Opening May 2023…
An intimate hideaway in an unfiltered African wilderness.
If an intimate safari experience is what you’re searching the wilderness for, Duke’s East truly is a once in a lifetime experience. The sister camp to seriously stylish Duke’s Camp, Duke’s East is ideal for exclusive-use groups. Duke’s East is an intimate affair set slightly apart from the main camp, yet with the same décor style and Bousfield sophistication.
Overflowing with adventure, expect serious safari panache in an unfiltered African wilderness. There are few better ways to experience one of the world’s last true wilderness areas than in the luxury of this intimate camp.
Duke’s East is situated on a 220 000-acre concession in the northern sector of the Okavango Delta. The unusually large size of the concession, coupled with limited human impact and a vast abundance of wildlife, ensures a rare opportunity to enjoy a truly wild and untouched corner of the Delta.
The camp itself is pitched on an island along the shores of a permanent lagoon, all but hidden amid the boughs of indigenous leadwood and ebony trees. This is a landscape of tawny grasslands interwoven with shimmering channels, where ancient woodland and ilala palm-islands speak to the passage of time in this utterly timeless landscape.
This is one of the most unique wetland areas in the world, unchanged for centuries, and, regarded by those in the know as one of the best safari destinations there is.
Where the prey goes, the predators will follow. And guests can look forward to impressive wildlife sightings throughout the year. Lush grasslands sustain large herds of herbivores – including African buffalo – while the Okavango’s iconic elephants are here in abundance, with guests often enjoying thrilling sightings on vehicle, mokoro, and boating excursions.
The predators certainly don’t disappoint here either, leopard, lion, African wild dog and smaller carnivores including serval and caracal are found in the concession. In fact, this corner of the Okavango Delta is said to have some of the highest concentrations of lions in the Delta.
The birdlife in this region is equally remarkable, with more than 350 species recorded in the region. The trademark cry of the African fish eagle is the soundtrack to many a game drive, as twitchers tick dozens of new species off their life list.
For decades the quality of guiding has been a defining feature of Jack’s Camp, and this unique Okavango Delta experience is no different. At Duke’s East 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.
And with all game activities taking place on a vast concession away from public access, guests can look forward to utterly unique wilderness experiences.
Morning game drives allow you to feel as though you’re the only people in the world as you set out in the first light of the African sun. Afternoon drives meanwhile, roll into the evening as you explore the pristine private concession.
Glide through the Delta’s crystal channels on a traditional mokoro safari, as expert guides help you discover the remarkable fauna and flora of the Delta.
Sleep beneath the stars on a night fly-camping on a remote, lantern-lit island.
Cast a line for the myriad fish species of the Okavango Delta, including African pike, nembwe and tilapia.
Seek solace from the African sun in the camp pool, with the chance to spot wildlife from your lounger.
Visit Tsodilo Hills – 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.
Experience the thrill of a scenic helicopter flight, offering an entirely new perspective of the Okavango Delta.
However you spend your time here, you can be sure that there are few other Delta destinations that measure up to this intimate slice of paradise.
