We’ve Swedish royalty to thank for the regal name associated with this camp which, despite several renovation projects in recent years, retains a classic and traditional look and feel.
King Carl Gustav XVI – the longest serving monarch in Swedish history - stayed in the area during his 1976 honeymoon, the visit clearly fondly remembered by the locals.
Several decades on, this totally solar powered camp remains popular, thanks in no small measure to its location in the 126,000 hectare Linyanti Wildlife reserve in northern Botswana, overlooking Oxbow Lake and the Linyanti River.
This is elephant country. Buffalo too. And their presence draws predators to the area – lion, wild dog, cheetah and leopard among them. And it’s the presence of such wildlife that makes the camp a big draw for all kinds of visitors, not just royalty.
King Gustav’s bride hasn’t been forgotten either. A two-level barge on the lagoon is called Queen Silvia and gives you an opportunity to explore the waters during the wet season (April to August) while enjoying afternoon tea or evening sundowners - depending on the time of day you’re on board.
On dry land, the focal point of camp is the open-sided central lodge with a lounge area, dining room, library, and bar. They’re all presented and furnished in a classic / traditional safari style, and all offer up views of King’s Pool lagoon. Unsurprisingly, the views are equally impressive, if not even more so, from the dedicated viewing decks dotted around camp.
But you can get even closer to the wildlife in the surface level hide overlooking the lagoon, and closer still in the underground hide, that’s so near the water, you won’t need a zoom lens to capture incredibly detailed, pro-level photos of elephant, hippo and whatever else pays a visit.
When hunger strikes, you can dine on meals made from ingredients sourced from local farmers. Choose to eat out in the open in a traditional kgotla – which is similar to a boma. Alternatively, you can take your seat at the long table in the dining room and eat alongside other guests while enjoying décor inspired by local basket weavers.
Botswana can often be Hotswana, which is why the infinity pool often proves popular with guests looking to cool down.
There are plenty of ways to keep cool in your thatch and canvas suite. Yours will be one of just 8 situated on an elevated wooden deck and featuring a private plunge pool on the veranda, an outdoor shower, and an ensuite bathroom with twin wash basins.
Your bed will be a four poster (well, we said this was a classically styled destination) and you’ll have a private lounge area to enjoy too.
There’s plenty going on to tear you away from the luxuries of your suite. Choose from a morning, afternoon or nighttime game drive in an open topped 4x4 Range Rover. Elephant, lion, giraffe, leopard, cheetah, wild dog, antelope, crocodile, buffalo and more have all been spotted by previous guests at King’s Pool.Don’t forget to scan the sky with your binoculars – being careful not to look at the sun of course – as birds such as the slaty egret and saddle-billed stork frequent the wetlands, while secretary birds populate the grasslands, and carmine bee-eaters nest in the sands. You can also explore the forests and floodplains on your own feet, accompanied by skilled rangers.
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It was a fantastic experience, everything was very well organised, went smooth and according to expectations. It was our first self drive in Africa and it was a great, unforgettable time.
