Botswana tourism waterhole Newsletter
Wilderness Safaris Introduces Dumatau & Little Dumatau
In addition to upgrading DumaTau Camp which has been part of Wilderness Safaris offering in the Linyanti Wildlife Reserve in northern Botswana since 1997, Wilderness Safaris has announced the introduction of Little DumaTau – an exclusive and intimate camp featuring four tented suites. DumaTau and Little DumaTau will form part of Wilderness Safaris Premier portfolio, with DumaTau closing in November 2019, and the anticipated opening for both camps August 2020.
Little DumaTau will be located north of the current DumaTau, with both sister camps situated on the finest site – for wildlife, conservation and life-changing experiences – along the entire Linyanti and Savute Channel – and arguably in northern Botswana; offering an exclusive combination of land and river experiences, including morning, afternoon and night game drives, boating excursions, nature walks and excellent birding opportunities.
The architecture and interiors will remain true to the essence of DumaTau, with style and elegance blending with a sense of off-the-beaten-track exploration. Between the two camps will be a new wellness space and spa looking out over the water, where guests can relax during the heat of the day: lie at the lap pool on the shaded deck, enjoy snacks from the deli and browse the trading store. The fire deck will continue to be a highlight for guests as they are almost immersed in the Linyanti River, a fire crackling at their feet. The outdoor Star Bed offers adventurous guests the opportunity to sleep under the immense expanse of the southern skies, the sounds of Africa all around.
“We are thrilled to be enhancing our DumaTau experience and launching Little DumaTau to further showcase our commitment to driving ecotourism in this remarkable wilderness concession”, comments Wilderness Safaris Botswana MD, Kim Nixon. “The Linyanti Wildlife Reserve is a must-see spectacle, filled with varied habitats, prolific and diverse wildlife and wonderful scenery – together forming a fascinating contrast to the Okavango. The camps are situated in one of the best wildlife areas in this massive private reserve, offering the perfect base from which to experience its diverse array of wildlife on a range of land- and water-based activities. It is the amount of effortless space, privacy and seclusion that truly sets the Linyanti apart”.
As both camps will offer a Premier experience, a number of enhancements will be made, including doubling the size of the rooms to include a comfortable lounge; making the bathrooms larger with indoor and outdoor showers; and ensuring cooling systems, ventilations and more shade all add to the comfort levels of the rooms. Each of the eight tented suites at DumaTau and four tents at Little DumaTau will have an expansive deck and plunge pool. The main area to bring new elements, for example, its own fire pit, an outside dining area and a “curiosity room” where guests can explore, browse, read and be enveloped by the wealth of wildlife and rich history of research across the Linyanti Wildlife Reserve.
Meaning ‘roar of the lion’, DumaTau is deeply committed to Wilderness Safaris’ 4Cs sustainability ethos of Commerce, Community, Culture and Conservation. The camps will be built with a light footprint and 100% solar powered. Famous for its high concentration of eagles and raptors, the Linyanti area is internationally recognised as an IBA (Important Bird Area). As the camps are located between two important elephant corridors, however, elephant conservation takes pride of place here.
“By staying at DumaTau, seeing herd after herd of elephants as they wind their way along ancient paths, and learning more about these animals – and the others that share their home – our guests can take part in their protection. As a company proudly born and bred in Botswana over 35 years ago, we remain committed to pioneering authentic and sustainable ecotourism in the country. We strongly believe that purpose is the new luxury and that it is important to weave this maxim into our guests’ overall experience. In addition to experiencing a life-changing journey, they will leave DumaTau knowing they have made a positive impact to the conservation of this extraordinary wilderness area”, concludes Kim.