Kings Pool Camp

On the shores of a river lagoon, in the Linyanti wildlife reserve. This is one of the last private concessions in Northern Botswana, on the Western boundary of Chobe National Park.

There are just 9 tents at Kings Pool Camp, so there’s no chance of anyone stealing the animals’ thunder! Beneath the canvas and thatch, they’re robust but luxurious with plenty of space to spread out, and large en-suite bathrooms. There are also al fresco showers, and if you fancy a bit of a wallow yourself you’ll have a small plunge pool out on the Sala.

Dinner at Kings Pool Camp is eaten in the open-air "Kgotla" (these are the places that village chiefs meet for a chin-wag) accompanied by belching bull-frogs and warbling birdlife. But what we really love is the theatre-shaped decking area with a fire-pit - great for getting to know the other guests, or enjoying a sundowner.

The Linyanti wildlife reserve has one of the largest concentrations of elephants in Botswana, and a great place to observe them is from the camp’s underground hide: at eye level with the lagoon, the eles’ swinging trunks and legs will be touchable distance away. Aside from elephantine capers, you can also go on game drives, river cruises, or head into the cathedral-like woods by night.