Duba Explorers Camp

OVERVIEW:

YZ recommends Duba Explorers Camp for travellers seeking very comfortable accommodation within a wildlife-rich region of the spectacular Okavango Delta. It is owned by Great Plains Conservation, something of a favourite at YZ. The Great Plains portfolio includes lodges and camps across Botswana, Kenya, and Zimbabwe, such as Zarafa, ol Donyo, and Mpala Jena. The company describes its approach as Conservation Tourism, and it has received numerous awards! 

ACCESS & LOCATION: 

Travellers approach camp via aircraft flight from Maun, followed by a road transfer of just 7 minutes from the airfield. The wooded island on which the camp resides is accessed by bridges over the surrounding waters.

ACCOMMODATION & FACILITIES AT DUBA EXPLORERS CAMP: 

Duba Explorers’ communal spaces are found within a large marquee set up on a raised deck. This structure is open sided, providing lovely views! The lounge area features plush seating around a central coffee table, wildlife artwork, and interesting artefacts here and there. In the dining area, there’s a large table for communal dining, rather smart upright chairs, and a small yet well-stocked bar. These spaces flow out on to the deck, which has additional lounge furniture. It has a fire-pit area too, with lanterns and campaign chairs.

Guest accommodation at Duba Explorers consists of six tents. In common with the communal structure, each is set up on an elevated deck. The interiors include a double bed with mosquito nets, bedside tables and lighting, a standing fan, a writing desk and chair, seating at the foot of the bed, and ample storage space. The en-suite facilities comprise flush toilet, twin washbasins, and walk-in shower. Every tent also benefits from a private veranda, complete with comfy chairs. This is the perfect place to relax and enjoy views of the surrounding floodplains, including the local wildlife!

ACTIVITIES AT DUBA EXPLORERS CAMP:

Duba Explorer’s activity list is made up of both land- and water-based activities. However, please note that the availability of mokoro excursions depends on water levels during your stay. Also, walking safaris are only possible when an expert guide is in camp.

• Expertly guided game drives

  - Duba Explorers is very well placed to offer some seriously good vehicle safaris, during the day and after sunset. The camp’s private concession consists of over 30,000 hectares of floodplains, woodlands, and islands, providing homes for an impressive assortment of mammals and birds. Elephant, buffalo, and hippo are particularly prolific, but giraffe, greater kudu, tsessebe, and red lechwe are also seen in high numbers here. Big cats such as lion and leopard may be viewed too, while nocturnal species include brown hyena.

• Guided walks

  - Enjoyed in the presence of an expert guide, walks are fantastic for anyone interested in taking a closer look at the smaller lives of the Delta – its plants, insects, and bird species. Bird highlights include white-backed night heron, wattled crane, and the mysterious Pel’s fishing owl!

• Boat trips

  - This activity is seasonal and usually only operates between June and September. Motorised boats and mokoros are used to explore the waters of the camp’s concession. You can look out for hippo and a variety of waterbirds, as well as plenty of big game species coming to quench their thirst on the banks of the channels.