DumaTau Camp

The Linyanti Wetlands in northern Botswana are famous for one of Africa's highest concentrations of elephant — over 2,000 animals converge on the permanent Linyanti River during the dry season (July to October). The region also supports large lion prides, spotted hyena, leopard, and one of Botswana's finest wild dog populations. Wilderness holds exclusive concession rights in most of the Linyanti, ensuring low-density, high-quality game viewing away from crowds.

The Linyanti is generally more arid in character than the Okavango Delta, with dramatic dry-season concentrations driven by the permanent Linyanti River. While the Okavango offers lush floodplains and extensive water activities, the Linyanti delivers spectacle through sheer wildlife volume — particularly elephant. Game viewing at Linyanti is land and water-based; the Okavango Delta places greater emphasis on mokoro and boat activities. Many guests combine both regions to experience contrasting ecosystems.

The dry season (June to October) is when the Linyanti is at its most spectacular. As water sources dry up across Botswana, elephant, buffalo, and predators concentrate around the permanent Linyanti River and Savute Channel in extraordinary numbers. The wetter months (November to April) see wildlife disperse but offer excellent birdlife and green landscapes. Most Linyanti camps are open year-round.

DumaTau means "Roar of the Lion" in Setswana — a fitting name for a camp that sits within one of Botswana's most predator-rich private concessions. The Linyanti Concession, exclusively managed by Wilderness, supports large prides of lion, spotted hyena clans, and frequent leopard sightings alongside the elephant gatherings for which the area is most famous.

DumaTau Camp sits on the eastern edge of the Linyanti Marsh in northern Botswana, within the 125,000-hectare Linyanti Wilderness concession on the Botswana/Namibia border. The camp overlooks a hippo pool on the Savute Channel, offering game viewing from the deck before you've even left camp. The nearest airstrip is DumaTau, served by Wilderness Air on its Botswana safari circuit.

DumaTau is Wilderness's flagship elephant camp. During the dry season (July to October), over 2,000 elephants concentrate along the Linyanti River system, creating one of Africa's most spectacular wildlife spectacles. The camp sits at a critical water source, meaning elephant interactions from camp are a daily constant. The camp also sits within prime lion and wild dog territory.

Game drives operate at dawn and dusk in open 4x4 vehicles. Guided walking safaris are offered with Wilderness's expert guides. Boat activities on the Savute Channel and Linyanti River are a highlight — offering close-up hippo, crocodile, and elephant encounters. The camp also offers hide-based game viewing for patience-rewarding photography.

DumaTau Camp accommodates up to 18 guests across nine tents — a social, energetic camp with expert guides and a wide range of activities. Little DumaTau is a 5-tent intimate camp situated within the same concession, offering a more private and exclusive experience. Little DumaTau suits couples, honeymooners, or small groups who want exclusivity alongside DumaTau's wildlife richness without the larger camp dynamic.

Wilderness recommends a minimum of three nights at DumaTau to fully experience the Linyanti ecosystem across different times of day and conditions. Four or five nights allows for more exploratory game drives deeper into the concession, walking safari time, and the chance to encounter the shifting wildlife patterns that make the Linyanti consistently surprising.

Mornings and evenings can be chilly, so a light jacket for summer and something warmer for winter is essential. Bring a hat and  light clothing and closed shoes should you want to go on a guided walk.

The waterways around DumaTau attract herds of elephant, buffalo, and of course hippos. Predators in the area are lions, wild dog and leopards.

Wilderness will assist you every step of the way on your Botswana safari, from airports to transfers to camps, so you have little to worry about. Within the camps, our staff take safety seriously, and you can rest assured you’ll be well taken care of.

DumaTau means ‘roar of the lion,’ in Botswana’s local language, Setswana.