Extraordinary Africa>Botswana>Kwando, Linyanti and Selinda>Duma Tau
The only problem with Duma Tau is that it’s really so spectacular it’s rather hard to leave. The camp is chic, airy and has an incredible location on the edge of the Linyanti wetlands– paradise for bird and elephant lovers.
What’s Duma Tau really like?
Duma Tau’s ten large, light tents are stretched along a lagoon, with vast windows giving on to glorious views out over the water (don’t be surprised if you hear hippos “singing” you to sleep each night). Design is natural and stylish with a distinct nod to bygone expeditions- think beaten copper basins, packing cases as wardrobes and showers big enough to share with a baby hippo or two.
Winding wooden pathways link the tents to the main camp- watch out for the dips in the boardwalk- they’re there so the ellies and hippos can wander down to the water. Here in the mess tents you’ll find the bar and the firepit for evening stargazing and the dining tent for meals. Food at Duma Tau was remarkable considering the remoteness of the Linyanti, and we loved the pride and enthusiasm with which meals were introduced each evening. Finally, at the far end of camp there’s a small pool which we can promise you’ll appreciate on hot summer afternoons!
What can I do at Duma Tau?
The main focus of activities at Duma Tau are morning and late afternoon/evening game drives along the Linyanti. Although “Duma Tau” means “roar of the lion”, the real show stealers here are the ellies, appearing in impressively large herds, especially at the end of the dry season. Wild dogs are another special treat that you might just catch, alongside an impressive array of plains game and glorious birdlife.
For guests who are staying at least three nights, we can arrange a truly wild experience with a sleep out in the game hide (please shout if you’d like to do this as it does require advance booking.) Walking safaris are on offer at Duma Tau, but again, just let us know if you’re keen so the camp can ensure there is a walking guide available.
When water levels are high enough, boat safaris and catch and release fishing are possible. These are absolutely wonderful- a gentle sunset potter on Duma Tau’s pontoon was the absolute highlight of our stay- stopping for a spot of bream fishing (there are also tilapia and catfish) and finishing with the unforgettable sight of elephants crossing the river, silhouetted against the setting sun and lit from above by the rising moon.
Giving back at Duma Tau:
Duma Tau’s rebuild in 2012 meant a design with a lower carbon footprint, raised off the ground for minimal impact and a conversion to solar power. The camp’s funded two studies into the effect of elephants on the environment, and carries out conservation and research into rare species like the wild dog and roan antelope.
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