African Design Magazine October 2015 | Page 35

African project Duma Tau Though DumaTau means ‘roar of the lion’, this is a place where the elephant is king; where the peaceful setting on the Linyanti River affords unparalleled interaction with the majestic wild elephants and hippo in their riverine habitat, and where the river and its sweeping views and swerving waterways invite the concept of the water resort safari. Elephants congregate in large herds during winter (June to October), while during the drier months, sable and roan antelope also traverse the lush Linyanti. Several hides in close vicinity of the camp – including one at the source of the Savuti – provide excellent photographic opportunities for guests. In addition to these incredible sightings that can include pangolins, honey badgers, wild dogs and fish eagles, DumaTau offers activities like fishing, canoeing, swimming and relaxing at the fire pit located at the end of the private jetty. All vehicles are open-sided and take a maximum of six passengers – everyone, then, has ‘the best seat in the house’. DumaTau runs entirely on solar power and has been built from sustainable timber sources with water-conscious waste removal to lighten its ecological impact as much as possible. Guests are also supplied with reusable water bottles to cut down on the use of plastic bottles. For LIFE, natural resources and time is seen as finite and precious, and the necessity for longevity echoes the necessity for the conservation effort through elegant, subtly sophisticated green and blue design. This lends itself to LIFE’s commitment to sustainable, conservation-centered, commercially viable developments, and focuses on community growth and cultural celebration. DumaTau is LIFE Interiors+Architecture+Creative Direction’s contribution to authentic eco-tourism. AD africandesignmagazine.com 35