Duke’s Camp

Meals are enjoyed under the shade of the giant ebony trees or in the communal dining tent, where the long vintage dining table dominates the space. Meals are a lavish affair of crystal glasses and antique silverware, with three-course dinners.

The main mess area at Duke’s Camp is a delight with its old-world glamour and elegant Persian tea-tent. Grab a drink from the well-stocked drinks cabinet and settle into the small lounge furnished with intricately carved tables, antique oriental rugs and campaign furniture.

Guests gather to trade tales of their days in the wilderness or admire the cabinets of curiosities filled with Africana and collectables gathered by the Bousfield family through generations of African travel.

At Duke’s Camp guides combine their in-depth naturalist expertise and years of experience in the bush with the trademark knack for storytelling passed on by founder Ralph Bousfield. Morning and afternoon into evening game drives, explore the pristine private concession home to a rich array of wildlife including healthy populations of lion, leopard, cheetah, and elephant. A highlight of any visit to the Delta is sighting the semi-aquatic red lechwe and rare sitatunga antelope.

Glide through crystal-clear channels on a traditional mokoro (dugout canoe) safari, as expert guides introduce you to the remarkable fauna and flora of the Delta. Note that mokoro activities are subject to the annual floodwaters, and in dry years may be restricted or curtailed from October to January.

Scenic helicopter flights offer an entirely new perspective of the Okavango Delta. The Tsodilo Hills is a fascinating World Heritage Site that is located just 30 minutes flight away by helicopter. The Tsodilo Hills have a special significance to the Bushmen who have been living here for thousands of years. With over 4,500 individual paintings, Tsodilo is a treasure trove of ancient rock art with some of the highest concentrations in the world dating back between 800 to 1300 AD. A half day helicopter trip should be booked in advance to spend a morning exploring these Hills and their paintings (Additional cost).