Highlights
- Stunning lagoon location
- Superb dry-season wildlife
- Boat cruises and fishing
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King’s Pool Camp is a luxurious, medium-sized lodge set in a stunning location overlooking the picturesque King’s Pool lagoon on the Linyanti River, Northern Botswana. The vast Linyanti Concession is renowned for its small number of high-quality camps and superb wildlife viewing in the May-October dry season, when large herds of elephant and buffalo congregate on the Kwando-Linyanti river front and lion, leopard, cheetah and wild hunting dogs can be seen in action. This exclusive camp is accessible via light aircraft and is a 45-minute drive from the nearest air strip.
The lounge, bar and dining areas are well set out on expansive decks with sweeping views across the wetlands and there is a small plunge-pool with an adjacent sunken seating area. There is also an open-air ‘kgotla’ (boma) for evening dining under the stars. The food is very good. Requests for private dining tables can be accommodated and on some evenings staff perform traditional dance for guests. King’s Pool has a strong commitment to local conservation projects and the environment, with 100% solar powered electricity and hot water. Note that there is no internet access.
Activities are naturally centred on the phenomenal dry-season game viewing concentrations of the Linyanti area. Vehicle safaris are offered in open 4x4 Land Rovers, each accommodating a maximum of seven people, allowing each guest a ‘window seat’. Predators are here in abundance during the dry season and it’s not uncommon to see lions and leopards. Night safaris with spotlights are also offered although these generally take place in the early evening and are sometimes rather short in duration meaning a lesser chance of predator spotting. They do, however, provide the opportunity to see some of the resident nocturnal animals including bush-babies, porcupines and genets. A particular feature of this camp are the two hides located within a 10-minute drive. One of the hides has an elevated tree-house location, the other is underground with the water at eye level offering superb up-close viewing opportunities. Walking safaris are possible (although this will depend on the availabilty of guides at the time), as are cruises along the Linyanti River in the camp’s colonial-style Queen Sylvia Barge (although note that cruises are water level and weather dependent). Birding is outstanding at King’s Pool Camp – many birds of prey such as Dickinson’s kestrel can be seen, along with waterbirds. Fishing on a catch-and-release basis is also available (seasonal) as are massage treatments in the privacy of your tent.
The accommodation comprises nine spacious, thatched, tented suites which are accessed along a network of walkways elevated slightly above the surrounding bush. There are eight twin-bedded tents and one king-size bedded tent. Twin beds can be moved together to make doubles and there is one guide/pilot tent which is smaller than a standard tent. The family tent comprises two bedrooms, each with its own bathroom and entrance and there’s an inter-leading walkway between the two rooms. All rooms have a covered balcony overlooking the water, an en-suite lounge area, and an outdoor shower. The indoor bathrooms are fitted with conventionally-plumbed basin, shower and toilet. There is no room service, but the suites do have minibar fridges which staff will stock with requested drinks and there is a safe in every room. A full laundry service is available and there are power outlets in the rooms for charging electronic equipment . Baboons can be a particular feature of this camp, so do ensure that your room is kept closed, with possessions carefully concealed! Whilst it’s true that this camp is on the large side for a property of this quality and therefore can lack a certain intimacy, it is a very comfortable place to stay, with highly professional and attentive staff, plus the wildlife is second-to-none.
Children over the age of 12 years are welcome, although the camp may accept children from the age of 6 if the entire camp is reserved for exclusive use. Although there are no specific programmes for children, staff and guides will try to tailor the experience to suit all ages. Young children are able to join the boat trips and private safari vehicles can be booked at additional cost. Walking safaris, however, are only possible for children aged 13 years or over. Note that the camp is unfenced and whilst it’s true that animals tend to stay away from tents and humans, this, coupled with the camp’s waterside location, means that children need to remain under the constant supervision of their parents.
King’s Pool is a premier camp offering a high level of service and attention to detail. Although the safari experience is perhaps more gentle than the more serious approach of some other camps in the Linyanti area, the property’s staff and exquisite riverine location certainly provide a stay that’s hard to beat. The exclusive nature of this region, with its small number of high-end accommodations and relatively low visitor numbers, mean that the camp’s price tag is necessarily high. However, the stunning wildlife viewing from the property itself and the fantastic game drives on offer make this one of the leading properties in the area.
We had an extraordinary time. It was magical and we couldn't hav asked or hoped for more. Thank you both so much for all of your time and assistance.
Emma M
reviewing Best of Botswana for Families
on 18 November 2024
We had an amazing experience - absolutely loved it.
Mohamed and Said were great and very patient especially with me going downhill - was quite nervous about the scree slopes and paths.Will be a trip we remember forever
Maritta B
reviewing Atlas Valleys & Villages Trek - Value
on 11 November 2024
Trip was great and all the arrangements were excellent so thank you for all the help!
Drivers and transfers were all good - on time and very good service on each trip.
Accommodation was lovely - Douar Samra was amazing (weather could have been better but lovely regardless). Riad in Marrakesh was also great!
All in all a great trip and we loved the variety of the mountains, Marrakesh and the coast.
Thanks you once again!
Hardeep S
reviewing Boutique Marrakech & Atlas Mountains
on 15 April 2024
We had an extraordinary time. It was magical and we couldn't hav asked or hoped for more. Thank you both so much for all of your time and assistance.
Emma M
reviewing Best of Botswana for Families
on 18 November 2024
We had an amazing experience - absolutely loved it.
Mohamed and Said were great and very patient especially with me going downhill - was quite nervous about the scree slopes and paths.Will be a trip we remember forever
Maritta B
reviewing Atlas Valleys & Villages Trek - Value
on 11 November 2024
Trip was great and all the arrangements were excellent so thank you for all the help!
Drivers and transfers were all good - on time and very good service on each trip.
Accommodation was lovely - Douar Samra was amazing (weather could have been better but lovely regardless). Riad in Marrakesh was also great!
All in all a great trip and we loved the variety of the mountains, Marrakesh and the coast.
Thanks you once again!
Hardeep S
reviewing Boutique Marrakech & Atlas Mountains
on 15 April 2024
I was also just about to email you to thank you and the team for arranging yet again, another wonderful experience.
Mount Kenya was spectacular and wild - I think I prefer it to Kili in many ways. The entire support team was professional, friendly and all round fantastic in making sure that we were safe, well fed and well looked after. In particular, we would commend Peter the guide as well as Paul one of the porters who doubled-up as his deputy on summit day. Our route was often shrouded in mist and rain that rapidly gathered in the valleys and moorlands, and we were very impressed at how Peter managed to navigate us safely through all of that notwithstanding. In addition, we loved learning about the history of Mount Kenya from him in the evenings. And ofcourse, I was blown away by the lovely birthday surprise at the end complete with balloons and a delicious cake that had journeyed with us from day 1. One thing we might recommend because of the sudden change in weather (it would sometimes get extremely cold and wet) is for the equipment list to be a little bit more detailed in terms of its recommendations e.g. layers to be moisture-wicking, walking boots be waterproof, doubling up on socks to avoid blisters etc.
El Karama is a beautiful conservancy and the lodge a true labour of love. Great hospitality in a relaxed environment. Delicious, fresh food. We enjoyed the drives, even if we didn't see much wildlife as the heavens opened on us for the last two outings. However, since it was very much geared towards families, I am not sure if I would stay again without kids. That said, I think it was perfect for a 3d/2n stay post mountain, and a much better choice than flying to the masai mara given the limited time we had.
Our transits were smooth. Samuel the driver was always on time, drove safely and kept the vehicle clean.
So it was a brilliant experience and one which I certainly will cherish for some time to come. It was great to work with you for a third time, and I certainly hope it won't be the last
Juhae C
reviewing Mount Kenya Sirimon Naro Moru Trek
on 01 March 2024
Thank you, we had an absolute wonderful time, and everything was well-planned and as described. Carla was crying on the day of our departure from Ants Nest, she didn’t want to go home and for it all to end, and when I asked how much longer she would want to stay, she responded “four weeks”
Lars B
reviewing Best of South Africa for Families
on 01 March 2024
We had the most amazing time. It exceeded all my hopes of what the trip would be. The guides, the hotels - everything was of such a wonderful quality. Thank you for organizing everything. I will absolutely recommend Tourdust and use you again.
Claudia L
reviewing Luxury Desert Holiday
on 11 January 2024
We had a brilliant trip!
An amazing experience for parents, children and grandparents alike.
We are already planning a trip to Vietnam next year
Kate B
reviewing Morocco Family Holiday: Kasbahs, Mountains & Souks
on 10 January 2024
Dear Lisa. On behalf of the three generations of the Rowland family. Thank you, so much, for organising our wonderful holiday to Botswana and the Victoria Falls. The trip of a lifetime. The week mobile camping in the bush, with our guide Nandos and his crew was a fantastic adventure. How they manage to cook such wonderful food on an open fire is amazing. The sites were constantly visited by monkeys and once by elephants. We were even lucky enough to see two packs of wild dogs, once with a kill. Waterberry Lodge on the Zambezi River is a wonderfully tranquil place. Ideal to relax after the adventures of our safari and visiting Victoria Falls. Very many thanks once again
Godfrey R
reviewing Private Mobile Family Safari in Botswana
on 25 September 2023
We had a great time - even with the flight between Governors and the coast being two flights and a car! We also experienced a power cut At Nairobi airport on the way home so 2+ hours late taking off. Governors. Wonderful people and dealt with the flight delay very well - taking us back and letting us know that we could stay there if the flight was delayed overnight. The game drives were excellent and our guide (Erick) obviously very experienced and managed to find all the key animals - no rhino in that part of the Masai Mara but everything else in abundance - never seen so many herbivores (many many elephants as well as all the others) as well as two prides of lions. Could not have asked for more. The ‘tent’ was excellent and comfortable and well serviced. The only ‘complaint’ would be that the food - especially dinner - could be improved (I think we got a bit bored of soup as a starter for every meal bar one) and the main courses were not at the same level as Kinondo Kwetu and while all were explained there was no choice offered. The breakfasts were just what was needed after an early game drive. Kinondo Kwetu. What a great location and the welcome when we arrived at just gone 11.00pm was better than you could have ever thought possible - they we’re disappointed that we did not at that time want the full dinner experience! The rooms we’re comfortable. The food was excellent but again no choice was offered - other than for allergy reasons (which we do not have). May be some choice would be nice. Having said that the food we did have was excellent as were the wines (albeit a short list!) and other drinks. There were (as you know) lots of facilities/sports options - but we spent our time relaxing which was exactly what we needed and there were lots of places to do that. Overall. We would go back to both places - perhaps a few more nights at Kinondo Kwetu next time but 3 nights at Governors was perfect for us. Thank you for organising and recommending both places. That you and your colleague for trying to find out about the plane (flat tyre) but communication by the flight company left a lot to be desired (Governors were furious that they were not told and had taken us to the airstrip). Phil
Philip R
reviewing Masai Mara Safari & Kenya Beach
on 01 September 2023
It was certainly a holiday of a lifetime for us and we loved every minute!! The standard and location of each accommodation was excellent, as was the variety of each different accommodation type. Our schedule was perfect and we managed to achieve everything on our to-do task list. Your documents were also really helpful, as were the driving directions. We all thank you for making this such a wonderful holiday. Happy to leave a review publicly if you point me the right way. Best Steve
Stephen H
reviewing Classic Garden Route & Eastern Cape Safari
on 01 September 2023
