Sable Alley

OVERVIEW:

Sable Alley is a stylish year-round camp situated amidst the game-rich floodplains of Khwai Private Reserve. Run by Natural Selection, which operates a portfolio of camps and lodges across Botswana, Namibia, and South Africa, this sophisticated, up-scale property retains the spirit of adventure with a fantastic cross-section of activities. As it’s in close proximity to the infamous Moremi Game Reserve, expect an enchanting lagoon setting – home to pods of snorting hippo – and impressive wildlife viewed both on land and by boat. Rates at Sable Alley include accommodation, all meals, most activities, a selection of drinks, and a laundry service. The camp welcomes guests all year round.

ACCESS & LOCATION:

Khwai Private Reserve is located in the north-east part of the Okavango Delta, adjacent to Moremi Game Reserve and Chobe National Park. Sable Alley is accessed via a 20-minute light aircraft flight from Maun to Khwai Private Airstrip, followed by a 15-minute game drive to the camp.

ACCOMMODATION & FACILITIES AT SABLE ALLEY:

Guest accommodation at Sable Alley consists of twelve rustic-chic tents – nine with a double bed or twin beds, two for family use, and one designated for honeymooners. All are raised above ground level on wooden stilts, with shady verandas and comfortable outside seating – ideal for soaking up the stunning surrounding landscape. On the other side of the mesh sliding doors, the spacious open-plan interiors are stylish yet understated, each with a cleverly designed feature headboard with built-in reading lights, an armchair, a standing lamp, an overhead fan, and a writing desk. The headboards double up as room dividers, behind which you’ll find a vanity unit with twin washbasins and mirrors, a wicker laundry basket, and towel shelving. The roomy en-suite bathroom has a separate flush toilet and both indoor and outdoor showers, which are also separated from the main floor space. The two family units consist of two interleading tents connected by a shared veranda, and the honeymoon tent has a lovely secluded location far from the main areas and a romantic outside bathtub.

Wooden walkways link the guest tents to Sable Alley’s elevated communal space, where you’ll find a beautiful open-sided lounge with plenty of spread-out seating, lofty double-height thatch ceilings, and gorgeous views of the floodplains. Dining is at individual tables, and guests can also choose to sit al fresco on the deck, which is fantastic for spotting the lagoon’s wildlife. Typically, once per week, the camp puts on a special evening with a three-course dinner and traditional singing and dancing. The main area also has a well-stocked bar and a Wi-Fi hotspot for those wishing to connect. Outside on the viewing deck, you’ll find a swimming pool with sunloungers, and down a short flight of steps there’s a welcoming fire-pit deck, which juts out towards the floodplain – here guests congregate for morning coffee and pre-dinner sundowners. Please be aware that the swimming pool here has no depth markings or ‘no diving’ signs, so take care before you jump in!

ACTIVITIES AT SABLE ALLEY:

Sable Alley offers a well-rounded mix of safari activities, optimising its superb location within the 200,000-hectare Khwai Private Reserve.

• Game drives

  – Expertly led game drives take place in the morning, afternoon, and evening, and provide excellent opportunities to view Khwai Private Reserve’s impressive wildlife. Just a few of the species you can expect to encounter are lion, leopard, elephant, and buffalo – four of the Big Five – as well as cheetah, wild dog, hippo, baboon, impala, roan, and, of course, the sable antelope after which the property is named.

• Birding

  – Bird enthusiasts will be delighted to encounter specials such as bat-hawk, cuckoo hawk, long-crested eagle, and rosy-throated longclaw. Don’t forget to bring your bird book, and a knowledgeable guide will be on hand to answer any questions.

• Nature walks

  – Guided walks along the river are highly recommended for spotting smaller, camouflaged species, tiny insects, plant life, and resident and migratory birds. Discover how to track spoor and identify the different grasses and other interesting fauna and flora that create this unique ecosystem.

• Boat trips

  – Look out for crocodiles and wading hippos as you take to the waterways by motorboat while your guide points out all the noteworthy sightings on the river. This is a completely different experience from game viewing on land and a real highlight of the Okavango Delta. Please note that boating is a seasonal activity, and its availability depends on water levels.

• Mokoro excursions

  – Meander along the channels of the Okavango Delta on a traditional mokoro (a dug-out canoe), led by an experienced poler who guides the boat. As you weave silently amongst the reeds and lily pads, look out for dazzling birds, tiny frogs, butterflies, and beady hippo eyes! The minimum age requirement for mokoro excursions is 13 years.

• Catch-and-release fishing

  – A truly relaxing way to spend time on the water with an experienced guide steering the boat. This activity is seasonal, and fishing is prohibited from January to February due to the breeding season.

• Helicopter ride

  – Take to the skies, doors off (or on), and soar high above the Okavango Delta, spotting game and exploring more remote, less accessible areas. A great opportunity to take some sensational photos! Please note that helicopter rides incur an additional cost.

• Khwai village visit

  – A short distance from Khwai Private Reserve, spend some time at Khwai village, where you’ll learn about the Kgotla (village meeting place), its history and traditions. You’ll have the chance to visit a school, meet the ladies whose craft is traditional basket weaving, and become acquainted with the Kachokachoka, a traditional healer who’ll teach you about local medicine and beliefs. This experience incurs an additional cost too, and it can only be booked once guests are in camp (no pre-bookings). There are strict dress guidelines for entering the Kgotla to show respect, and the camp will advise further on this should you wish to visit.

*This property is unfenced and located in a wildlife area, so large and potentially dangerous animals do pass through. If you opt to stay here, always be alert when walking around the camp and request for a member of staff to escort you if you have any concerns. Any guest is escorted after dark as a matter of course.