Duba Plains

Located on a 75,000 acre private reserve in the outermost reaches of the Okavango Delta, Duba Plains is one of the Delta's most remote camps. The terrain is characterized by enormous floodplains dotted with tree-clad islands of various sizes. These enormous grass floodplains attract huge herds of buffalo and other plains game, and the lions and other predators are never far behind.

The productivity of this rich Okavango system is as the result of year-round water availability, diversity of habitat, and nutritious grasses that are stimulated by the dual effect of the summer rains and the winter floods. Duba is situated on the edge of the permanent Delta, and the reserve is comprised primarily of large, sandy islands seperated by deep waterways. The predominant habitat types are vast grasslands and floodplains, with areas of dense mopane forest and acacia bushveld. Most big game and bird species associated with the Okavango Delta are to be found on the Duba concession, but the area is perhaps most famous for the titanic struggle for survival between large lion prides and the huge buffalo herds of the area (immortalized in the National Geographic film "Relentless Enemies").

It is this wealth of wildlife, in combination with the camp's wonderfully wild and remote setting, that is Duba's great strength. Game drives are undertaken in specially adapted, open 4x4 safari vehicles, which offer unrivalled proximity to the African bush and its wild inhabitants. All activities are led by professional guides who are carefully chosen for their knowledge and experience of the bush, and receive extensive training to ensure that your encounters with the African wilderness are exciting, informative, and safe.

  The main lodge at Duba Plains is raised on teak decking under a canopy of large riverine trees. The dining area, with reed walls, is elegantly appointed with a sweeping view. The lounge area is comfortable and intimate with large chairs and couches filled with cushions, a bar and plenty of books on African wildlife. In front of the deck is a fire area established in the sand, encircled by inviting chairs for after-dinner drinks. There is also a small pool to enjoy during the heat of the day.

Soft sand paths lead from the lodge to Duba's six large tented rooms, which are raised on platforms. Each tent is en-suite with a veranda overlooking the game-rich flood plain. Decoration is very attractive and simple, featuring native hardwoods, whicker, white cotton sheets, cozy duvets; and cultural touches such as framed mud cloth panels. In the bathroom, there is an indoor and outdoor shower, a double vanity with hand-made ceramic sinks set on top of a wooden commode and a full compliment of toiletries provided.

 Duba Plains is a wonderfully intimate camp, and the perfect base from which to explore one of Africa's great natural dramas. It offers great game-viewing in combination with a real sense of wilderness, and a very authentic yet comfortable camp experience.

Conservation Dimension

Duba Plains is a great example of the successes that can be achieved through community involvement in ecotourism. The land is owned by the Okavango Community Trust, a trust which represents and administers the interests of all the rural villagers who live to the north of the Okavango Delta. They lease the land to Wilderness Safaris, and derive direct benefit from the tourism that this arrangement has generated: money, jobs, training, and various secondary businesses. To a large extent, the future of Africa's wildlife and wilderness areas is dependent on the communities that live directly adjacent to these sanctuaries - by ensuring that these communities derive direct benefits from ecotourism, the Duba Plains 'model' turns potential poachers into avid game-keepers.