The Camp

Location: Linyanti Reserve, Botswana
Number of Tents: 9

The scenic waters surrounding Kings Pool attract herds of wildlife walking well-worn wildlife paths, as predators follow in their footsteps: often straight through the camp. Superb wildlife viewing opportunities abound in every direction, from the raised decks and luxuriously appointed tented suites, which meld seamlessly into the natural Linyanti backdrop. This high-end camp features nine lavish canvas and thatch tents, each with a large bedroom area, lounge, "sala" (outdoor covered veranda) and private en suite bathroom with double showers, hand basins, and an outdoor shower. The Kings Pool common areas include a lounge, dining room, pub, open air “kgotia” for outdoor dining, and pool—all located along raised wooden decks. The attention to detail and top-notch friendly service make Kings Pool a place to remember.

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Facilities & Amenities

• En suite bathroom with indoor/outdoor showers
• Family Accommodation: 1 family unit, 2 en suite bedrooms with private entrances connected by interleading walkway (no outdoor shower, 2nd bedroom has twin beds and no mini bar or fan)
• Shampoo, conditioner, soap, lotion and insect repellent
• Hair dryer
• Room fan
• Mini bar
• Tea/coffee in room
• 220v charging outlets in room
• Wi-Fi available
• In-room safe
• Central swimming pool
• Star bed deck
• In-room massage (extra cost)
• Exercise mat and small weights in room
• Laundry included
• Local drinks included (house alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks)
• Credit cards accepted (Visa and MasterCard)
• No air conditioning, telephone or cellular coverage

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Wildlife Viewing & Activities

The Linyanti region is renowned for its wide variety of wildlife species, but it is most famous for its large elephant population, which reaches enormous densities during the dry winter months. Impala, lechwe, kudu, zebra, giraffe, buffalo and bushbuck, and their predators, lion, leopard, cheetah, wild dog and spotted hyena, are often found within the reserve. Rare sable and roan antelope also find shelter in Linyanti’s woodlands during the dry season. Diverse bird life is attracted to the reed and papyrus swamps throughout the area. Activities at Kings Pool center around day and night wildlife drives, while boat cruises along the Linyanti River (water levels permitting) offer spectacular viewing from a different perspective. A highlight for many guests is a visit to one or both of Kings Pool hides, where eye-level wildlife viewing offers thrilling wildlife encounters. Guided walks are seasonal and subject to the availability of a qualified walking guide.

The below chart helps to illustrate major wildlife sightings often experienced in the Linyanti Reserve adjacent to the Chobe National Park. This area is well known for elephant herds, which are at their peak in the drier months of July to October, and it's a great location to track wild dogs and see lion. A variety of other mammals, birds and reptiles may be seen as well. Exact sightings will depend on weather trends and wildlife movements.

Climate

Conservation

Botswana has a well-developed network of protected areas, and these include concessions that allow hunting as well as photographic safaris. The owners of Kings Pool Camp have chosen not to hunt in the concessions in which the company operates, forfeiting approximately US $1.2 million per year in hunting quotas in preference for photographic safaris. Yet perhaps the most topical issue for Botswana at present is its very large elephant population and the possible impact on vegetation and other animal species. As a result, and in recognition of the fact that in the Selinda and Linyanti concessions, the Kings Pool operator is responsible for one of the two highest-density elephant concentrations in the country, the company has facilitated and partially funded two studies examining vegetation impact and is currently hosting a PhD researcher examining additional elements of this puzzle.

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