Fodor's Expert Review Duma Tau

Completely rebuilt in 2021 when it was catapulted into the premier ranks of Wilderness Safaris’s properties, this lavish, solar-powered camp boasts a spectacular location on the banks of the broad Linyanti river. The entrance is dominated by an imposing square bar, decorated with a tiled antique map of the concession—ideal for retracing the day's adventures—which separates the open-plan dining and lounge areas, shielded beneath a series of peaked canvas roofs. Rattan and leather chairs, and weathered trunks complement the lounge's predominantly neutral tones, beyond which a curiosity room houses a handful of natural exhibits and a fireplace. À la carte meals are served on separate tables on the split-level dining deck where you can watch elephants swim across the sapphire ribbon of water that stretches out beneath you. At night, descend to the floating bar, where pre-dinner entertainment is provided by a glockenspiel frog orchestra. Wooden walkways­—with sporadic gaps to allow crossing warthogs and hippos—lead to your luxury room, featuring a phone (for contacting staff), tablet (pre-loaded with guest information), Nespresso machine, bar fridge, and a bed cooling/heating system. A corridor links the bedroom to your private lounge, where you can sink into a leather couch or peruse the collages of wildlife-related sketches and facts that hang on your wall. Take a siesta on the daybed on your outdoor deck or cool off in the plunge pool. Rooms are identical at the more intimate four-room Little Duma Tau, which lies on the other side of the dedicated spa. In addition to the ubiquitous elephants, the concession has a good reputation for predators while seasonal mokoro and boat trips provide a welcome break from game drives. If you can't get enough of the river, you can even have brunch or dinner on the barge, which must be booked in advance.