The wetlands and lagoons of northern Botswana’s Linyanti Wildlife Reserve are a haven for bird and animal life, attracting enormous herds of elephant and zebra and packs of African wild dog throughout the year. Wilderness Safaris’ DumaTau Camp has been a fixture of the landscape since 1997, offering guests private access to the wildlife-rich lagoon from eight private tented suites, set on stilts above the shoreline.
Following a major renovation and expansion that began in November, DumaTau and its new sister camp, Little DumaTau – with four exclusive tented suites situated to the north of the existing camp – will reopen later this year. Staying true to DumaTau’s elegant, off-the-beaten-track aesthetic, the suites will be doubled in size to 142 sqm to include lounge areas, larger bathrooms with indoor and outdoor showers and enhanced cooling systems.
Both the existing suites and the four new ones at Little DumaTau will feature expansive outdoor decks and plunge pools, offering ringside seats to dramatic wildlife encounters, and all will feature original artwork celebrating the region’s wildlife. Between the two camps, a new waterside wellness space and spa will provide a refuge from the midday heat, and at night, guests can gather round the riverside fire pit to exchange stories and count the stars, accompanied by the gurgling of the Linyanti River.
When the camps reopen, visitors will be able to experience the reserve from a new perspective, taking to the skies on a scenic helicopter flight over the wetlands at the end of the Great Rift Valley, or enjoying the wildlife from ground level on morning, afternoon and night time game drives, boat rides and nature walks.