Where the wild dogs roam

Duma Tau Camp, which means ‘roar of the lion’, located in the private Linyanti Wildlife Reserve, has ten luxury safari tents (or should we say: safari villas?) offering spectacular Okavango Delta views, a great chance to see Africa’s wild dog, some serious gourmet food, amazing African skies reflecting in the adjacent lake, and let’s not forget the ‘Hippo Highway’. Excuse me? Yes, to make sure that already existing wilderness trails didn’t get disrupted when the camp was built, they created walkways, so that guests (since we are all guests in their habitat) can walk from place to place, without getting in the way of wildlife. You might catch a little ‘traffic jam’ caused by elephants or hippos, but funny thing: that turns out to be quite a different experience than traffic jam on paved roads. Duma Tau Camp cares about wildlife and the environment, so besides the Hippo Highway, the camp runs entirely on solar energy – leaving a light carbon footprint.

Raised off the ground on wooden decks - providing a great vantage point for dramatic views of the riverfront - the ten tents (including two spacious family units) are extensive with canvas roofs and walls, and wooden entrance doors. The interior feels just right: tranquil colours, natural materials, and most importantly, lots of open ‘walls’ for views. Tents feature twin or double beds draped with mosquito nets, fans and en-suite facilities with indoor shower and double vanity – note the stylish copper details. Main camp areas include an airy dining and lounge raised on decks with wide-open views over the Okavango Delta, to soak in even more of Africa’s nature splendor. There is an evening camp fire at the end of a water bridge, a small library, curio shop, massage treatments on your own deck (hello relaxation) and a plunge pool. Did we mention the excellent gin-tonics served at the bar?

Activities at Duma Tau Camp

Situated close to the source of the Savute Channel on Osprey Lagoon and between two elephant corridors, Duma Tau is built under a shady grove of mangosteen trees (a beautiful lush tree that grows, well, mangos) with sweeping views over the enormous hippo-filled lagoon. With passionate guides such as Ras (who as a young boy would occasionally skip school to discover the bush) and Brian (not only a guide, but a Field Guide Trainer for Wilderness Safaris as well), plus all the other guides, ensure that the truly important part of your stay – copper sinks are great, but it is the game viewing that counts here – will be more than memorable. Take a ‘window’ seat in the Land Rovers during the two game drives (the Linyante concession is a great area to see Wild Dogs), discover nocturnal animals on an evening hike, go on a Okavango Delta walking safari and lift every rock, or (water levels permitting) step aboard of the riverboat for animal spotting, sundowners or a morning picnic – and try not to feel flooded by all the beauty.

Tripadvisor comments Duma Tau Camp

Again Wilderness Safari have set up a magnificent camp overlooking a river and into Namibia, I found the service and the food as well as the quality of accommodations excellent! The staff are great and go out of there way to make you comfortable...they run a slick operation and make transits in and out of camp very easy. Our guide Ras made huge effort to find quality game for us. Would definitely return and think to mix this camp with a Delta camp a great combination due to the different wilderness areas.

craigyp2015 from Johannesburg, South-Africa

My husband and I arrived in Duma Tao for our first safari at the end of March 2015. Duma Tao is a fantastic camp. Everything was planned for us to the last detail, and nothing seemed like too much of an effort for anyone. The game drives were outstanding, and our guide was such a knowledgeable host. I really could not fault any aspect of our time here. Our only regret was having to leave after just 3 nights. Thanks to all the team for making our first safari the most magical experience.

KatieO82 from Genève, Switserland