Reviews of Duba Plains Camp
Wildlife sightings and reviews
19 independent comments and wildlife information from our travellers who have visited Duba Plains Camp and kindly agreed to share their thoughts. They do not necessarily represent the views of Expert Africa
100% success
75% success
0% success
50% success
100% success
100% success
100% success
100% success
50% success
33% success
25% success
25% success
0% success
0% success
0% success
0% success
0% success
"buffalo and lions drama at Duba Plains Camp"
After two days tracking a pride of lions, we were fortunate enough to witness them attacking and killing a buffalo in the water followed by intensely dramatic interaction between the two species as the Buffalo herd attempted, without success, to drive the predators from their prey.
We also saw a huge variety of other wildlife on safari, ranging from elephants to Lilac Breasted Rollers, and have many great photos to prove it.
Overall, a memorable safari experience," See all these reviews: 13n in Botswana; 2n in Zambia
"Breakfast around the fire was a special touch"
Our guide Obeletswe's knowledge and patience not only in following and waiting for the many animals, was all the more impressive when we chose to spend an 11 hour day in the Landcruiser following the lions and buffalo, as he also coped with the primate interactions of our family as well. We found watching the lions stalk and chase the buffalo absolutely incredible. On that long day, the lunch provided in the bush by Steve and the crew, with beautifully set tables and melt in your mouth steaks was also amazing. A truly special day to remember." See all these reviews: 9n in Botswana; 3n in Zimbabwe
"Great but marketed incorrectly"
We had the best lion sightings ever, looking at the movement of various groups within the prides, lovely jackals, elephants, tsetsebes, and not an impala in sight!
The food was good and we had one barbeque out in the bush even though I mentioned to the manager, Lizzy, that a bush breakfast or brunch would be appreciated.
The tents are ok, huge beds, twin hand basins with wardrobe space behind where we found ourselves bumping into each other somehow. Warm water came through eventually." See all these reviews: 10n in Botswana
"Duba Plains review"
Two things could be done: The camp could find a way to get vehicles across to the island where the buffalo had fled along with the Skimmer lion pride. Secondly your organisation could highlight the risk that this exceptional bufflalo offering might not be available at this time of year due to high water levels. Please be advised that the owners plan to tear down the existing camp according to the general manager, Lizzie, and rebuild it as a luxury camp in November of this year.
Our guide Kenny's sundowners were exceptional if perhaps unplanned. The first evening we fell in among a young male lion group and shared our drinks from the 4x4. The next evening we found ourselves stuck in the mud with the sun going down and Kenny had to carry each of us on his back to high ground where he had prepared our sundowner table. This was beyond the call of duty as my husband outweighs him by about 15 kilos." See all these reviews: 7n in Botswana; 3n in Zambia
"Lions Large & small"
Duba Plains has a reputation for conflict between the buffalo herds & the lion prides, but this is unfair. There is so much else to see & the landscape is much more scenic than some other areas, with wide open plains, interspersed with palm islands & tree bordered river channels.
Our guide Spike was excellent & seemed to know just where the lions & buffalo might be at any given time. He also found for us herds of red lechwe & elephant, jackal; & bush buck as well as the usual game. We had good views of a pair of Martial eagles mating in the top of a tree & an adult bateleur eagle perched in bright sunlight. We saw lions on every game drive either at a kill or relaxing as lions do. A special sighting was of four lionesses crossing a flooded channel while a solitary cub stood on the bank crying pitifully. Eventually he plucked up courage & half waded, half swam after the adults & arrived safely on the other side.
Our main a abiding memory was of the huge male lion that rules the area & commutes across the river between two prides of females & cubs. we found him shortly after sunrise, roaring. When he started to move, Spike guessed his intention & positioned the vehicle on the open partly flooded plain between him & the bridge that crosses the deep channel. We sat in awe as he approached, heading directly towards us, passing within feet - truly awesome. Later we watched him cross the bridge to join his second pride - lucky lion!
We were sorry to leave Duba as there is so much more than lion & buffalo & all in a beautiful scenic location." See all these reviews: 15n in Botswana
"Duba Plains review"
Our guide was Carlton, and he was incredibly knowledgeable and seemed to have a natural nose for great sightings. He took us to see a family of bat eared foxes as well as jackal pups playing together - lovely to see something different. We also had great bird sightings here including 2 young giant eagle owls.
The camp manager and his staff were quite simply outstanding as they were so friendly, helpful and welcoming. My parents celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary here, and the staff had gone to so much trouble to make the occasion memorable. They had made a cake which they all brought in dancing, clapping and singing a special song they had composed for my parents - it was very touching and special.
One last point - the vehicles all have sun roofs on them now, which is different to what the information on your web-site says." See all these reviews: 11n in Botswana
"Duba Plains review"
By lunch time one lioness had taken down a calf and without much hesitation the other lionesses who were clearly not going to get much of the kill started another hunt all over again. Insetad of going back to the Lodge for lunch they brought it to us so that we did not miss a thing. The following day we spotted more lions from another pride with possibly the most beautfiul male I have ever seen.
The location of the lodge is great, very close to the airstrip so no long drive to get there. The staff here are, as at all the lodges, very friendly and welcoming, ready to do whatever makes you feel comfortable. It is a shame then that I have one big negative comment not about the Lodge but about Wildernes Safaris. The company allow (own?) the operation of a helicopter in the area both for conveying toursist and also for pleasure flights. We saw and heard it twice in our three night stay. My view is that in a wilderness area a noisy machine like this does not have a place in a Wilderness area. On the second occaision when giving a pleasure flight the helicopter circled the lion hunt and upset the buffalo until one of our guides waved it away.
All of the tourists on the three trucks that morning were very unhappy about what happened especially those that like me had their recordings ruined by the noise. Others like me will make a protest to Wilderness when I can find an email address to which I can send it. Whilst this incident should not in itself detract from what is a superb location and very good lodge, there is a real danger that the use of the helicopter will grow and that might destroy the very thing that tourists got here for peace and quiet as well as superb wildlife." See all these reviews: 10n in Botswana; 2n in Zambia
"Duba Plains Review"
Would rate camp as a 4* (out of 5) that is not ultra luxurious, but certainly well above any standard rating. Only uncontrollable element was the anilmals and we never saw buffalo!
I also wouldn't necessarily recommend for general game viewing as it is quite restrictive compared to other locations." See all these reviews: 9n in Botswana
"A highlight camp for travellers with time"
Having said that, and having been led to believe this was not a place for lots of game viewing, we saw many animals and birds we did not see elsewhere. And, of course, one of our trip highlights was the 2.5 day adventure on the trail of lions tracking buffalo - and seeing the kill literally just before we had to leave!
Our room here was one of our favourites on the whole trip. We had room 6 - a good walk from the main facilities - but in a lovely location. It was very well appointed and very light. The small deck in front of the room was also ideal for a post lunch read or snooze.
While we were there the guests were mainly American - the camp must be getting more publicity there. Hardly any travellers had heard of it apart from those following the Jouberts' books and films.
One disastrous woman but fortunately she and her husband left after only one night as this spot - with no walkways - was not to her liking! It made us realise that one difficult person in a small camp can have quite an impact. Fortunately this was the only time." See all these reviews: 12n in Botswana; 10n in Mozambique; 2n in Zambia
Holiday styles & special interests in Botswana
From birdwatching breaks to walking holidays, find great ideas for your trip in Botswana.
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.
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.
Mapula Lodge
For an affordable yet varied safari encompassing a range of eco-systems, the traditional Mapula Lodge takes a lot of beating.
Mma Dinare
Beautifully located in a private concession overlooking the Gomoti River, the traditional Mma Dinare is very well-priced for the Okavango Delta.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Setari Camp
Setari Camp stands on an island dotted with palm trees, close to the base of the Okavango’s ‘Panhandle"
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.
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.
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.
Karangoma
New for 2024, Karangoma is a classic, tented camp offering walking, canoeing and game drives, in partnership with the local Bukakwe San clan.
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.
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.
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.
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.
