Words by Yvonne C Mtengwa
I’ve always been drawn to the wild, untamed beauty of Africa. The vast, open plains, the diverse wildlife, and the serenity of the bushveld have an almost magnetic pull. I also have a deep-rooted love for hospitality brands that set a premium on merging luxury curated experiences for their guests, with an impassioned call for conservation efforts and impacting the communities from which they operate.OurWilderness Air chartered planedipped below the clouds, revealing a breathtaking panorama of the Okavango Delta. As we descended, the vast expanse of water and papyrus marshes unfolded, a tapestry of green and blue that stretches to the horizon. We were heading in for our third and final stop through theDelta, where my dear friend Taku and I had just enjoyed a trip of a lifetime, experiencing three camps out of Botswana’s Wilderness Destinations portfolio. First it was With Wilderness Jao and Wilderness Vumbura Plains behind, each blessing us with such distinctive experience, Wilderness King’s Pool awaited our arrival, and of course, the excitement was palatable.
Alighting from the plane, we were greeted by a warm welcome from our guides Wise and Sonny, who whisked us away in our designated safari vehicle for a 45-minute drive into camp. The lodge emerges, a masterpiece of African architecture, blending seamlessly with the surrounding wilderness. Named after Swedish royalty for their having frequented the camp so much in years past, one quickly notices how the thatch and canvas accommodations and main camp, come somewhat hidden beneath in a grove of jackalberry trees. Eight spacious suites form King’s Pool Camp, overlooking a tranquil lagoon where elephants, buffalos and hippos periodically saunter down for their drink of water, and for the latter, it’s a continued exercise of bobbing in and out of the water. With a swift check-in completed by Camp Manager Kenny, an invitation to start with lunch followed, to which we vehemently obliged. It wasn’t too long before a bottle of bubbly on ice was delivered to our table, clinks of glasses shared between Taku and I as we observed a little drama from a crocodile scoping out a warthog and her young grazing the moist green grass from Linyati’s edge.
Culinary experiences fit for royalty.
The culinary journey at King’s Pool Lodge was as exquisite as the wildlife encounters. The chefs crafted delectable meals, inspired by local flavours and fresh, seasonal ingredients. Each dish served during the days that followed, was amasterpiece, presented with artistry and served in the elegant dining open air space. Whether it was a hearty breakfast to fuel our days of adventure, or a laughter filled dinner under Botswana’s skies, the dining experience at King’s Pool was truly unforgettable.
A secluded sanctuary on the Linyati
Our room, a private haven, was cosy with a rustic flair to it, also offering breathtaking views of the Linyati River, which from the Camp’s location, borders Botswana and Namibia. The minimalist decor, adorned with natural materials like wood and stone, created a serene atmosphere. The spacious rooms were elegantly furnished, with comfortable beds, en-suite bathrooms, a private deck, and outdoor shower overlooking the river. The main lodge area is a social hub, with a cozy lounge, a well-stocked bar, and a dining room where delicious meals are served.
Large windows frame the river, allowing us to immerse ourselves in the beauty of the surrounding wilderness.
The main lodge, a sprawling thatched structure, invites us to unwind in its cozy lounge or savour delectable snacks, wines and high teas from the reading spaces and library area. From every angle, the river takes centre-stage, mesmerising you with the ever-changing African landscape, and the gentle hum of the Linyati River providing a soothing soundtrack.
Beyond the thatch and canvas
But the real magic of King’s Pool lies in its game viewing opportunities. The Linyati River is home to a diverse range of wildlife, including elephants, lions, leopards, and countless species of birds. Our early morning and late afternoon game drives had us venture off into the bush, offering us the chance to witness these incredible creatures in their natural habitat.Our guides Wise and Sonny passionately drove us across the bushveld, sharing theirencyclopaedic knowledge of this great ecosystem and animal behaviours with enthusiasm.
At the end of a long day of exploring, there was nothing better than returning to camp, enjoying yet another shared platter of nibbles as we relaxed by the pool, sipping on a refreshing drink, and watching the sun set over the river. As darkness falls, the sounds of the African bush filled the air, creating a truly unforgettable ambiance.
As our time at King’s Pool drew to a close, I for one reflected on the extraordinary experiences Taku and I had during our 6-day journey with wilderness. The lodge had become more than just a place to stay; but a sanctuary where we further connected with nature and ourselves, enjoying endless wildlife encounters. While we did not look forward to boarding our charter, we knew we would carry with us the memories of sun-drenched days, starry nights, and the awe-inspiring beauty of the African wilderness.
Wilderness King’s Pool is a destination where time slows down and the worries of everyday life fade away. It’s a place where the rhythm of nature becomes the soundtrack to your days. As you sit by the campfire, listening to the sounds of the African bush and chatting with the team and other guests, you’ll feel a deep sense of peace and tranquillity. This is the magic of King’s Pool, a truly unforgettable experience that has stayed with us long after we’ve left.
To learn more about Wilderness King’s Pool Camp, visit https://www.wildernessdestinations.com/africa/botswana/linyanti-region/kings-pool-camp
