Duma Tau Camp

Duma Tau Camp was rebuilt and reopened in 2012 beside the Linyanti River, not far from the original camp. It overlooks a lagoon and expansive swamps within the extensive, private Linyanti Reserve, where wildlife safaris are year-round.

This area of northern Botswana is similar to the northern riverfront of Chobe National Park. The permanent waterways are fringed by lush forest, and dense woodland stretches away to the south. Duma Tau itself lies close to the Zibadianja Lagoon (the source of the Savuti Channel), under towering jackalberry (African ebony), sausage and mangosteen trees.

The raised main area is split across two wooden-framed tents, divided by a central walkway.

Dominated by a central table, the large dining area is both decorative and functional, with a self-service coffee and tea station. Glass jars are filled with biscotti, nuts and sweets; silver platters hold water glasses and mugs; and during mealtimes food platters sit atop wooden logs on the table.

Often meals are taken outside at Duma Tau, where there are a number of tables that look out across the river, while private meals can be organised in a couple of secluded boma areas overlooking the river. During the winter months, gas patio heaters help ward off the chill of the early mornings and late evenings.

The light wood and natural coloured furnishings of the lounge at Duma Tau Camp make a nice change from the more traditional safari décor. Along with an array of sofas and armchairs, a large desk, old tin and wooden cabinets, old trunks and vintage lamps, are a good selection of photography books. To the front is a cleverly designed bar which allows uninterrupted views over the river.

Raised wooden walkways lead through the bush to DumaTau’s ten tented rooms, which are spread out along the river on each side of the main area. To the front, overlooking the water’s edge, each has a large raised veranda with comfortable rattan chairs. The tents are substantial, constructed on wooden decks beneath a canvas roof, with mesh walls that allow guests to enjoy the surrounding landscape. At night, the room attendants roll down the canvas tent flaps for privacy and to keep out any chilly breezes. Two of the rooms are designed for families, but as they consist of two separate tents joined by an open deck, children under 12 must share a room with an adult.

Each tented room at Duma Tau is entered through a wooden door secured with a latch, to reveal large double or twin beds surrounded by a mosquito net, and with a fan overhead. On either side are reading lights set on square leather-trimmed luggage trunks. The rooms follow a similar soft colour palette to the main area, with whitewashed wooden floors, brown striped floor rugs, and natural-coloured furnishings. In one corner is a desk with an assortment of stationery, power plugs and reference books, as well as a floor-standing fan; in another, an ottoman chair takes pride of place beside a small table. Tea- and coffee-making facilities and filtered drinking water are also provided.

Duma Tau Camp is spread out along an extensive stretch of the river, with a swimming pool at one end, just beyond tent number 10. It’s an inviting spot, surrounded by decking, and dotted with very comfortable sunloungers and umbrellas. And hidden in the reeds on the other side of the pool, a small jetty with a floating hide and a comfortable sofa is a secluded place to watch birds or just read a book.

*For a full list of available activities, the best time of the year to visit, and any other relevant enquiries, please contact a Sister Hippo Travel Consultant!