Wilderness King’s Pool: At the heart of Botswana’s elephant stronghold

Many wonder how the Linyanti compares to the better-known Okavango. The Linyanti, in short: expansive tracts of water, riverine forests, an array of predators, fewer people. Corrie puts it more eloquently. 

‘The Okavango is defined by water. Seasonal floodwaters transform the landscape into a lush, green labyrinth of channels, lagoons, and islands. Safaris here feel immersive and fluid – gliding silently through reed-lined waterways in a mokoro, watching red lechwe bound through floodplains, and encountering wildlife that has adapted to this aquatic world. The Delta is rich, dense, and alive with constant movement – birds calling, water lapping, hippos grunting.

‘The Linyanti is raw, and dramatic. It is defined by its river systems and the stark contrast between dry inland forests and the permanent water of the Linyanti River. This creates exceptional concentrations of wildlife, particularly in the drier months, June through October. The landscape feels more open, more elemental – dust rising in golden light, vast herds moving with purpose, predators in their wake. Our private concession is a place of big sightings, powerful interactions, and a slightly more exclusive, remote feel.’

Set on a stunning oxbow lagoon, King’s Pool claims prime space in the reserve.

‘This location is everything,’ Corrie says. ‘Because water here is reliable year-round, it becomes a lifeline – especially during the winter months. Wildlife is drawn in consistently, meaning that game viewing often begins before you’ve even left camp. Elephant, hippo, buffalo, and antelope regularly move along the riverfront, with predators never far behind.’

Named after Swedish King Carl Gustav XVI – who is said to have honeymooned in the area in the 1970s – King’s Pool is a haven of understated luxury. Shaded by ebony and jackalberry trees, the camp is traditional wood and thatch, elevated by stylish interior décor and tones of copper with dashes of teal. Each of its eight spacious suites (including one two-bedroom family unit) features canvas walls and thatch roofing, an outdoor shower, expansive raised deck, and spectacular, up-close views of the lagoon. 

King’s Pool offers wonders for each season. Winter’s dry months, with thinner bush and less water, bring many more elephants and more predator activity – more hunts and kills. Night sounds amplify. In summer, the rains come, often with theatrical thunderstorms. The land greens, the bush sounds change – you hear more birds, cicadas, buck barking and mating. The birdlife is astounding.

‘A particularly special time to visit,’ says Corrie, ‘is between late August/September and March, when large colonies of carmine bee-eaters nest along the riverbanks and floodplains. These striking birds often feed alongside vehicles, providing remarkable sightings.’ 

The mix of King’s Pool experiences year-round is rich. Explore on day and night game drives, where you have a good chance of spotting elephant; lion, often in large prides; leopard; African wild dog; spotted hyena; buffalo; plains game, including the rare sable and roan antelope; and some of the 400 bird species recorded – such as Pel’s fishing owl, African fish eagle, carmine bee-eater, lilac-breasted roller, or hooded vulture nesting in camp. On guided walks, literally ground yourself in the astonishing wilderness around you. And learn how to track. 

Soar into the skies by helicopter, with jaw-dropping perspectives over the floodplains and elephant herds traversing them. Or take to the water on the Queen Silvia barge – named after the Swedish King’s wife – taking high tea or sipping sundowners as you float past hippos, crocs, and other creatures. See elephants swim and dive for the roots of ubiquitous water lilies. Watch the red-orange sun set behind the blackening silhouettes of palms on Botswana’s northern border. 

These traditional routes used by elephant and other wildlife for generations are vital, connecting feeding areas, water sources, and seasonal habitats. In the Linyanti these corridors – used especially in the dry months and extending toward Chobe National Park and into Namibia and Zambia – link inland dry woodlands to the Linyanti River. They may often look innocuous – well-worn paths cutting through the woods – but their impact is huge. They allow wildlife to move safely across landscapes; reduce human-wildlife conflict by maintaining predictable routes; and are critical for genetic exchange across populations.

‘At its core,’ Corrie says finally, ‘Project Loeto is about ensuring that these vital corridors are protected and, where possible, restored – so that wildlife can once again move freely across one of Africa’s most important conservation landscapes.’