Duke’s East Camp

OVERVIEW:

Duke’s East is the brand new sister camp to the ever popular Duke’s Camp. Located near its sibling in a game-rich region of the northern Okavango Delta, it retains the same classic character and 1940s old-world chic, yet is a smaller property, with just four rooms. It’s ideal for those looking for an intimate, glamorous safari – and its small size also makes it perfect for exclusive-use bookings of small groups or intergenerational families. Its stunning position overlooking a seasonal lagoon allows for lovely views over the water, and access to both land- and water-based safaris in this exceptional part of the Delta. Predator concentrations are high here, and the list of activities is excellent, including the very special mokoro canoes for which the Okavango is famous.

But what really sets Duke’s East apart is the exclusivity and stunning décor of the camp. To be in remotest Africa in one of the finest safari spots in Botswana is otherworldly in itself, but add to this a camp where everything would suggest that you’re in a bygone era makes it truly magical. And the candlelit private island setting for the fly camping experience is one of the best we know of for a sleep out beneath the stars!

ACCESS & LOCATION: 

Duke’s East Camp is located in the Mapula and Sekwana Private Concession, which adjoins the famous Moremi Game Reserve. Some of the most famous camps in the Okavango are located in this region, with the landscape giving rise to such a wide variety of habitats and wildlife. This is the very heart of the Delta – palm-fringed islands, newly-formed lagoons, and sparkling channels intersecting floodplains and woodland, which are home to a plethora of birdlife. Duke’s East itself is beautifully set along the banks of a permanent lagoon, under the shade of some ebony and leadwood trees.

The camp is accessed by scheduled light aircraft into the local airstrip (40 minutes from Maun), and from here it’s a short game drive to camp, the length of which slightly varies depending on what game you might encounter along the way. These initial drives, while you’re still weary perhaps from your international flight, can often be the most memorable!

ACCOMMODATION & FACILITIES AT DUKE’S EAST CAMP: 

Duke’s East has just four elegant and unique rooms – these are in the Bousfield style, which harks back to the 1940s. The Bousfield family have been adventurers and pioneers throughout Africa for generations. Four-poster beds, beautiful Persian rugs, exotic fabrics, mahogany sideboards laden with carved antiquities… these are luxury vintage masterpieces! There’s also a fan, mosquito nets, and a writing desk (essential for those 1940s journal entries!). The en-suite bathrooms have both indoor and outdoor showers, brass fittings, all in elegant opulence. In front of your wide opening frontage, you have a private deck area with table and chairs and views out across the lagoon. Due to the amazing densities of wildlife in the Delta, much can be witnessed simply from the comfort of your veranda.

The main parts of camp are in the same style, featuring those ornate carvings and beautiful rugs, amidst comfortable seating and dining areas. Meals are served either al fresco or in the dining tent, and the food is of a very high standard. Dining can be private, or communal if you are in a group. There is some Wi-Fi (not to be relied upon, because of the glorious remoteness) at the pool area. And the swimming pool itself is a welcome treat, complete with sunloungers and perfect for cooling off in between safari activities. There are also in-room spa treatments, should you feel like a massage.

ACTIVITIES AT DUKE’S EAST CAMP:

Duke’s East has excellent year-round activities on offer, due to its prime location for both water- and land-based activities. We recommend you discuss water levels with your safari consultant, if you’re interested in the best times of year for boating. There’s access to some amazing rock art too, which is well worth a trip. Please note that some activities incur an extra cost and some need to be pre-booked (especially the much-sought-after island fly camping experience!).

• Expertly guided game drives 

  – Two game sessions per day are available, during the morning and the late afternoon. It is possible to do a full-day trip and go farther into the park, if another couple wishes to join (just in terms of vehicle numbers and availability). Four of the Big Five can be found in this part of the Delta. Among the highlights are lion, leopard, elephant, hyena, and buffalo. You can look out for smaller predators such as jackal, serval, civet, honey badger, and the rare wild dog, while the large herbivore collection features giraffe, wildebeest, zebra, and an assortment of antelopes.

• Walking safaris

  – Why not head out into the bush with an armed guide? As well as enjoying animal tracking and the area’s phenomenal birdlife, you’ll take a closer look at the reserve’s insects and plant life. Different levels and distances are possible, depending on the ages of your group. Classic walking safari has a minimum age requirement of 12 years.

• Night drives

  – You can also head out at night, when all the big predators come alive. It’s always an unforgettable experience, watching what goes on in the dark of the night! You might see porcupines, genets, civets, bush-babies, and occasionally a larger predator with its prey.

• Rock art

  – Located near the camp are some fascinating ancient rock artworks. Learning about the prehistory of the area and what early man got up to is always a rewarding thing to do (extra cost).

• Fly camping

  – Sleep out beneath the stars on a private island! This is a memorable experience indeed, especially at Duke’s East. Usually your afternoon game drive ends with sundowners nearby, before you’re ferried across to your adventurous island retreat for the night. There’s always a guide and an armed guard on watch and close by. Wake up and have a delightful bush breakfast, before heading back to camp (extra cost, needs pre-booking).

• Boating and fishing

  – The boating safaris here are spectacular! See elephant wading through the waterways, as well as hippos, crocs, and a plethora of birdlife. The Okavango Delta has some of the best boating in Africa. Fishing is also an option and can be seasonal – and though it’s not for everyone, plucking a catfish from the Delta can be quite a thrill. Naturally the camp operates a catch-and-release policy.

• Helicopter flights

  – This is another spectacular way of seeing the breadth of the Delta from the sky. It’s not quite as peaceful as the balloon, but you certainly cover more terrain, and stop off at fantastic places for picnics, such as the Tsodilo Hills. Flights come at an extra cost and need to be pre-booked.

• Mokoro canoes

  – This activity is very much the walking safari of the water! You will be able to hear and see so much more as you silently glide through the endless water channels of the Delta. It’s a great chance to meet some of the smaller animals like frogs and birds, and get a closer look at the flora. Best from June to September when the water is at its highest, and each canoe can accommodate a couple, plus your poler.

*This property is unfenced and located in a wildlife area, so large and potentially dangerous animals do pass through. If you opt to stay here, always be alert when walking around the camp and request for a member of staff to escort you if you have any concerns. Any guest is escorted after dark as a matter of course.