Duba Plains

Relentless enemies

The lions of Duba Plains are some of the largest left in Africa and they owe their size to a diet largely consisting of buffalo meat. The unique mosaic of channels and islands of Duba Plains have created one of the most exhilarating wildlife spectacles on planet earth. The huge herds of buffalo are hunted remorselessly by the prides – equally at home in the water or on land. Your chances of seeing an interaction between these two African icons is excellent because the prides of Duba usually hunt in broad daylight. This awesome natural wonder has been documented in the award-winning film Relentless Enemies by pioneering filmmakers Dereck and Beverly Joubert.

The exclusive nature of the camp means that you can tailor your activities in the wild to suit the movements of the animals. You might spend all day out with the lions, a delicious picnic by your side. The action might happen just before supper in which case another enchanting meal will be brought out for you to enjoy as the relentless battle continues.

When you have had your fill of the lions and buffalo, you might unwind with a mokoro trip on the impossibly clear waters of the Okavango channels where some 400 bird species have been recorded. Alternatively, you could explore an island on foot before picnicking on a rug in the shade of a huge fig tree. Sundowner drinks on a flat-bottomed boat, the hippos emerging for the night, the most magnificent way to end the day.

The Camp

Duba Plains nestles on an island in the far northern reaches of the Okavango Delta. Surrounded by clear channels, filtered pure by the Kalahari sands, the island can only be reached by light aircraft.

There are six gorgeously appointed Meru style tents at Duba. Each has been erected on a private raised deck affording views out over the plains and shaded by an African giant that has called this magnificent wilderness home for hundreds of years. The décor is simple and sophisticated with elegant rugs and cushions of ochre and deep blue paying tribute to Arabia and the east. The compact, double vanity bathroom with open-air shower and flush lavatory complete a luxury living experience of the exploring age.

When you are not out with the lions and buffalo, you might be reading about them from the comfort of the leather and wood appointed lounge or dining out on the deck suspended over the crystal channel, a sense of the adventurous African night permeating your being.

Travelling to Duba Plains

Duba Plains is ultimate remoteness and can only be accessed by light aircraft from Maun – launch pad to the Okavango. There are daily flights to Maun from Johannesburg, Windhoek and Kasane (Chobe) and from there, one of our trusted flight operators will convey you into the private 33  000ha concession where the excitement of Duba awaits. The flight will afford you some of the most spectacular views of the patchwork of water, verdant vegetation and abundant wildlife that is the Okavango.

So much, so close

While you are in southern Africa, Iconic Africa recommends that you spend some time enjoying the rest of the sub-continent. We think the ultimate itinerary would include Cape Town – its mountain, restaurants, the Atlantic coast and the splendid wine lands; Victoria Falls – its majesty, adventure and natural tranquillity; and the Sabi Sands – its exceptional game viewing, ultimate luxury and historic Kruger location. Duba is an ideal destination after Cape Town in this itinerary.

Why Duba Plainsp

• Epic battle of lion and buffalo in broad daylight
• Ultimate remoteness
• Uncluttered luxury
• For the discerning nature traveller

Duba Plains offers the chance to see one of the longest-standing and fiercest natural battles on planet earth in ultimate remoteness and simple opulence. This is an exclusive destination for the discerning wilderness explorer.

Speak to one of Iconic Africa’s Botswana experts in order to design your perfect wilderness holiday.