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Kings Pool

Once a rustic campsite for Scandinavian royalty, King’s Pool overlooks the handsome oxbow lagoon of the same name in the Linyanti Wildlife Reserve, bordering Chobe National Park.


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Kings Pool

Kings Pool

Why we Love Kings Pool

Once a rustic campsite for Scandinavian royalty, King’s Pool overlooks the handsome oxbow lagoon of the same name in the Linyanti Wildlife Reserve, bordering Chobe National Park.

King's Pool is known for its quintessential Linyanti game drives – both day and night--time, thrilling bush walks and unique helicopter flips here at the tail end of the Great Rift Valley; and equally sublime sunset boating on the Queen Silvia barge. However, King's Pool's one-of-a-kind eye-level waterhole at the underground hide sets it apart. Seeing elephant feet and trunks almost within touching distance is an experience that transcends an ordinary safari. • One of the best places in Botswana to see rare sable and roan. • The camp’s position, alongside Chobe National Park and straddling four unfenced country borders, presents an unobstructed pathway for all manner of wildlife to come and go – particularly wild dogs and elephants. • As an Important Bird Area (IBA), it is a birder’s paradise; a carmine bee-eater nesting site nearby is a spectacle to behold in the summer months

Destination: In a corner of the unique Linyanti, King’s Pool promises an unrivalled African safari. The Linyanti comprises 126,000 hectares 311,000 acresof pristine, wild land bordering Chobe National Park and the critical wildlife corridors that traverse fou ced countries – Angola, Namibia, Zambia and Botswana. These corridors are essential pathways for all manner of wildlife to come and go unobstructed, while also reducing human-wildlife conflict.

The camp overlooks the scenic oxbow-shaped King’s Pool Lagoon (for which the camp is named) and Linyanti River system, and is perfectly positioned for watching the array of iconic wildlife come and go as they quench their thirst along the river.

Experience: This is Africa up-close. With an abundance of wildlife all around King’s Pool, expect the royal treatment as the wildlife comes to you on this luxurious safari. In the dry season, guests can enjoy a siesta-time watching the animals come down to drink at the unique underground hide, where the water is at eye level. Seeing elephant feet and trunks almost within touching distance while safely inside is an experience never to be forgotten.

For those looking for something more active, excursions include thrilling day and night game drives, guided nature walks and afternoons on boating safaris, photographing the wildlife and abundant bird life.  Equally impressive is a high tea and sundowner adventure on board the Queen Silvia barge, cruising on the lagoon while soaking in the cinematic views and spotting wildlife.

Back in camp, enjoy fresh, locally sourced, health-conscious cuisine, served with warmth and exuberant hospitality around a roaring fire.

Purpose: A true wilderness area with the highest density of elephant in Africa, the location of King’s Pool, bordering Chobe National Park and at the crux of KAZA's important wildlife corridor straddling Angola, Namibia, Zambia and Botswana, means it fulfils a vital role in the area’s biodiversity conservation.

Wildlife: The Linyanti Wildlife Reserve has an abundant and rich wildlife array, and is most famous for Africa’s largest free-ranging elephant population, which can reach enormous densities during the dry winter months. There are also impressive numbers of impala, lechwe, kudu, zebra, giraffe, buffalo, and bushbuck, along with their predators, including lion, leopard, cheetah, African wild dog and spotted hyena. The rarer sable and roan antelope can also be spotted emerging from the woodlands during the dry season.

The areas is a birder’s paradise. Just one feature is the carmine bee-eater nesting site nearby – a spectacle to behold in the summer months.

King’s Pool: Tucked away in a grove of jackalberry trees, King’s Pool is a luxurious safari camp named in honour of Swedish King Carl Gustav XVI, who reportedly honeymooned nearby in the 1970s.

The thatch and canvas camp features seven spacious and well-appointed twin rooms and one suite. 

The magnificent shared area comprises a pool, lounge, library, dining and convivial bar area, set on expansive, raised decks close to the water’s edge, perfectly positioned for watching the wildlife come and go. An open-air kgotla invites evening dining under the stars.

Totally solar-powered, the camp treads lightly on the land.

Once a rustic campsite for Scandinavian royalty, King’s Pool overlooks the handsome oxbow lagoon of the same name in the Linyanti Wildlife Reserve, bordering Chobe National Park.

Amenities

  • Boating Seasonal or dependent on guide availability
  • Catch-and-Release Fishing
  • Family Accommodation
  • Game Drive (Day)
  • Game Drive (Night)
  • Guided Walks
  • Helicopter Trips
  • Mekoro
  • Pool
  • Solar
  • Tented Camp
  • Wi-Fi Available

Activities

King's Pool – Game Drives

Viewing wildlife on a game drive is a thrilling experience. The varied woodland habitats and ancient floodplains along the Linyanti fault line make the Linyanti an essential part of any Botswana itinerary. Some of our guests have described it as utterly breathtaking. A safari to Africa is worthy of being on every travellers' must see destination.

King's Pool – Night Drives

Catch sight of nocturnal creatures on a night drive along the channel. An intriguing opportunity for you to see animals that you may never have heard of and are more unique, such as genets, civets, and bush babies. The other exciting element of night drives is the chance of seeing cats at their most active.

King's Pool – Guided Nature Walks

On request, nature walks with skilled, armed guides are wonderful ways of getting close to nature and observing the smaller things you miss when travelling by vehicle.

King's Pool – Hides

There are two hides in the vicinity of Kings Pool from which to view and photograph animals and birds. One is located at the western end of camp and the other is an original underground hide, with the water at eye level making for a unique camera-friendly perspective

King's Pool – Barge Excursion 

End the day with sundowners, relaxing on the elegant, colonial-style Queen Silvia barge floating down the Linyanti River. While the camp and its lagoon take their name from King Gustaf of Sweden who honeymooned here in the mid 1900s, the name of the barge romantically commemorates his wife. The newlyweds fell in love with the beauty of Botswana – a feeling that was mutual as the country fell in love with them too, and Botswana fondly named Queen Silvia the Dancing Queen!

King's Pool – Fishing 

Fishing with a limited supply of basic equipment is on offer on a catch and release basis.

Note that fishing is seasonal as it is prohibited by Botswana law in January and February due to breeding purposes.

King's Pool – Birding

Birding is outstanding at King's Pool, with the Linyanti Wildlife Reserve an internationally recognized Important Bird Area (IBA), particularly for birds of prey like Dickinson's kestrel and water birds, from fish eagles to herons, and African skimmers. In the summer months, southern carmine bee-eaters nest near camp. Keep your binoculars close at hand!

King's Pool – Rest & Relaxation

Massages are available for you to enjoy in the privacy of your tent. A range of beauty treatments created to restore your body’s natural balance and soothe away your stresses.

Facilities

Property Facilities

  • Bar
  • Library
  • Pool
  • Private Vehicle Available

Room Facilities

  • Electrical Outlets
  • En-Suite
  • Fan
  • Hair Dryer
  • Internet Access (Complimentary)
  • Laundry Service (Complimentary)
  • Lounge Area
  • Mini Bar
  • Mosquito Nets
  • Outside Shower
  • Safe
  • Sala
  • Tea / Coffee
  • Verandah

Available Services

  • Credit Card
  • Activities on Site
  • Bird Watching
  • Catch-and-release Fishing
  • Game Drives
  • Game Viewing Hide
  • Massages
  • Night Drives
  • Walks (Guided)


F&Q

1. Where is Kings Pool located, and what makes it an exceptional safari destination?
  • Kings Pool is situated in the unique Linyanti region of Botswana, within the sprawling 126,000-hectare Linyanti Wildlife Reserve. This pristine wilderness borders Chobe National Park and serves as a vital wildlife corridor connecting four unfenced countries: Angola, Namibia, Zambia, and Botswana. The camp overlooks the picturesque Kings Pool Lagoon and Linyanti River system, providing guests with unparalleled opportunities to observe iconic wildlife amidst breathtaking scenery.

2. Do I need a visa to visit Botswana for my stay at Kings Pool?
  • Most travelers to Botswana require a visa, which can often be obtained upon arrival at the airport or border entry points. However, visa requirements may vary depending on your nationality. It's advisable to check the specific visa regulations before travel to ensure a smooth entry process.

3. How can I get to Kings Pool?
  • Guests typically access Kings Pool by flying into Maun, Botswana's tourism hub, and then arranging a light aircraft transfer to the camp's private airstrip. From there, a short boat transfer or game drive transports guests to the camp, immersing them in the pristine wilderness of the Linyanti region. The camp's staff can assist in organizing transfers and logistics to ensure a seamless journey.

4. Are there any health concerns or vaccinations I should be aware of before visiting Kings Pool?
  • While traveling to Botswana is generally safe, it's advisable to consult with a healthcare professional or travel clinic before your journey. Routine vaccinations such as tetanus, diphtheria, and hepatitis A are typically recommended. Malaria prophylaxis is also advised, particularly as the Linyanti region is located in a malaria-endemic area. Guests should take precautions against mosquito bites and carry necessary medications.

5. What wildlife experiences can I expect during my stay at Kings Pool?
  • Kings Pool offers exceptional wildlife encounters amidst the pristine wilderness of the Linyanti Wildlife Reserve. Guests can enjoy thrilling day and night game drives, guided nature walks, and boating safaris to explore the diverse habitats and spot iconic African animals such as elephants, lions, leopards, cheetahs, and African wild dogs. Birdwatchers will also delight in the abundant birdlife, including the spectacular carmine bee-eater nesting site nearby.

6. How does Kings Pool contribute to wildlife conservation efforts in the Linyanti region?
  • Kings Pool plays a vital role in biodiversity conservation in the Linyanti region by protecting its rich wildlife array and supporting the integrity of critical wildlife corridors. Through sustainable tourism practices and conservation initiatives, the camp helps safeguard the region's iconic wildlife species and habitats. Guests have the opportunity to learn about these conservation efforts during their stay, fostering a deeper appreciation for the natural wonders of the Linyanti Wildlife Reserve.

Amenities

Amenities Not Found

Address

Ngamiland West Okavango Delta, Botswana

Internet

Children policy

Off-peak Season - 06 January to 31 May and 01 November to 19 December, 65% discount extended. Peak Season - 01 June to 31 October and 20 December to 05 January, 35% discount extended. The discounted child rate is only applicable to bookings in family rooms or standard twin rooms in camps that have a family room (should the family room not be available for your particular booking). Child rates do not apply at those camps that do not have family rooms. Children under the age of 17 years are required

Check-in / Check-out hyyyy

Check-in : 14:00

Check-out : 10:00

Transportation and transfer

Transfer : subject to supplement

Smooking policy

Smooking rooms:

Rooms

190 rooms and suites

In-room amenities : iPod dock, flatscreen TV, in-room safe, minibar

Available services

Air conditioned hotel

Laundry service

Concirge service

Corona Conscious

Handpicked Collection

Personalize Service

Perks & Offers

Price Matching

Trusted by Visa

Secure Booking

C.M

United States

8.68/10

We love the hotel and its location. The front desk staff was extremely pleasant. The breakfast staff are very friendly and efficient.

P.M

United Kingdom

9.03/10

Fantastic hotel, great atmosphere, room upgrade was much appreciated. All the staff I interacted with were great. One of the best hotel experiences I have ever had I would unreservedly recommend the hotel and will return.

G.P

United Kingdom

9.68/10

Probably the best City hotel weve stayed at. Alal Gogo was particularly outstanding. He managed to arrange for us to attend the Woody Allan Band show with our guest (who is a musician) even when it had been booked out and was very courteous throughout. Thank you so muclh. A wonderful stay.

C.M

United States

8.68/10

We love the hotel and its location. The front desk staff was extremely pleasant. The breakfast staff are very friendly and efficient.

C.M

United States

8.68/10

We love the hotel and its location. The front desk staff was extremely pleasant. The breakfast staff are very friendly and efficient.

P.M

United Kingdom

9.03/10

Fantastic hotel, great atmosphere, room upgrade was much appreciated. All the staff I interacted with were great. One of the best hotel experiences I have ever had I would unreservedly recommend the hotel and will return.

G.P

United Kingdom

9.68/10

Probably the best City hotel weve stayed at. Alal Gogo was particularly outstanding. He managed to arrange for us to attend the Woody Allan Band show with our guest (who is a musician) even when it had been booked out and was very courteous throughout. Thank you so muclh. A wonderful stay.

C.M

United States

8.68/10

We love the hotel and its location. The front desk staff was extremely pleasant. The breakfast staff are very friendly and efficient.

C.M

United States

8.68/10

We love the hotel and its location. The front desk staff was extremely pleasant. The breakfast staff are very friendly and efficient.

P.M

United Kingdom

9.03/10

Fantastic hotel, great atmosphere, room upgrade was much appreciated. All the staff I interacted with were great. One of the best hotel experiences I have ever had I would unreservedly recommend the hotel and will return.

G.P

United Kingdom

9.68/10

Probably the best City hotel weve stayed at. Alal Gogo was particularly outstanding. He managed to arrange for us to attend the Woody Allan Band show with our guest (who is a musician) even when it had been booked out and was very courteous throughout. Thank you so muclh. A wonderful stay.

C.M

United States

8.68/10

We love the hotel and its location. The front desk staff was extremely pleasant. The breakfast staff are very friendly and efficient.

C.M

United States

8.68/10

We love the hotel and its location. The front desk staff was extremely pleasant. The breakfast staff are very friendly and efficient.

P.M

United Kingdom

9.03/10

Fantastic hotel, great atmosphere, room upgrade was much appreciated. All the staff I interacted with were great. One of the best hotel experiences I have ever had I would unreservedly recommend the hotel and will return.

G.P

United Kingdom

9.68/10

Probably the best City hotel weve stayed at. Alal Gogo was particularly outstanding. He managed to arrange for us to attend the Woody Allan Band show with our guest (who is a musician) even when it had been booked out and was very courteous throughout. Thank youa so muclh. A wonderful stay.

C.M

United States

8.68/10

We love the hotel and its location. The front desk staff was extremely pleasant. The breakfast staff are very friendly and efficient.

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