Fodor's Expert Review King's Pool

Despite its traditional thatched roof and African artifact adornments, a handful of modern design elements distinguish this regal camp, overlooking the Linyanti River. Monochrome geometric prints line the dining area walls and next door, copper leaf-shaped light shades are suspended above a marble-topped bar. A double-sided fireplace separates the cozy library—complete with antique-style maps and lamps—from the lounge's tan-leather sofas. Below, two sunken, semicircular alcoves, filled with earth-color cushions and each set around a fire, inevitably delay diners before they finally succumb to the appetizing smells from the à la carte menu emanating from the individually laid, bleached wood tables above. Take a break from your game viewing to relax on a couch (or eat brunch) aboard the Queen Silvia barge (only when the water is high) as you watch elephants swim across to Namibia. Alternatively, take a guided bush walk, go fishing, or visit the sunken blind where you're eye-level with splashing elephant feet. The massive hand-carved door of your mega-size thatched chalet leads into an entrance hall with a dressing table and minibar, bedroom with four-poster bed, a huge bathroom with double tiled showers, and twin wing-back armchairs with access to your outside deck, sala, and plunge pool.