Khwai Private Reserve
Located in the Khwai Private Reserve, one of Botswana’s best kept secrets, is Sable Alley. Set right on the banks of a lily-covered lagoon, home to hippo and a favourite drinking spot for elephant and buffalo, the big game is plentiful and never far out of sight.
As tempting as it is to stay in camp, you must also venture out, for Khwai offers one of Africa’s greatest and most exclusive safari experiences. Have your binos at the ready for lion, leopard, wild dog, buffalo, elephant and hundreds of dainty antelope as you drive through the diverse landscape, not to mention a multi-coloured array of birdlife. The camp allows a maximum of just 7 guests per game viewing vehicle and only 3 vehicles are allowed at any sighting meaning there’s not an overcrowded game drive in sight.
For the more adventurous head out from camp (with your guide) and enjoy a walk through the wilderness, take a gentle meander in a mokoro or a trip through the channels on a motorboat, or visit one of the viewing hides.
At night, dinner is served either in the indoor dining area, or alfresco on the deck, accompanied by twinkling stars and the rumblings and grumblings of the wildlife.
Each of the 12 canvas-walled suites at Sable Alley are spacious and stylish with Afro-chic décor. Slide open the screen doors at the front for uninterrupted views of the lagoon from your veranda. In your en-suite bathroom, you’ll find 2 basins and a WC and an indoor shower, and if you fancy washing off the dust from the day in the great outdoors, no problem - there’s an outdoor shower with a view too.
The main guest areas are designed around the spectacular vistas. Watch the happenings at the lagoon from the bar, G&T in hand, from the outdoor fire pit, or from a squashy sofa in the lounge. At night, dinner is served either in the indoor dining area, or alfresco on the deck, accompanied by twinkling stars and the rumblings and grumblings of the wildlife. There is also a swimming pool and sun deck, both unique spots from which to watch the hippo pods emerge from the lagoon, or simply for some chill-out time in the heat of the day.
For those looking for a unique way to spend time in the bush, why not spend the night in one of the 3 fabulous Skybeds, deep within the reserve. Each “room” is actually a 3-storey raised platform, which overlooks a waterhole. Charmingly rustic yet perfectly stylish, you’ll find a bathroom on the first floor, and on the top floor there is an enormous double bed, draped in white linens and a feather duvet, all completely open to the stars.
