Duke’s Camp: Our full report
The elegant Duke's Camp is located on Kgao Island, overlooking a lagoon in an 890km2 concession in Botswana's ...
... northwest Okavango Delta. Founded by the renowned guide, conservationist, and businessman Ralph Bousfield, it reflects the distinctive style that sets his camps apart. Duke’s offers a wildlife experience steeped in the romanticism of a bygone era, complemented by expert guiding, exceptional service, and exquisite cuisine.Duke's Camp – along with the smaller but near identical Duke's East – is the fulfilment of a vision by Ralph Bousfield, creator of Jack's Camp on the edge of the wide open Makgadikgadi Salt Pans. Boasting a similarly 1940’s safari style, it also benefits from the exacting standards of guiding and service for which Ralph's teams are known.
The camp's namesake is Sarefo “Duke” Sarefo, custodian of this piece of wilderness. Born and bred here of the local Wayeyi tribe, he became a champion for the conservation of his surroundings. In partnership with Ralph, his work and philosophy are continued through Duke’s Camp.
With its 8 tented chalets raised on wooden decks and nestled among mature ebony and leadwood trees, Duke's blends beautifully with the landscape. Whether in doubles, twins or the family tent (two en-suite rooms, separated by a shared lounge and set on one raised deck with a plunge pool) guests will find rooms evocative of safaris from a bygone era, created with a clever eye for detail.
Through traditional zip doors, you’ll find a lavish interior. In place of standard tent linings, you'll be almost enveloped in patterned drapery that sets the scene for vintage mahogany furniture, historical artworks, and raised four-poster beds under mosquito net canopies with Evening Breeze cooling systems. Persian rugs on polished floors and brass fittings in the en-suite bathroom continue the theme, while on each private deck you'll find both leather directors' chairs and a lounger from which to scan the plains and waterways in front for wildlife.
The same style pervades the open fronted main area, where you can cosy down at low tables on large cushions in the tea tent, or relax in the more traditional lounge with a view out onto the channel and the plains beyond. In keeping with safari tradition, meals are served at one long table, either outside under the trees or in the dining area. Either way, polished crystal and antique cutlery clink over delicious fare.
Wildlife watching can continue from around the pool, while as night falls the firepit comes into its own to chat over the day's adventures. On one recent visit, we particularly enjoyed seeing a pair of Pel's fishing owls roost within the camp's African ebony (jackalberry) trees.
Duke's sister property, Dukes East, a five-minute drive away, is a smaller yet otherwise almost identical twin camp, ideal as a private camp for groups it can also be shared by individual travellers. There are 4 tented chalets, including a large family tent with its own private plunge pool. The two camps are run independently of each other, but the guide teams work together over wildlife sightings, which comes in handy when tracking fast-paced wild dogs or that elusive leopard!
Both camps are surrounded by a low electric fence designed to restrict hippo and elephant movement within the camp. However, as is typical at safari camps in the region, guests are escorted to their rooms after dark as other animals can and do pass through. On a recent visit we were very lucky to see a caracal within the camp boundary, and after dark we heard a leopard calling nearby.
During the daytime, adventures are plenty. Game drives top the list of activities, exploring this exceptional wilderness area in 4WD vehicles in search of wildlife that ranges from sitatunga and elephant to lion, leopard and wild dog – and bird species in the hundreds.
We had an incredible first game drive when we saw three leopards, including a cub that was no more than six weeks old. Other sightings of note were a pair of large male lions and a pack of 22 wild dogs making repeated hunts, flushing reedbuck in the long grass only to lose sight of them bounding over the reeds, all overlooked by an inquisitive herd of giraffe.
Water levels permitting, glide almost silently along the channels by mokoro, or explore further by motorboat - perhaps try your hand at fishing (excluding January to March, which is the breeding season). Or, at extra cost, consider a helicopter trip, either to view the surrounding area or to the Tsodilo Hills. And in case you need a little more adventure, there's the possibility of spending a night under the stars on a small, private island.
Our view
Rather than clashing with the environment, the style and décor of Duke’s Camp complements it beautifully and allows guests an experience immersed in the romanticism of a bygone safari era. Attention to detail, a high level of comfort and exceptional service mixes remoteness with luxury. We’ve always found the guiding at Duke’s to be excellent, with an interpretation of the bush that really enhances wildlife encounters.
Botswana expert
Geographics
- Location
- Okavango Delta Safari Reserves, Botswana
- Ideal length of stay
- 3 - 4 nights.
- Directions
- Duke's Camp is approximately 40 minutes by light aircraft from Maun, followed by an estimated 45-minute game drive into camp. The duration of the drive depends on the wildlife you see along the way and the water levels. Duke's East is about a 5-minute drive from Duke's Camp.
- Accessible by
- Fly-and-Transfer
Food & drink
- Usual board basis
- Full Board & Activities
- Food quality
- Meals at Duke's Camp and Duke’s East are typically sociable occasions around a communal table. Special dietary requests and private dining can usually be catered for with advance notice. We have always found the food at these camps to be fresh, well cooked and very tasty.
Before an early morning activity, a quick cup of tea or coffee is served with muffins or cookies on a ‘to go’ basis. A light breakfast is then served while out on the morning game drive. This is usually a selection of cereals, fruit, hard-boiled eggs, freshly made muffins, tea and coffee. For guests with a later activity, or on request, a more leisurely breakfast is served in camp.
Lunch is served between about 11.30am and 1.30pm, and is flexible around activities and guests preferences. On our visits, we’ve enjoyed beef fillet with garlic and herb butter, served with homemade chips; homemade chicken pie; and tasty vegetarian samosas accompanied by a green salad or a couscous salad. The meal is usually rounded off with a cheese board.
Afternoon tea at Duke's Camp is usually delicious. Hot and cold drink choices are accompanied by a selection of savoury and sweet treats. We’ve tried shortbread biscuits, quiche tartlets, mini chicken pies, chocolate lamingtons, scones with jam and cream, and an irresistible coffee and walnut cake. It is during teatime that the evening's dinner menu will be announced by the chef, usually incorporating a choice of three main courses.
Dinner is usually a communal meal around one long table. It begins with soup accompanied by a freshly made bread roll, and we’ve had spicy butternut and green pea soups. For our main courses we’ve selected from fillet of beef wrapped in bacon served with mashed potato and a selection of caramelised carrots, zucchini and beans; a deliciously warming lamb curry with rice and mixed vegetables; salmon with potato rosti cakes and steamed vegetables; and quinoa cakes with chickpea tagine. The meal is rounded off with dessert and we remember delicious homemade ice creams and chocolate malva pudding.
We were offered red or white wine chosen to accompany our dinner, and house spirits were also available. After dinner, drinks were served around the campfire. - Dining style
- Mixture of group dining and individual tables
- Dining locations
- Indoor and Outdoor Dining
- Drinks included
- Drinking 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 cost extra and may need to be requested in advance.
Guests can help themselves to tea and coffee in the main area throughout the day. You are also provided with your own personal drink bottle and encouraged to keep this topped up with filtered water.
Special interests
- Family holidays
- Duke's Camp and Duke's East are good family safari options, each surrounded by a low fence to restrict large animals. Each camp has a large family suite with two ensuite bedrooms and a lounge, all set on a raised deck with a plunge pool.
- See ideas for Family holidays in Botswana
- Honeymoons
- The service and attention to detail at romantic Duke’s Camp and Duke’s East are excellent and you can be sure of being made to feel special. For an extra addition, consider a sleep out under the stars on a private island!
- See ideas for Honeymoons in Botswana
- Private villas & houses
- Duke’s East is a small, intimate camp with just three double/twin tents and one two-bedroom family unit. This beautifully situated camp can be booked on a private basis for exclusive use when travelling with extended family and friends on safari.
- See ideas for Private villas & houses in Botswana
Children
- Attitude towards children
- Duke’s welcome children aged from 6 years.
- Property’s age restrictions
- No children under 6. For guests aged 6-9 on game drives, a private vehicle must be booked at extra cost.
- Special activities & services
- There are two family chalets, each with two en-suite bedrooms: one at Duke's Camp, the other at Duke's East.
- Generally recommended for children
- Although both camps accept children from the age of 6, they have an adult feel that is not in keeping with young children. They are also in an area where dangerous animals are free to roam, so are best suited to children aged about 10 and above.
The camps do offer discounted rates for children up to the age of 18 sharing a room with adults. - Notes
- Duke's is surrounded by tracts of water with an unfenced pool and dangerous wildlife roaming through. Children must be supervised by a parent or carer at all times.
Our travellers’ wildlife sightings from Duke’s Camp
Since mid-2022, many of our travellers who stayed at Duke’s 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 method
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Communications
- Power supply notes
- Guest tents have 24hr solar-powered electricity.
Each chalet has a multi-point plug adaptor. - Communications
- Duke's has WiFi access in each of the rooms, but not in the main areas. There is no cellphone signal in the camp.
- TV & radio
- No TV or radio
- Water supply
- Other
- Water supply notes
- All the tented chalets are plumbed with hot and cold running water and flushing toilets.
Health & safety
- Malarial protection recommended
- Yes
- Medical care
- The nearest doctor is in Maun. All managers and guides are first-aid trained and there is a nurse on call (via radio) 24 hours a day. Medical evacuation is available in case of emergency, but please note that it is only possible to fly out of camp during daylight
- Dangerous animals
- High Risk
- Security measures
- Guests are escorted to their suites after dark as dangerous wildlife is known to wander through the camp. A safety briefing is given on arrival. “Foghorns” are provided in the suites to attract attention in case of emergency.
- Fire safety
Activities
4WD Safari
Birdwatching
Fishing
Fly-camping
Guided walking safari
Helicopter
Mokoro
Private activities
Extras
- Disabled access
- On Request
- Laundry facilities
- A complimentary laundry service is in place, with the exception of undergarments, for which washing powder is provided in each bathroom.
- Money
- There is a safe in each suite. No exchange facilities are offered.
- Accepted payment on location
- Visa and Mastercard are accepted, as are cash payments in US dollars, euros, GB sterling, South African rand 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.
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.
Mma Dinare
Beautifully located in a private concession overlooking the Gomoti River, the traditional Mma Dinare is very well-priced for the Okavango Delta.
Mapula Lodge
For an affordable yet varied safari encompassing a range of eco-systems, the traditional Mapula Lodge takes a lot of beating.
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.
Duba Plains Camp
Duba Plains Camp is a traditional yet luxurious safari camp, best known for the thrilling lion behavior interaction that is often see during the day.
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.
4 Rivers
4 Rivers is a new camp in a previously in accessible area of the excellent Kwara concession.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
