DumaTau

Where DumaTau sits

DumaTau stands on the eastern edge of the Linyanti Marsh in the Linyanti Wildlife Reserve, overlooking a hippo pool near the head of the Savute Channel. The camp sits between two busy elephant corridors, on a concession with some 45 kilometres of river frontage. Linyanti is private land rather than national park, which is what allows night drives and walking here.

The suites

There are eight tented suites, each with its own plunge pool, raised on wooden walkways above the ground. The interiors use hand-crafted mosaic tile, acacia wood and local textiles. Family accommodation is available. Eight suites on 45 kilometres of frontage is an unusually low density.

The main area

The main area and jetty look over the lagoon, with a lagoon-side pool, a fire pit, a gym and wifi. The Osprey Lagoon Deli handles casual dining alongside the main table.

The Osprey Retreat

The camp has its own spa, the Osprey Retreat, set beside the lagoon. Treatment space in a camp of this size is a deliberate choice about how guests spend the long middle of the day.

Game drives

Dawn and dusk game drives run in open 4×4 vehicles. The Linyanti is one of the best predator areas in Botswana, and it is particularly known for wild dog — the concession has a long history of denning packs — as well as lion, leopard and very large elephant bulls in the dry season.

Boat cruises and the barge

Boat cruises run on the Linyanti River and the Savute Channel, and the camp operates a barge for waterside dining. The water component is what separates Linyanti camps from the drier Savute and Mababe areas to the south.

Walking safaris

Guided walking safaris are offered. Walking is only possible because this is a private concession, and it changes the pace of a stay entirely — tracks, plants and small things rather than a checklist of large mammals.

The photographic hide

A hide is set up for game viewing at eye level, aimed specifically at photography. Low-angle work from a hide is very difficult to achieve from a vehicle, and it is one of the reasons photographers choose this camp.

Fishing

Catch-and-release fishing is offered on the Linyanti. It is a quieter activity than the drives and works well in the middle of the day.

Getting there and when to visit

Access is by light aircraft to DumaTau airstrip on the Wilderness Air circuit. The dry months from May to October concentrate elephant and predators along the Linyanti water and are the strongest game period. The green season from November to April is quieter, greener and better for birds and newborn game, and the camp operates year-round.