Duke’s Camp – Okavango Delta, Botswana
In the heart of one of Africa’s most game rich territories, Duke’s Camp is a glamorous, old-style safari camp. Here, you’ll find year round wildlife viewing, whether you’re paddling on a waterway in a traditional mokoro, on a drive, or simply from the comfort of your private veranda. Large populations of lion, cheetah, leopard and elephant roam, along with several rarer species found only in these parts.
The camp nestles into the landscape, with its traditional canvas tents, but inside you’ll find every luxury possible and superb service. And each private suite has remarkable views out over the floodplains. The camp is named after a local custodian Sarefo “Duke” Sarefo, from the Wayeyi tribe, who bought the land to preserve his ancestral roots and protect this bountiful part of the Delta.
At A Glance
Luxury Lodge
Why We Love It:
Designed & styled by Jack Bousfield this camp in the heart of the northern Okavango has plenty of character - a great base to explore the clear channels of the Delta & the game rich plains.Style:
Vintage safari luxe.Location:
On an island in a 89,000 hectare private concession, just north of the Vumbura & Duba Plains in the northern part of the Okavango Delta.Rooms:
9 en-suite canvas tents.Swimming:
A pool at the camp.Children:
Families welcome with children over the age of 6.Accessibility:
Please enquire when booking.Open From:
All year round.rooms
We love the vintage feel of the classic safari tents here. Built on raised platforms to make the most of the view, they’re filled with hand carved four poster beds, antique furnishings and decorated with rich fabrics, and each has a spacious bathroom. Dotted amongst the leadwood trees, they are glamorous and secluded.
food
Meals at Duke’s Camp are a serious affair – eaten at a long antique table, surrounded by safari memorabilia, with silver cutlery and crystal glasses. Dinners are three courses and always a delicious menu. Relax in the Mess tent with a drink from the well-stocked bar of an evening, or sit around the firepit to chat about the game you’ve seen that day.
activities
The team of expert guides at Duke’s Camp set the standard very high. They know the Delta inside out, and their knowledge of the wildlife and their habits is second to none. The Delta is able to sustain a huge diversity of wildlife, thanks to its fertility – it is home to a large number of herbivores and therefore predators. It also has a very healthy elephant population, and the birdlife is spectacular.
Naturally, one of the best ways to see this part of Botswana is by boat and excursions by mokoro (a traditional dugout canoe) take you up silently through the many waterways. From April to December, guests can fish the waters (on a catch and release basis). There are morning and afternoon into evening drives, that allow you to see an enormous range of game and no other visitors. A highlight is a night fly camping under the stars on a remote island, with just the sounds of Africa to lull you to sleep. For a bird’s eye view of the plains, a dawn hot air balloon or a half day’s helicopter ride can be booked. The latter can also take you to the World Heritage Site at Tsodilo Hills with its abundance of rock paintings. And at the end of the day, take to the water again with a sundowner.
sustainability
Guests staying at Duke’s Camp are directly helping some very important conservation initiatives. The camp is committed to protecting the natural environment, the wildlife that lives in it and the local communities to ensure sustainable livelihoods. A percentage of each guest’s stay goes directly to outreach projects.
Location
Okavango Delta, Botswana
On an island in a 89,000 hectare private concession, just north of the Vumbura & Duba Plains in the northern part of the Okavango Delta.
