Into the wild

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 2019. 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 whilst 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 MD.

“And 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.

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. “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,” Caline noted.

Special care has also been taken to balance privacy, safety and comfort whilst still “inviting the outside in”, to create a signature immersive Wilderness Safaris experience. Thus, the main area, deck and bar offer uninterrupted views, with closer proximity to the water, while parts of the roof extend down to ensure privacy.

In keeping with Wilderness Safaris’ commitment to operating with a light eco-footprint, the new camp will be 100% 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.

“Luxury, in Wilderness Safaris terms, is defined as being immersed in the natural environment of the camp. Our new King’s Pool will be just that and more, celebrating the Linyanti’s incredible wilderness setting. We are looking forward to welcoming our guests to King’s Pool to not only experience a life-changing journey, but one that gives back to the conservation of Linyanti’s rich and diverse wildlife at the same time,” Kim concluded.