5 Unmissable Activities at DumaTau

Newly rebuilt DumaTau introduces its state of the “heart” Osprey Retreat, a sanctuary for guests to enjoy their down time in between activities. The retreat includes a fully equipped gym and spa area for indulging in a signature massage from one of the camp’s in-house therapists, as well as an inviting pool to simply sit by and enjoy the views while snacking on treats from the deli.

And while some things at DumaTau have changed, there are many that will never change, chief among them the amazing activities on offer throughout the Linyanti Wildlife Reserve.

What are some of our favourite activities at DumaTau?

1. Game Drives – Day and Night

Expertly guided game drives explore the varied terrain of the Linyanti, and enable you to see the tail end of the Rift Valley faultline, and the mopane woodlands and riverine plains from the perspective of elephants and wild dogs. Plains game and diverse birdlife provide fantastic sightings as well. The open 4x4 vehicles allow us to host four guests at a time (each having a ‘window’ seat), offering a more exclusive experience and dedicated time with your passionate guide.

Night drives with infrared spotlights seek out the nocturnal animals otherwise not seen during the day. These often include lesser bushbaby, spring hare, aardwolf, serval, large spotted genet and, if you are extremely lucky, the elusive pangolin!

2. Guided Nature Walks

Slow down the pace and pay attention to the small yet compelling details of the Linyanti: the unique wrinkles in an elephant’s footprint, or the marks in the sand where wild dogs have rested between hunts. Nature walks with skilled, armed guides are a wonderful way of getting closer to nature and observing the little things you might miss when travelling by vehicle.

3. Motorboat & River Barge

The Linyanti is a region defined and demarcated by rivers – the very watercourses that dictate the movement of the elephants throughout the year. Boat excursions let you experience their magic by boat or barge, the latter perfect for picnics or sundowners or searching out more elusive birds prevalent in the channels.

4. Birding

Birding is outstanding in the Linyanti Wildlife Reserve, from Okavango specials to mopane woodland species. Birdlife in the Linyanti is also extensive and diverse due to the different habitats inland and along the river course, including “specials” such as wattled crane, slaty egret, southern ground hornbill and kori bustard.

The Savuti Channel is famous for its high concentration of eagles and raptors; this area is internationally recognised as an IBA (Important Bird Area)

5. Helicopter Flip

Gain a new perspective on the Linyanti and its wildlife, as the vast landscape unfolds beneath you, revealing a filigree of interconnected migration routes and trails linking vital waterholes. Guests opting for the helicopter scenic flight have first option to use any of the Olympus photographic kit, along with a handy reference guide for aerial photography.