Duba Plains Camp

Duba Plains sits on its own island within the 33,000-hectare Duba concession, a place Great Plains co-founder Dereck Joubert has called home for nearly twenty years. The camp built its reputation on a singular wildlife phenomenon: prides of lion that swim between islands to hunt lechwe and buffalo in the shallow floodwaters — behaviour rarely seen elsewhere in Africa and the subject of several of the Jouberts' wildlife films. Painted dogs and leopard are also regular visitors throughout the year.

The camp's five tented suites are raised on reclaimed railway-sleeper decking, each with a private plunge pool, outdoor sala, en-suite bathroom and eco-friendly air-conditioning over the bed. A separate two-bedroom Duba Plains Suite operates as its own private villa, with a dedicated guide, vehicle, butler and chef, and its own dining and pool areas per bedroom. The main camp area includes a raised dining room, lounge, wine cellar and library.

Days are built around game drives in search of the resident lion prides and their island-hopping hunts, guided walks, and seasonal water activities when the floodplain allows. Great Plains positions Duba Plains as an ideal pairing with the elephant herds of nearby Selinda for a rounded Botswana itinerary.

At a Glance - Rooms: 5 tented suites + separate 2-bedroom Duba Plains Suite (private villa) - Max guests: 10 in the main camp (Duba Plains Suite sleeps separately, up to 4) - Collection: Réserve-Collection - Key activities: Game drives, guided walks, seasonal water activities - Facilities: Private plunge pool per suite, wine cellar, library, private butler/chef for the Suite - Power/Wi-Fi: Not specified on operator page - Notes: Renowned for lion prides that swim between islands to hunt; strong painted dog and leopard sightings