Duba Concession (NG23)

In the northern reaches of the Okavango Delta this exclusive concession of 77 000 acres is home to only two camps. The concession is operated by Great Plains Conservation in partnership with the Okavango Community Trust which represents five villages in the Okavango Panhandle.

Duba Plains is similar to the Kwedi Concession; therefore choose one or the other in your safari plans. Water activities are seasonal in Duba Plains.

Animals – Duba Plains is an excellent destination for lion activity and is noted for sightings of lions hunting buffalo from the sizeable herds that reside here. The herds number in the thousands in the dry season, a spectacular sight and the biggest herds to be found anywhere. The wide open plains also make it a good place to spot cheetah. Don’t expect giraffe and zebra.

The Duba concession is strongly associated with the world-renowned photographers, film makers and conservationists, Derek and Beverley Joubert. Their films such as Relentless Enemies and The Last Lionscapture the raw beauty and rich wildlife of this corner of the Okavango perfectly. They are also the founders and the only two camps on the Duba concession, Duba Explorers Camp and Duba Plains Camp

Birds -The birding in the duba is as varied as it is exceptional all year round. In the summer many migrant species are present. Pel’s fishing-owl is regularly seen, with other specials including wattled crane, slaty egret, chirping cisticola, fan-tailed widowbird, pink-backed pelican and possibly rosy-throated longclaw. Also expect jacanas, saddle-billed storks, ibises, spoonbills and waders.

Plantlife -Sausage tree, leadwood, fever-berry and sycamore fig are the common trees here. You will also see the ‘blue bush’ or Kalahari star apple whose roots are peeled and used as a toothbrush: ask your guide! Duba Plains has more wild date palm than Vumbura.

Access -Fly in to the Duba Plains airstrip. Self-driving into this private concession is not allowed.

Best months -The buffalo herds and other game are at their peak in terms of numbers in the dry season, but birdlife is best during the rains.