King's Pool Camp
Highlights
- Excellent wildlife area, particularly during the dry winter/spring months.
- Day and night safari drives, boating, seasonal walking, sunken hide.
- One of the best places to see African wild dog and other predators.
- The camp operates primarily on solar power.
Location
- NG15 Private Concession
- Linyanti Wildlife Reserve
- Northern Botswana
King's Pool Camp is located on an oxbow lagoon of the Linyanti River. This wild and remote area is known for its abundant wildlife.
The camp is situated in the 490-square-mile (1 270-sq-km) Linyanti concession, which borders the Chobe Game Reserve and offers a diverse experience, including day and night game drives, boating, fishing, a sunken wildlife hide, and walking with a guide. The concession includes a range of habitats, including permanent and seasonal swamps, savanna grassland, seasonally flooded plains, riparian forest, and open woodland.
The game viewing at King's Pool is excellent, particularly during the dry winter and early springtime (from July thru October). Large numbers of elephant remain in the area near the Linyanti River, which they visit twice daily to drink. Herds of red lechwe can be seen all year along the river and impala are abundant on the floodplains, followed by their primary predator, African wild dogs.
Other wildlife commonly seen from King's Pool includes zebra, giraffe, hippo, greater kudu, sable antelope, roan antelope, reedbuck, waterbuck, blue wildebeest, and warthog. Predators that are likely include lion, spotted hyena, leopard, black-backed jackal, African wild dog, and crocodile. The area is superb for birding, with a high density of raptors, grassland and woodland species, as well as water birds.
Main area deck and view.
King's Pool Camp is situated along the Linyanti River, overlooking an oxbow lagoon that attracts wildlife, especially elephant. The camp is spread out amongst the riparian forest lining the river bank. The camp is named for a Scandinavian monarch, who spent a number of nights camping out on the banks of the lagoon, long before any camp was built here.
King's Pool Camp offers 8 spacious tented guest units, one of which is a double unit, ideal for a family or couple wanting more space. The tented guest units are connected by elevated wooden walkways that lead to the main camp area. The guest rooms have private wooden decks with a plunge pool and offer views onto the Linyanti River and open floodplain beyond.
The main dining, lounge area and main area pool are raised to maximize the vista to the King's Pool lagoon and floodplain beyond.
Wilderness Safaris are one of Africa's leading safari operators and they strive to minimize energy consumption at all their camps. King's Pool Camp is powered by a hybrid system, which combines solar power and a diesel-powered generator. Strict eco-friendly environmental standards are maintained so that no harmful chemicals or waste is allowed to enter the pristine ecosystem of the Linyanti Reserve.
Main area lounge with fireplace.
the Northern Reserves (Linyanti, Kwando, Selinda)
Located directly to the north of the Okavango Delta are three superb wildlife reserves: the Linyanti, Selinda, and Kwando. All three reserves offer superb game viewing in huge wilderness areas with very low tourist numbers. Each of the reserves has a number of safari camps and they all pair superbly with a visit to one more more camps in the Okavango. Daily charter flights are available from any of the camps in the Okavango Delta or elsewhere in northern Botswana.
Similar to the Okavango Delta, the northern reserves receive water from rivers fed by rains in northern Angola, the amount varying year to year. The Kwando River forms the border between Botswana and Namibia, and much like the Okavango River further west, it also empties into a trough of Kalahari sand, creating the Linyanti Swamp, a much smaller version of the Okavango Delta. The Linyanti Swamp empties eastward into the Linyanti River, which becomes the Chobe River further to the east.
In some years, and usually in multi-year cycles, the rain water flowing down the Kwando River is sufficient enough to cause the Linyanti Swamp to overflow to the south, where it may flow east into the Savuti Channel or southwest into the Selinda Spillway. The Savuti Channel empties into the Savute Marsh in Chobe National Park. The Selinda Spillway flows back into the northern part of the Okavango Delta.
Both of these waterways have historically gone through long periods of total dryness, becoming rich grasslands, and then suddenly flowing with water again, bringing rich sediments and new water along their courses. Like the Okavango, water flows are dynamic over time, with rains in the Angolan highlands and tectonic movements far beneath the surface of northern Botswana affecting the quantity and direction of the water in these river systems.
Elephants drinking at the Linyanti River near King's Pool Camp.
Away from the major rivers in the northern portion of these reserves, the southern portion of the northern reserves is dominated by dry woodland, consisting of Kalahari apple-leaf bush, mopane trees and Acacia trees on deep Kalahari sand. Elephants wander through as they travel between the Okavango and the northern rivers, and there are impala, greater kudu, roan antelope, sable antelope, but this area is mostly not used for safaris, with the safari camps located along the waterways to the north.
Wildlife viewing along the waterways in the northern reserves is outstanding, particularly between July and late October, when the bush is dry and the animals stay close to the permanent water. Elephants gather in large numbers at this time and head to the waterways to drink twice daily, sometimes swimming and playing in the deeper water. Herds of buffalo, zebra, and impala are also present in good numbers. Other herbivores include include greater kudu, giraffe, red lechwe, tsessebe, waterbuck, blue wildebeest, and warthog.
Common predators include lion, leopard, spotted hyena, black-backed jackal, and African wild dog. The northern reserves are one of the best places in Africa to see the wild dogs, which have their young around June each year, the pups are truly something to see if you get lucky. Cheetah are here in modest numbers and can be seen in the open grassland areas. Hippo and crocodile are abundant in the Kwando, Linyanti, and Chobe Rivers, as well as in the Linyanti Swamp area. Chacma baboon and vervet monkey are found in the riparian forests.
Birding in the northern reserves is outstanding, with a diverse mix of grassland, woodland, raptors, and water species found. A typical safari day can easily produce 100 species.
The Linyanti River (flowing right to left) forms an oxbow lagoon as it passes by King's Pool Camp.
ROOMS INCLUDES & EXCLUDES CHILDREN FACILITIES ACTIVITIES
Accommodation
8 guest accommodations in total comprising:
- 7 twin-bedded luxury tents each with two twin beds. Mattress converters are available that transform twin beds into a king-size bed (to be arranged prior to arrival). Mattress conversion possible at all tents with the exception of the second bedroom in the suite.
- 1 suite consisting of two separate tented bedrooms, each with two three-quarter beds (sleeping four in total) and each with its own en-suite facilities. The main bathroom has a double indoor shower (no outdoor shower), double-basin vanity, and separate toilet. The second bathroom has a single indoor shower (no outdoor shower), single-basin vanity, and separate toilet. The two units have separate entrances, but share the outdoor deck/lounge area and plunge pool. The suite is ideal for families or parties of four adults traveling together or a couple preferring more space and luxury. While one bedroom is slightly smaller, it is a standard guest tent and suitable for either adults or children.
Each luxury canvas-tented accommodation has thatch roofing and is constructed atop elevated red-balau wooden decking with views of the lagoon from the lounge area. En-suite facilities include a cottage-paned double indoor shower, an outdoor shower, a double-vanity basin, and separate toilet.
Carved wooden front doors made from salvaged timber lead onto the front deck. The units are connected to the main camp area by elevated wooden walkways.
Guest room interior.
Guest suite amenities include easy chairs, canvas blinds that roll up and down for all weather conditions, multi-plug charging facilities, an outdoor sala, outdoor sunken lounge area, and mosquito netting for the beds. Hot water bottles and extra blankets are provided during the chilly winter months.
Other items and features in the guest units include:
- Electronic safe.
- Mini-bar.
- Tea and coffee making facilities.
- Hairdryer.
- Ceiling fan and pedestal fan.
- Olympus equipment (includes a camera and a pair of binoculars).
- Exercise mat and free weights (2x 1-kg and 2x 2-kg).
- In-tent Wi-Fi.
- Two way emergency radios have been fitted in the tents and may be used by guests to contact camp management in the event of an emergency only. Radios are on a closed circuit and inter-tent communication is not available.
- Personal amenities, including seasonal bathrobes, slippers, liquid soap, body wash, shampoo and conditioner, body lotion, room spray, insect repellent, insect spray, mosquito coil, shower caps, vanity kit with cotton-tip swabs and cotton wool pads, sewing kit, tissue dispenser, laundry bag and umbrella.
King's Pool Camp can accommodate a maximum of 18 guests in total: 4 persons in the suite and 2 persons in each of the other 7 tented rooms.
Includes & Excludes
Includes:
- All meals and local beverages including wines, spirits and liqueurs, but excluding premium imported brands and Champagne.
- Twice-daily safari drives in open game-viewing vehicles and other scheduled camp activities (accompanied by experienced guides).
- Laundry services are provided on a daily basis (weather permitting, items will be returned on the same day). Laundry is dried by the sun and on most days any laundry placed out in the morning will be returned by the evening.
- Wi-Fi access.
- Tourism Levy & VAT.
Excludes:
- Purchases from the Safari Boutique.
- Premium imported beverages and Champagne.
- In-room massage treatments.
- Scenic helicopter flights ranging in duration from 30, 45 to 60 minutes - with a minimum of 2 guests and a maximum of 3 (activity takes place between 11:00 and 15:00 when animal densities are high).
- Any applicable wildlife fee, park fee, reserve fee, concession fee, other land-use fee.
Single Supplement
A single supplement will apply for any room booked by a single traveler; please ask us for pricing.
Children
Children 6 years and older are accommodated at King's Pool.
- For families traveling with children between 6 and 12 years of age, private activities need to be booked and paid for.
- Children between 6 and 16 years of age must share with an adult/s in the same room.
- The minimum age for walking activities is 13 years (subject to season and availability of a qualified walking guide).
Facilities
Main guest area facilities include:
- Main area, deck and bar offer uninterrupted and expansive views of the water, all under a high pitched sloping thatch roof, carved front doors and salvaged timber doors, on raised wooden decks.
- Outdoor lounge area with stargazing/fire deck.
- Pool in main area with partial natural shade.
- Safari Boutique.
- Reading area with a selection of reference books.
- Spotting scope.
- Traditional boma for dining under the stars.
- Guest toilets in main area.
- Menu of massage treatments (at an additional cost) can be conducted in the privacy of the guest’s tent.
Activities
Activities included in the rate:
- Day and night game drives in 5x 6-seater open 4x4 Land Cruisers.
- During winter months, hot water bottles (on early morning game drives only), blankets, and lined ponchos are provided.
- A pair of Olympus binoculars is available in each of the game drive vehicles for guests to share amongst themselves whilst game viewing and may be requested from our guides.
- Birding.
- The camp has a supply of bean bags for guests to use to steady their camera while on a safari drive.
- Guided nature walks, seasonal and on request, subject to the availability of a qualified walking guide. Requests are subject to the discretion of the Camp Manager.
- Water-based activities on the Linyanti River are primarily offered on the 8-seater Queen Silvia double-deck pontoon boat.
- Fishing on a catch-and-release basis year-round (except January and February, when fishing is barred by law for breeding).
- A sunken hide is located at a waterhole approximately ten minutes’ drive from camp and can accommodate a maximum of six guests.
- Viewing hide on the western end of camp.
- Stargazing with a spotting scope.
Optional activities at additional cost:
- Private activities are on offer (subject to vehicle availability which needs to be booked in advance).
- Scenic helicopter flights ranging in duration from 30, 45 to 60 minutes - operated in a Robinson with guest numbers as a minimum of 2 and a maximum of 3 (activity takes place between 11:00 and 15:00 when animal densities are high).
Example of a typical day:
- Early morning wake-up call. Morning wake-up and activity times vary according to the seasons, activities on offer, and wildlife sightings.
- Light breakfast before departing on the morning activity.
- Return to camp for a meal and rest period.
- Meet for afternoon tea and snacks (savory and sweet choices) before departing on the activity.
- Return to camp - freshen up or meet for drinks, followed by dinner.
- Enjoy a nightcap or discussion around the fire before retiring.
Great Good Fair Poor
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WHEN TO GO
The Linyanti region of northern Botswana offers excellent wildlife viewing opportunities throughout the year, but there are definitely seasonal variations in terms of weather and the densities of wildlife that may be a consideration when planning your visit.
The high season in terms of tourist demand is during the dry months between June and October. The latter part of the rainy season (February through April) is the low season.
The winter (June through August) is dry and cool and wildlife may be easier to locate as rain water is evaporating and the Linyanti, Kwando, and Chobe rivers and and substantial waterholes become more frequently visited by the animals as water becomes more scarce.
During the middle and later stages of the rainy season, the grass becomes tall and the bush becomes lush and thick, which makes for lovely colors, but makes spotting wildlife more difficult.
King's Pool Camp is open year-round.
Summer / Rains
Northern Botswana, including the Linyanti region receives most of its rain between December and February, which is the summer season. November and December are superb months to visit the Linyanti, with only occasional rainstorms and most rain coming in short showers, bringing welcome relief to the thirsty land after the dry season.
January and February typically experience afternoon downpours on most days, but all-day rains are uncommon. By the middle of March, the rains become much less frequent and the grass and bush have grown long and thick. Mornings become cooler by the end of March.
In spite of being summer, the rains keep temperatures from becoming overly hot, although humidity and insect life are at their peak. Days are mostly overcast or partially cloudy, with dramatic skies and a lovely green color to the landscape. Afternoon temperatures average 88°F (31°C), but mornings are very comfortable at around 65°F (19°C).
Baby animals are in abundance, especially impala lambs and warthog piglets. Migratory birds arrive to breed and dramatically increase the number of species and overall numbers, particularly in the lagoons and pans, which are full of rain water and food for the aquatic species.
Unlike the dry months (May through October), when the middays can be very warm, causing wildlife to minimize activity and seek shade from around 10am til mid-afternoon, the overcast skies during the summer often mean that animals are active throughout the day, offering many more hours of game viewing.
Autumn
March, April and May are Fall season months and the beginning of the dry season in the Linyanti, with rains very uncommon from around mid-March. The landscape is still lush and green, with sunny days and comfortable temps; afternoons average 84°F (29°C). Mornings are comfortable, but a fleece and base layer may be needed for the first hours on game drive.
Migrant birds fly north and water in the lagoons and rain pans is drying up. Permanent waterways, including the Kwando, Linyanti, and Chobe rivers, are actually rising however, as the 'flood' water from the Angolan highlands is now reaching into northern Botswana. As a result of the rains abating and the waterholes away from the river becoming dry, animals begin to spend their time closer to these rivers, and wildlife sightings become better and better.
Morning temps are around 54°F/12°C and afternoons average 79°F/26°C.
Winter / Dry Season
June through August is winter and the vegetation is drying and going dormant. The water in the Linyanti/Chobe river system is peaking but the surrounding landscape is mostly brown and yellow. Dust and sand particles in the air is on the rise. Game viewing is superb, with elephant and buffalo herds congregating along permanent water.
Mornings can be chilly to very cold at around 45°F (7°C). Warm clothes, including winter hat and gloves are needed for the open-air game drives. Dress in layers, as the temps do rise quickly during the day, with middays reaching 79°F (26°C).
Wildlife sightings are superb in the Linyanti during the dry winter months.
Spring
September and October are the driest months as the landscape and animals eagerly await the coming rains. Game viewing is phenomenal, with all rain pans now completely dry and animals are congregating around permanent waterways, particularly along the Linyanti, Kwando, and Chobe Rivers. The grass and vegetation are very dry.
Days are warm, sunny, and often cloudless and by mid-morning, most animals are seeking shelter in the shade and awaiting the evening temps to drop. October can be brutally hot and dusty and even smoky as sporadic grass fires can occur.
Safari camps are mostly full to capacity, with guests adhering to guide books saying this is the only time to visit (not true of course). Temperatures in October can easily reach 95°F (35°C) or even hotter. Game viewing is superb.