The rebuild of Wilderness Safaris’ King’s Pool Camp is well underway, with its nine luxurious tented suites set to open in the heart of the Linyanti Wildlife Concession in mid-June.

Overlooking and named for the oxbow-shaped King’s Pool Lagoon, the camp’s refreshed look and feel will ensure that guests are able to experience a life-changing journey while contributing to the biodiversity conservation of the Linyanti at the same time.

“By rebuilding King’s Pool, we are showcasing our commitment to driving sustainable ecotourism in the Linyanti – a truly remarkable wildlife destination,” commented Kim Nixon, Wilderness Safaris Botswana managing director.

A thatch roof structure is therefore consistent throughout the camp to blend in with the surrounds, and the ancient Batswana craft of weaving is expressed in a number of architectural details – the imprint design applied to the camp’s screen walls, woven rope detail on vertical supports, as well as on the balustrades.

“To celebrate the romance of the camp’s history, we will ensure that the new look retains the traits of a traditional safari camp, but with a renewed authentic, yet classic, Botswana flair,” added lead designer, Caline Williams-Wynn from Artichoke.

“We’ve also carried the basket theme throughout the interiors, and will be embroidering abstract images of baskets on the scatter cushions, hand-painting basket murals on the walls, and using various design elements on the curtains, as well as installing impressive woven chandeliers in the dining room.”

In keeping with Wilderness Safaris’ commitment to operating with a light eco-footprint, the new camp will be 100 per cent solar powered. As much existing material from walkways and flooring from the previous camp will also be reused to create screens and decorative wall detail, such as the substructure, thatch roof, carved front doors and salvaged timber doors.

These earthy, rough textures are punctuated by warm copper – in handles and other details – adding richness and depth to the architectural mood. Accents of teal will also be used throughout to enhance the neutral bronze and copper colour palette.

Activities at King’s Pool include day and night game drives, walks and barging, all ideal for photographing birds and wildlife. 

In the dry season, guests can spend their siesta watching game come down to drink at the unique underground hide, where the view is at eye level.
Seeing elephant feet and trunks almost within touching distance while safely inside is an experience that transcends an ordinary safari.