plains Camp. Laundry is collected in the morning and usually returned the same day, weather permitting. For cultural reasons, the staff do not wash underwear. Detergent is provided in each room for guests who wish to do a little hand washing.
- Money
- No exchange facilities are offered. There is a safe in each of the rooms.
- Accepted payment on location
- Mastercard and Visa credit cards are accepted; Diners and Amex are not. Cash may be used in the form of South African rand, GB sterling, US dollars, euros and Botswana pula.
Other lodges in Okavango Delta Safari Reserves
Alternative places to stay in this same area.
Kwara Camp
Kwara Camp's private reserve boasts land and water activities year round, with excellent game-viewing opportunities and access to permanent channels of the north-east Okavango Delta.
Little Vumbura
On a secluded island within a private reserve, Little Vumbura combines superb game viewing with a broad diversity of habitats in a truly picturesque setting.
Shinde Camp
With experienced staff and a wealth of activities, Shinde offers a traditional safari in an exceptionally varied and wildlife-rich environment.
Splash Camp
Set in the Kwara Reserve, offering superb wildlife viewing year-round, Splash offers both land and water activities led by guides with a particular knack for tracking big game.
Chitabe Lediba
Chitabe Lediba, in Botswana's southern Okavango Delta, is a small family friendly safari camp; it offers great dry-land safaris and in our experience consistently delivers good game sightings.
Kanana
In a beautiful part of the Delta, Kanana focuses on fantastic water activities and birding – including exclusive access to an impressive heronry.
Sandibe Safari Lodge
The luxurious Sandibe Okavango Safari Lodge lies in a private concession in the heart of the Okavango Delta, beside Moremi Game Reserve, with superb big-game viewing.
Chitabe Camp
In the southern Okavango Delta, the excellent Chitabe Camp concentrates on dry-land safaris in an area that we've found particularly good for wild dog sightings.
Shinde Footsteps
Small and simple, but comfortable, Shinde Footsteps focuses on walking safaris as well as game drives; it also runs a special children's programme so is particularly suitable for families.
Gomoti Plains
Overlooking a tributary of the Gomoti River, Gomoti Plains Camp is a classically designed camp with very comfortable tents in a good game-viewing area.
Nxabega Tented Camp
Nxabega offers a selection of both land- and water-based activities, plus very good guiding, food and service, but game viewing can be somewhat erratic.
Tubu Tree Camp
A traditional tented camp with a distinctive tree-house feel, Tubu Tree offers some of the best game viewing in the Jao Reserve.
Vumbura Plains
Indulgently stylish and luxurious, Vumbura Plains offers superb game viewing and birding on an exceptionally varied private reserve.
Jacana Camp
Jacana Camp is a small safari camp with an informal island feel; it is ideal for water-based activities in the Delta and offers excellent birdwatching.
Kwetsani Camp
Deep in the Delta, overlooking a floodplain, Kwetsani Camp is a small, high-end camp with good access to areas for land and water-based activities.
Mapula Lodge
For an affordable yet varied safari encompassing a range of eco-systems, the traditional Mapula Lodge takes a lot of beating.
Duba Explorers Camp
Intimate and elegant, Duba Explorers Camp promises a firm safari focus in a remote corner of the Okavango, led by a team who value the highest guiding and hosting standards.
Baines' Camp
Baines' Camp is a well-run, intimate camp in a pretty part of the Okavango, offering a range of activities and the option to spend a morning walking with elephants.
Pom Pom Camp
Amidst stunning Okavango Delta scenery, Pom Pom offers idyllic mokoro trips in season, great birdwatching, and increasingly good big-game sightings, especially leopards.
Stanley's Camp
In a private concession south of Moremi Game Reserve, Stanley's Camp offers 4WD game drives, seasonal water activities and a superb elephant interaction.
Mma Dinare
Beautifully located in a private concession overlooking the Gomoti River, the traditional Mma Dinare is very well-priced for the Okavango Delta.
Little Tubu
Little Tubu is a new, traditional camp with just three tented chalets and a distinctive tree-house feel. The areas around it can be explored by water and land-based activities year round.
Pelo Camp
In a pristine wilderness environment deep in the Okavango Delta, the seasonal Pelo Camp is tented yet comfortable, with activities focusing on excursions by mokoro.
4 Rivers
4 Rivers is a new camp in a previously in accessible area of the excellent Kwara concession.
Xaranna
Xaranna is a plush tented camp amongst the idyllic waterways and islands of the Delta. Each air-conditioned tent has a plunge pool. Water activities and pampering are the focus here.
Jao Camp
In a beautiful area with fantastic water activities, Jao combines an idyllic location with high levels of luxury and service, and a top-end spa.
Seba Camp
Seba Camp is a luxury camp in a lovely location that offers the full range of water and land safari activities, depending on the time of year. This camp is particularly suitable for families.
Rra Dinare
Located in a private concession in the southern reaches of the Okavango Delta, overlooking the Gomoti River, Rra Dinare is a traditional-style, well-priced camp.
Setari Camp
Setari Camp stands on an island dotted with palm trees, close to the base of the Okavango’s ‘Panhandle"
Abu Camp
Abu Camp is an exclusive safari camp on the western side of the Botswana's Okavango Delta - offering superb elephant-back safaris and opportunities to walk with them too.
Okavango Explorers
The traditional, tented Okavango Explorers Camp offers a mix of walking, canoeing and game drives led by great guides in a wildlife-rich area.
Kiri Camp
Kiri Camp is the latest Okavango offering from the excellent team behind Machaba. In an exciting new location in the heart of the Delta we cannot wait to visit this new camp.
Duke’s Camp
On a remote island within a vast private concession, the eclectic Duke’s Camp is nestled among mature trees overlooking wildlife-rich plains of the Okavango.
Okavango Walking Safari
The Okavango Delta Walking Safari camps in a secluded Okavango Delta Reserve where there are few roads; the ideal location for a walking trail led by an expert guide.
Sitatunga Island Camp
Tucked away in a pristine corner of the Okavango Delta, the exclusive Sitatunga Private Island is a water-based camp offering boating, mokoro trips and fishing.
Karangoma
New for 2024, Karangoma is a classic, tented camp offering walking, canoeing and game drives, in partnership with the local Bukakwe San clan.
Atzaro Okavango
With a high level of tasteful luxury promised at Atzaro, we think it will be best suited to travellers seeking a touch of pampering alongside their safari.
Mokolwane
Deep in the heart of the Okavango, Mokolwane promises adventure in a largely untouched area.
Eagle Island Lodge
Eagle Island Lodge is a luxurious camp with international-style facilities including air conditioning and intercom in each room; offering water based activities in the Okavango Delta.
North Island Okavango
Deep in quintessentially “Okavango” territory, between deep-water and dry-land habitats, North Island focuses on a luxury safari experience with very good wildlife viewing opportunities.
Mbamba
Deep within the northern Okavango, the classically styled Mbamba is set to open in a wildlife-rich private concession in April 2025.
Qorokwe Camp
Luxurious and contemporary, the relatively new Qorokwe Camp is a gem in the Okavango Delta, offering land- and occasionally water-based activities in a prime wildlife area.
