April 2021 – Wilderness Safaris is delighted to announce the opening of the completely rebuilt DumaTau Camp in northern Botswana’s Linyanti Wilderness Reserve. The camp is situated on the same site as the previous DumaTau, to take advantage of the views over Osprey Lagoon and the opportunities to watch the wealth of wildlife – including the mega-herds of elephant for which the Linyanti region is known – from the camp itself.
In keeping with the new camp’s positioning within Wilderness Safaris’ Premier portfolio, the level of comfort and facilities has been greatly amplified through the rebuild, with a particular focus on ensuring a cool environment during the heat of the day. The central Osprey Retreat features a separate pool, deli and Safari Boutique area.
Further upgrades include an extended deck (with plunge pool) and awnings to create pools of shade at each of DumaTau’s eight tented suites. Appropriately for a camp situated in the vast open spaces of the Linyanti, the accommodation has also been remodelled to offer more room and new opportunities to explore.
“We’re proud to have this chance to continue to highlight the importance of the Linyanti as a conservation area, and to invite guests to experience it and it’s prolific wildlife,” comments Kim Nixon, Wilderness Safaris Botswana Managing Director. “As they do so, they’ll be adding their own stories to the collective narrative of one of Botswana’s most remarkable regions. In the new DumaTau, this area now has a camp that is worthy of its setting, and which forms the ideal location for making memories”, he adds.
Exploration is a theme that recurs throughout the history of this region – and forms a key part of the guest experience. The full range of safari activities are on offer, including day and night game drives, boat excursions, and guided nature walks led by expert Wilderness Safaris guides.
“The Linyanti Wildlife Reserve is a must-see spectacle, filled with varied habitats, diverse wildlife and wonderful scenery. DumaTau’s location at the end of the Great Rift Valley is truly extraordinary; the camp offers an unrivalled wilderness experience, with private access to Zibadianja Lagoon and more than 45 kilometres of exclusive traversing along Linyanti River frontage, as well as the north and south banks of the Savuti Channel – think effortless space, privacy, seclusion and extraordinary wildlife encounters”, notes Kim.
The design of the camp itself is intended to prompt questions and encourage guests to discover the purpose of the new DumaTau. The story of the camp and of the region is told through ‘curiosity boxes’ in the guest suites and interpretive library that focus on two of the most iconic – and itinerant – species that can be seen from DumaTau: elephants and wild dogs. Through the ongoing presence of a camp on this site, a meaningful contribution is made to conserving the vital migration and dispersal routes that delineate the Linyanti, and make it a safe haven for a diverse range of species. This same purpose is reflected in every aspect of the new DumaTau offering.
By way of acknowledging that sustainability relates to human livelihoods as well as ecosystems, the food offering at DumaTau is based primarily on seasonal and locally available ingredients. Sourcing produce from suppliers in northern Botswana reduces food miles and supports small businesses. This economic impact is also enhanced through sourcing décor items from Batswana artisans – a way to add to the authenticity of the camp’s look and feel, and encourage the growth of a sustainable conservation-based economy.
Guests at the new DumaTau can also enjoy customised spa experiences as part of the concept of a ‘restorative safari’ – a recognition that each safari is not only an external journey, but an internal one, too. The weaving together of voyages made by both animals and humans affirms DumaTau and Little DumaTau as destinations that offer the best of Botswana’s unspoiled wilderness combined with all the comforts required to delight even the most discerning travellers.
“Just by staying at DumaTau, seeing herd after herd of elephants as they wind their way along their ancient paths, and learning more about these animals – and the others that share their home – our guests will leave knowing that they have made a positive impact on the conservation of this extraordinary area”, concludes Kim.
