DumaTau Camp

premier Camp | Linyanti / Savuti Reserves, Botswana

(4.17)
| Read Reviews | Write a Review

Located near the source of the Savute Channel in the western section of the Linyanti Wildlife Reserve, DumaTau provides private and exclusive access to a multiplicity of active wildlife. Built under a grove of mangosteen trees, the camp overlooks a large hippo-filled lagoon where elephant herds and lion prides abound. Situated in an untouched 300,000-acre concession in northern Botswana, DumaTau offers relaxing solitude while providing direct access to incredible wildlife.

Photo of Greg Courter

Our Expert Says

This beautiful camp in the Linyanti region of northern Botswana overlooks a hippo-filled lagoon and offers day and night wildlife drives and boat rides along the Linyanti River waterways. It's a perfect location to combine with some time in the Okavango Delta.

– Greg Courter


Duma Tau Camp, central crystal clear pool, surrounded by gargantuan sun deck with reclinging chairs and accompanying umbrella, Botswana, Africa safari

Facilities & Amenities

  • En suite bathroom with shower
  • Family Accommodation: 2 family units, each with 2 en suite bedrooms with private entrances connected by shared deck
  • Shampoo, conditioner, soap, lotion and insect repellent
  • Room fan
  • Tea/coffee in room
  • 220v charging outlets in room
  • Wi-Fi available
  • In-room safe
  • Central plunge pool
  • Sleep-out platform
  • Laundry included
  • Local drinks included (house alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks)
  • Credit cards accepted (Visa and MasterCard)
  • No air conditioning, hair dryer, telephone or cellular coverage

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Duma Tau Camp, gorgeous screened main lounge area, surrounding windows on every side with views of the wilderness, golden lit canvas ceiling, Botswana

The Camp

Location: Linyanti Reserve, Botswana
Number of Tents: 10

DumaTau, meaning "roar of the lion," is a 10-room luxury tented camp located within the private 309,000-acre Linyanti Wildlife Reserve, which borders the western boundary of Chobe National Park in northern Botswana. The camp rests beneath a shady grove of mangosteen trees, overlooking one of the many lagoons the Linyanti swamp system, a magnet for wildlife. The source of the Savute Channel is close to the camp, and wildlife drives up the dry waterway are a highlight of the area. The elevated tents are open to private, broad wooden verandas for wildlife viewing directly from bed! Whitewashed wood floors, natural wood, leather and canvas furnishings and fine linens add luxurious touches, as do spacious en suite bathrooms, each with an additional outdoor shower. The dining room, pub, lounge and plunge pool all overlook the flowing channel, offering fantastic views of resident wildlife.

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Photo: Wildlife Viewing & Activities

Wildlife Viewing & Activities

The diverse habitats in the region make it a haven for a multitude of wildlife. Activities are also diverse, allowing guests time on the water and on land, as well as on foot. Day and night wildlife drives are conducted in open 4x4 vehicles along the Savute Channel and the banks of Linyanti River. Guided walks are also possible, though subject to the availability of a qualified walking guide. There are many hides in the area where guests can enjoy wildlife viewing away from a vehicle. One of the best is right at the source of the Savute, where many species of wildlife and birdlife congregate. The area is famous for its elephant population—huge herds mass here during the dry months along the waterways and lagoons. During this season, sable and roan antelope traverse the flood plains, along with impala, zebra, giraffe, wildebeest, lechwe, tsessebe and other plains wildlife.

The below chart helps to illustrate major wildlife sightings often experienced in the Linyanti Reserve adjacent to the Chobe National Park. This area is well known for elephant herds, which are at their peak in the drier months of July to October, and it's a great location to track wild dogs and see lion. A variety of other mammals, birds and reptiles may be seen as well. Exact sightings will depend on weather trends and wildlife movements.

Country Park/Reserve
Buffalo
Cheetah
Eland
Elephant
Giraffe
Hippo
Hyena
Leopard
Lion
Sable Antelope
Wild Dog
Wildebeest
Zebra
Botswana Linyanti / Savuti Reserves

Usually viewed
Frequently viewed
Occasionally viewed
Sporadically viewed
Rarely to never viewed

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Climate

Month Max Min Rainfall
January 88° F 63° F 5.55 in
31° C 17° C 141 mm
February 86° F 63° F 4.96 in
30° C 17° C 126 mm
March 82° F 61° F 2.99 in
27° C 16° C 76 mm
April 81° F 61° F 0.94 in
27° C 16° C 24 mm
May 75° F 57° F 0.12 in
23° C 13° C 3 mm
June 72° F 48° F 0.0 in
22° C 8° C 0 mm
July 70° F 45° F 0.0 in
21° C 7° C 0 mm
August 70° F 50° F 0.0 in
21° C 10° C 0 mm
September 75° F 57° F 0.12 in
23° C 13° C 3 mm
October 91° F 64° F 0.71 in
32° C 17° C 18 mm
November 86° F 63° F 2.28 in
30° C 17° C 58 mm
December 88° F 64° F 4.53 in
31° C 17° C 115 mm

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Duma Tau Camp, marvelous shot of giraffe running through the water, sparkling splash of river, emaculate lighting, Okavango Delta, Botswana, Africa

Conservation

Botswana has a well-developed network of protected areas, and these include concessions that allow hunting as well as photographic safaris. The operators of DumaTau Camp have chosen not to hunt in the concessions in which the company operates, forfeiting approximately US $1.2 million per year in hunting quotas in preference for photographic safaris. Yet perhaps the most topical issue for Botswana at present is its very large elephant population and possible impacts on vegetation and other animal species. As a result, and in recognition of the fact that in the Selinda and Linyanti concessions, DumaTau’s operator is responsible for one of the two highest-density elephant concentrations in the country, the company has facilitated and partially funded two MSc studies examining vegetation impact and is currently hosting a PhD researcher examining additional elements of this puzzle.

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Reviews for DumaTau Camp

(4.17)

Review DumaTau Camp
Month of travel: February
"Duma Tau was a very new camp when we visited. For me, I felt that the very modern feel, the large size and newness detracted from the "African" experience. I thought it lacked the charm of the other camps we visited .That's just my personal feeling. Others thought it was beautiful.. I also didn't feel as connected to the staff. Having just come from the warm welcoming arms of Little Vumbura camp, that was missing. Having said that, it was comfortable, the food was excellent, as was the wildlife viewing - after all, the wildlife is what you are here in Africa to see. I got wonderful close-up photos of a leopard in full view on a tree branch. He was the only leopard we saw on our entire trip, so that was thrilling. Our guide,Thuto (who was fantastic)told us that this leopard was a regular sight. in the Duma Tau area. Pauline Harmon"
- P. Harmon
Month of travel: August
"Duma Tau Camp had just recently opened when we arrived. The tent was more like a five star hotel room but with a view no hotel could ever provide. One side of the tent provided a beautiful view of the Linyanti waterways. The highlight of our visit here was the opportunity to view a pack of African Wild Dogs with a kill. It is something I will never forget. "
- L. Cudworth
Month of travel: August
"Duma Tau Camp was gorgeous and we enjoyed wonderful animal encounters during our stay. Perhaps it was because this was one of the biggest camps we visited, or some other factor, but the atmosphere was not the warmest. We felt less connected to the staff and our surroundings than at any of the other camps where we stayed. Again, it was lovely, the food was splendid, the experience was first rate, other than the lack of connectedness to the staff there. Please don't let that deter you from visiting!"
- R. Dennis
Month of travel: May
"Although it was the largest camp I visited in Botswana, I enjoyed it very much. The "boma welcome" ceremony was terrific and set the stage for a great 3 night stay. With easy access to Suvuti, the game viewing was outstanding. And the camp staff was top-notch!"
- J. Shanahan
Month of travel: April
"During our 2 night stay in 2010, I felt like Duma Tau Camp's tents/rooms could have used an "updating" - compared to the other 5 camps we stayed at on our safari - this one seemed the least impressive - and that by no means am i suggesting that Duma Tau is not impressive (and I believe I read they DID update their tents recently). Our guide (5 stars) and our overall experience at this camp was beyond expectations. We saw it all, and then some. We covered some kilometers tracking wild dog, witnessed a leopard burglarize a warthog den, spent two afternoons with some young male lions and met some incredibly fun folks from all over the world. This is a great camp - I would highly recommend it to a fellow traveler or anyone planning a safari in the delta."
- W. White
iSafari.com's response:
Thanks for your review! The whole of Duma Tau has been renovated, and even relocated, since 2010 and is quite luxurious now. It has a slightly modern feel, which some people don't particularly prefer, but for those who enjoy a minimal, understated luxury, Duma is great!
Month of travel: January
"Great staff and excellent food. This camp has one of the best locations for prime wildlife viewing in Botswana. If I had one camp as a must stay it would be Duma Tau Camp."
- M. Walker

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