Warning: you might want to return soon

Imagine a remote, small island, shaded by lush green ebony, fig and mangosteen trees, surrounded by seasonally flooded plains - this is the place to spot lions and buffalos in action, often simultaneously, when both animals offer you an exclusive wildlife spectacle. Duba Plains Camp is an intimate Okavango Delta camp – with only six large safari tents – built on an island and happily floating in 30,000 hectares of the Kwedi Concession. Once arrived, Antoinette welcomes you with open arms and who said a 4-course menu isn’t possible at the most far-flung place? Chef Pierre will make sure you don’t leave without trying his crispy chicken and garlic mayo, or any of his other delicious dishes. After dinner, the bartender remembers your favourite sundowner. So take a sip while the African sky transitions to an orange and purple watercolour painting - and realise it is all good.

Put your wild safari memories to rest in one of the six large walk-in luxury safari tents that are raised off the ground. Wooden floors, tranquil interior colours and an outside deck for stunning morning views; it is all there. Tents have en-suite bathrooms at the back boasting a shower, toilet, basin and an outdoor shower. Find fans, a mosquito net and a hairdryer (on request) in your room as well, and slide yourself in the comfy king size beds (in twin or double) at night. Don’t forget to peek through the Swarovski Optik High Definition binoculars: spotting an elephant from your own verandah is something you can soon check off your bucket list. The central areas are under thatch and raised on decks to better appreciate the views. There is a lounge, a warm dining room, bar, swimming pool and a shady outdoor brunch area. Evenings are for enjoying Pierre’s yummy bites, gathering around the campfire and share safari tales with other guests. To support local artists, take a look in the small artefacts shop.

Activities at Duba Plains Camp

Trackers Skip and Kops have the eyes of a hawk and will show you some Okavango Delta wildlife in action. They will also tell you all about the residential lion herds – and all in this case means they personally know every roaming lion in this Kwedi Concession. Duba Plains is known for the titanic clashes between buffalo and lion, so a Okavango Delta safari game drive here means: tracking down the enormous buffalo herd to see if any lions are also headed in that direction. Game drives are in the morning and late afternoon, when the wildlife is most active. During times of good floods, usually between May and September, you might venture out in a traditional dug-out canoe, to see eye to eye with crocodiles, hippos and other wildlife at the waterside. Don’t hesitate to fire off all your questions while you are out there; the Duba Plains trackers and rangers will explain as much as they can about this area. Birdlife is abundant and impressive, with many Okavango Delta specials such as Rosy-throated Longclaw, Slaty Egret and Wattled Crane. Every afternoon, a game drive ends with Pierre’s delicious snacks and a sundowner in the bush. After that, it is time to head to the dinner table and pick from an impossibly delicious sounding menu (this might be the hardest part of your stay), reminisce about the day, while gazing at the stars. Just as the flood wants to return every season to Duba Plains Camp, you might leave with that same desire.

Tripadvisor comments Duba Plains Camp

Our three night stay at Duba Plains was wonderful. The staff was extraordinarily kind and welcoming and Pierre's food was delicious. The dinners and afternoon snacks were especially tasty. Out tent (#6) was beautifully appointed and we loved its double outdoor shower, with its beautiful views. Mopani, our guide, did an impressive job of tracking the lion and buffalo, especially since Duba is the only camp in the concession and thus, Mopani could not rely on the sightings of other guides. This was the last stop of our honeymoon and the Duba Plains staff made every effort to make our stay special--champagne on ice upon our arrival and a candle-filled private dinner by the pool.

Evan L from Atlanta, Georgia

My husband and I spent three nights at this beautiful camp while on safari with a group of friends. Tents were large and luxurious with indoor and outdoor showers, double vanities and very comfortable king bed. Imagine lying in bed at night, listening to the elephants and hippos walking next to your tent, hearing lions roar nearby, with the musical "tinkling" of frogs in the background. Staff was very attentive and pleasant. Food was very good. Thank you Pierre! Our guides were knowledgeable and eager to have us see as much as possible...and boy, did they succeed! It was a trip of a lifetime. If you are thinking of visiting this camp, please give yourself this amazing gift.

Gracie B from St. John's, Canada