Duba Explorers Camp is an exclusive collection of tents on a small island in Botswana’s Duba Plains Concession, a 33,000-hectare private reserve. Tucked away in dense Okavango Delta woodland and surrounded by the seasonal floodplains in the concession’s remote northeast, it offers a classic safari experience with more than a touch of luxury.
Overview
Life at Duba Explorers revolves around an open-sided, canvas-roofed communal area furnished with traditional leather sofas and a large coffee table. The feel is classy but casual, and though the bar is usually manned, guests are welcome to serve themselves. There is also an expanse of outdoor wooden decking with a large copper fire pit, perfect for dining under the clear night skies.
Food & service
Though not offering the level of luxury to be found at sister-site Duba Plains, both food and service at Duba Explorers are of a high standard. Menus are well thought-out and skillfully prepared, with lunch tending towards lighter, locally influenced fare and dinner likely to feature European classics such as fillet steak. In a nice touch, breakfast is often taken while out on safari.
Rooms
There are five guest tents at Duba Explorers Camp, all open-sided to allow maximum immersion in the sights and sounds of the delta surroundings. Plushly furnished for camp accommodations – think stylish lamps and Persian rugs – each features a double or twin bed and a writing desk, as well as ensuite facilities with a separate toilet and shower. Although not especially strong, WiFi is available in the rooms.
Activities
An ideal base for exploring this very remote area, opportunities abound at Duba Explorers Camp for walking, day or night game drives, and when water levels permit boating – by dug-out canoe or motorboat. Wildlife is abundant, from a profusion of avian species to some fascinating flora to hippo, big cats, elephant, giraffe, and rhinoceros, to name but a few.
Impact
Designed by National Geographic Explorers Dereck and Beverly Joubert, Duba Explorers Camp is owned and operated by Great Plains Conservation, a non-profit organisation devoted to conserving Africa’s wildlife.