Sell Africa, from anywhere in the world
Sell Africa, from anywhere in the world
Inspiration, Accommodation
Grand Africa Safaris > Blogs > A Botswana safari at Sable Alley
Head of Group Technology and Data, Jenieen van den Heever, shares why her two night stay at Sable Alley in the pristine Khwai Concession turned out to be one of the highlights of her Botswana safari.
Sable Alley is located in a private concession in Botswana’s Khwai Reserve – bordering wildlife meccas Chobe National Park and Moremi Game Reserve. One of Botswana’s best kept secrets, the reserve boasts 200, 000 hectares of pristine wilderness and is home to over 50 wildlife species including lion, wild dog, leopard and cheetah, as well as big herds of buffalo, elephant, giraffe, sable, roan and Lechwe.
This is an action-packed safari destination! During my stay, I witnessed 3 male lions take down a buffalo on an evening game drive.
Sable Alley is accessible by a light aircraft flight from Maun or Kasane Airport to the Khwai Airstrip. The flight takes approximately 45 minutes from Maun and 60 minutes from Kasane Airport and gives your client a glimpse of the Okavango Delta from above. If travel is during the wet season, from June to September, they can enjoy breath-taking views of the flood plains below. Alternatively, traveling over the drier months gives a completely different contrast of the Delta. I would recommend visiting Botswana twice just to experience this phenomenon.
Located on the banks of a lily-covered lagoon, Sable Alley is the ultimate ‘arm-chair’ safari camp. In fact, a hippo family has taken residency in the lagoon and it has become a favorite drinking spot for elephants and buffalo.
Each tent boasts uninterrupted views of the lagoon and is fitted with a private deck where your client can soak up the surrounding wilderness
The intimate camp features 12 spacious canvas tents – 9 twins, 1 honeymoon and 2 family tents. Each tent boasts uninterrupted views of the lagoon and is fitted with a private deck where your client can soak up the surrounding wilderness.
The main lodge features a communal swimming pool, lounge, bar and boma area where your client can sit back and watch the happenings of the lagoon – G&T in hand.
There are a number of activities on offer at Sable Alley. During a stay they can discover the winding waterways on a mokoro and boat safari, search for wildlife on morning, afternoon and evening game drives and get active on a guided walking safari through the African bush. If the traveler feels like staying at Camp, relaxing in the luxurious comfort of the tent or on the private veranda with sweeping views over the lagoon. It is absolutely peaceful here!
The team at Sable Alley are world-class and were attentive and friendly during my stay. At night, dinner is served either in the indoor dining area or on the deck under the stars. Guests will love the authentic home-cooked style meals and the team are able to cater to all dietary requirements.
If your client wants to experience a boat safari, they will need to travel during the wet season, from June to September, when the water levels are high enough for the boat to go out. The water levels are dependent on the rain season in Angola.
All the tents are situated to overlook the lagoon so they all have good views, however, if the client would like to enjoy an outdoor bath experience, the honeymoon suite is the best option. It’s also the furthest away from the main area so if they want more privacy, this is the tent for them.
All the tents are situated to overlook the lagoon so they all have good views
As one of a few lodges in the concession, guests at Sable Alley can skip the crowds of the bigger parks like Chobe and experience the game rich floodplains of the Khwai Reserve on morning, afternoon and evening safari game drives.
Sable Alley has partnered with the local communities in Khwai and proceeds from staying here go straight back into the Khwai Village community projects.
Why do you like it? The location is so close to the world-famous Moremi Game Reserve and I loved the uninterrupted views of the lagoon. This lagoon has a resident pod of 30 hippos.
What do you think could be improved? Perhaps to add trackers on the front of the vehicles.
What would you combine with this lodge? I would recommend a one night extension to a sky bed as this is bound to also be a highlight of any safari.
Do they accept kids? Sable Alley welcomes children aged six years and over.
Do the suites have plunge pools? No.
Amazing detail that you absolutely loved about the property? The combination of land and water activities as we were able to experience a boat safari and a mokoro canoe activity.
If you are interested in experiencing a safari at Sable Alley with Grand Africa Safaris, get in touch with our travel experts who will help curate a unique itinerary just for your client’s Botswana itinerary.