Duba Plains is a small, stylish camp with the advantage of a superb location. It pitches itself as the most remote camp in the Okavango, and while it certainly has some rivals for this title, it's undoubtedly among the best located, occupying pride of place in a large private reserve in the northernmost corner of the Delta. Here it sits on a small island under the shade of giant ebony and mangosteen trees, overlooking the seasonal floodplains. This is a superb game-viewing region, particularly famous for its lion and buffalo encounters (see below).
Duba Plains is a conventional safari camp, consisting of just six canvas tents and a main public area on raised wooden decking and under a thatch covering. It's small and discreet, tucked away beneath the tree canopy. There's a cosy lounge and bar, dining room, star deck, and a small plunge pool with sunloungers. Dube Plains is very down to earth, with a relaxed atmosphere that is enhanced by the charming staff.
Game viewing in this region of the Delta is consistently rewarding. Elephant, red lechwe, bat-eared fox, warthog, jackal, and a rich variety of birdlife are regularly seen. The area is most notable for its lion and buffalo, however, which are present on the island in large numbers, their interactions famously chronicled in the National Geographic documentary Relentless Enemies. Game drives to track and follow the lion and their buffalo prey are a highlight for many visitors to Duba Plains, made particularly rewarding by the fact that the lion on the island tend to hunt during the day (NB. as of 2013 the lion pride on Duba Plains has split and buffalo and lion encounters are now much less of a focus than they used to be, though still an attraction).
Water-based game activities are possible at Duba Plains, but are dependent on the water levels. Night drives are also offered.
Access to Duba Plains is by light aircraft due to its remote location.
Accommodation
Each of Duba's six luxury tents has an en-suite bathroom with indoor and outdoor shower, flush toilet, and hot and cold running water. The walk-in tents open onto a veranda overlooking the floodplain, and have large mesh windows allowing the light in during the day. Each tent is fan-cooled and the bathrooms are equipped with towels, soaps, shampoos and insect repellent. The tents, in keeping with the public areas, are simply but comfortably furnished.
There is also a honeymoon tent, with king size bed and additional amenities.
Dining
Dube Plains' dining room is set under thatch on a raised deck overlooking the plains. Local drinks are included with meals. There's also a open-air bar and lounge and a lovely fire pit set on a wooden deck at the edge of the floodplains.
The food is delicious. A light breakfast of cereals and pastries is followed by brunch on return from the morning's game activities. Dinner is served in the communal dining area and features a good selection of meat, fish and vegetarian dishes.
Facilities
- Central lounge, dining room and bar area
- Plunge pool
- Extended deck for star gazing
- Laundry service
Activities
- Game drives in open 4x4 Land Rovers
- Night drives with spot light – (only possible once the water levels have receded)
- Walking safaris
- Limited boat safaris (dependent on water levels)
Child Policy
Children over the age of 12 can be accommodated at Duba Plains. Those under the age 12 can be accommodated if the entire camp is booked, though we wouldn't personally recommend Duba Plains for young children, for the reason that the camp is entirely unfenced and very remote.
Environmental Policy
Duba Plains Camp is run by Great Plains Conservation, a company at the forefront of responsible tourism. Specialising in low-impact, low-volume tourism, Great Plains camps are small, mostly tented and designed to blend into the surrounding environment. First and foremost a conservation organisation, the proceeds that Great Plains generates through its eco-tourism activities go towards supporting the natural habitat and the local communities in which it works.
