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DUBA PLAINS

Located in a 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.

During the months of the flood (May to October), Duba offers the full range of Okavango activities. Mekoro rides can be undertaken through the many channels that weave their way through the reeds and between the islands, forming the great natural wonder that is the Okavango Delta. Because Duba falls outside the boundaries of the Moremi Reserve, activities are not limited by the Reserve's regulations, and the lodge also offers night drives to view nocturnal species, and bush walks. These interpretive bush walks with your guide provide a deeper and more 'hands-on' insight into the many intricate eco-systems of the African bush.

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 and/or trackers, 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 room, with reed walls, is quite elegant with lovely handcrafted chairs surrounding a heavy wood table, set under a black wrought iron chandelier. The lounge area is comfortable and intimate with large caned chairs, deep wooden couches filled with cushions, and a bar flanked with high wood and leather director's chairs. In front of the deck is a fire area established in the sand, encircled by rustic 'riempies' chairs made by the local community. There is also a small pool, and beyond that a gazebo, where one can enjoy a tranquil afternoon or a specially arranged dinner for two.

Soft sand paths lead from the lodge to Duba's six large tented rooms. Each is en-suite with a veranda overlooking the game-rich flood plain. Decoration is very attractive and simple, featuring wooden headboards, white cotton sheets, cozy duvets and mud cloth throws on the beds; a wardrobe; and plenty of books about African wildlife. In the bathroom, there is a large shower, a ceramic sink set into a wood commode and a full compliment of toiletries provided.

Duba Plains is a wonderful little camp - small, tasteful, and very intimate. It offers great game-viewing in combination with a real sense of wilderness, and a very authentic yet comfortable camp experience.

Ecotourism angle

Duba Plains is a wonderful 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.

To find out more about Duba Plains, or to make a reservation, call toll-free in the USA

1-888-227-8311 or email us.

CLASSIC AFRICAN PORTFOLIO - Okavango Delta