Duba Plains
The Okavango Delta

Duba Plains is big game country at its very best. The camp is based in a 77,000 acre private game reserve and is as delightful, as it is dramatic. Situated in the north Okavango, the game viewing is extraordinary – as the flood hits essential minerals are deposited, meaning that this area is incredibly fertile. This is also one of the only areas where 85% of kills happen in day light; lions have adapted to the wet environment and instead of sleeping throughout the day, they head out to hunt.

Completely rebuilt in 2016 and accommodating a maximum of 10 guests in 5 tents, the camp is set on raised decking with panoramic views of the surrounding floodplain and designed to fit seamlessly into the landscape. Remote but incredibly stylish, Duba Plains recreates the classic African safari style of the 1920’s. The main communal area of the camp has a comfortable lounge with private dining areas, a wine cellar and library. Wi-fi is only available in the rooms, meaning that the communal area remains sociable and allows guests to really enjoy the fantastic wildlife experience.

Duba Plains’ super-comfy tents are top notch in every way. This is the ultimate in glamping with sumptuous furnishings, separate lounge area and your own plunge pool and undercover ‘sala’ – you won’t want to leave! For families or small groups wishing for an even more intimate experience, the 2-bedroom Duba Plains Suite has all the comforts of the individual suites but with the added advantage of coming with your own personal chef, guide and butler, as well as a private game drive vehicle and guide. The camp offers Swarovski binoculars and Canon DLRs for guest use. There is also a sister property, Duba Explorer, which is an entry level, ‘explorer style’ camp. Still immensely comfortable but with less of the bells and whistles of Duba Plains. A 5 minute helicopter flight away, this camp has a much drier environment offering sightings of zebra and impala.

The outstanding safari activities available at Duba are many and varied. There are game drives (day and night), seasonal boating and bush walks on offer. Duba also offers a full syllabus of bush craft skills for younger guests where at the end of the stay, they will become a Conservation Ambassador – ready to go out and tell the world about what they have learnt and what they can do to protect this beautiful environment.

Both camps are Great Plains properties. Founded in 2006 by National Geographic photographer and cinematographer Beverly and Dereck Joubert, the company is totally non-profit meaning that 100% of the profits from their 16 properties is put directly back into habitat expansion and community projects. Great Plains focus on areas that are in need of restoration and conservation and the Duba propertiesare examples of the roaring success they have. At Duba Plains there has been the sensitive, yet successful reintroduction of rhino. It is also possible to see the tragically endangered pangolin a couple of times a month.

As a premium property, Duba Plains comes with a price tag, but the game viewing and gorgeous camp is hard to beat.

You either get the point of Africa or you don’t. What draws me backyear after year is that it is like the world with the lid off.
AA Gill