Where the Elephants Roam

Luxurious tents offer wide-angled views to guests

"Roar of the lion"  is what DumaTau translates to, but it is the elephants that rule in this part of Linyanti, Botswana. Forming the bulk of this landlocked country in southern Africa is the K alahari Desert, part of the world’s largest unbroken expanse of sand. Within it also lies the Okavango Delta, a fascinating wetland that receives its waters from rain that falls a thousand kilometres away, sustaining an enormous range of flora and fauna.

Found in the private Linyanti Wildlife  Reserve bordering the western part of Chobe National Park, the DumaTau Camp is close to the source of the Savute Channel between two elephant highways. The luxury tented camp features eight twin and two family rooms; each spacious en-suite tent situated under a canvas roof, with clear sliding doors and windows with sweeping wide-angled riverfront views.

Botswana boasts a large population of elephants

During the winter, enormous herds of elephants traverse the area, indulging guests with unparalleled views of these majestic creatures. The river and other habitats have provided a home for a variety of wildlife—from plains game and  predators, to the ever-elusive leopard and even the endangered wild dog. To take full advantage of these dramatic river views, DumaTau Camp is raised off the ground. Its dining and lounge areas and pool overlook the lagoon; one may even catch a hippo or two frolicking here.

Whether one is a first-time or seasoned traveller to Africa, DumaTau Camp will not disappoint.

Lounge seats at the main area

Morning and afternoon game drives on the open 4x4 Land Rovers accommodate a group of seven, with each guest enjoying a window seat for prime views of plains game and diverse birdlife.

Swimming pool with the riverfront view

Come evening, there are night drives that give guests a view of nocturnal animals such as bushbabies, spring hare, aardwolf, serval, large spotted genet, and—with some luck—the elusive pangolin. As an alternative to the usual drives, nature walks are another wonderful way to appreciate details that are otherwise missed. Several hides and platforms are available, providing guests unique vantage points to indulge    in the breath-taking vista. Guests can also  enjoy exploring the Linyanti River by barge or boat. It is a wonderful opportunity to take in the gorgeous views of wildlife while enjoying a picnic at sundown. Because this  activity is water dependent, guests should take full advantage of it whenever possible. Those who enjoy bird watching are in for a treat: the Savute Channel is a recognised Important Bird Area (IBA) due to the high concentration of eagles and raptors within its vicinity.

Wine drinking at sunset

There is plenty to keep travellers busy and content at DumaTau Camp. It is quite amazing to know that it’s just one of Wilderness Safaris’ 50 luxury camps encompassing nearly three million hectares of Africa’s finest wildlife and wilderness areas across eight African countries. Wilderness Safaris (wilderness-safaris.com) was established in 1983 in Bostwana. Wildly acclaimed as Africa’s foremost ecotourism operator, to has offered its guests extraordinary experiences and journeys in the most pristine and remote areas in Africa, while helping conserve its biodiversity and sharing the benefits of ecotourism with its people.

Photos courtesy of Duma Tau Camp and Max Seigal

For more information, visit A2A Safaris website at a2asafaris.com; email: enquiry@wilderness.co.za; or call: +632.952.7414