At the heart of both camps' design ethos lies a profound connection to local culture, prioritising the integration of authentic elements sourced from Botswana's captivating landscapes. “The interior design was a collaboration between myself and my daughter, Tiffany Riley”, noted Cathy Kays, Co-owner of the Jao Reserve. “Our vision for this project was to harmoniously blend the timeless traditions of the wilderness with contemporary design trends, creating a space that radiates tranquility and sophistication”.
Pursuing the Tubus’ bond with nature through design, the rooms have been meticulously crafted to amplify the outdoor experience. Strategic placement of large sliding doors and mesh panels ensure guests feel intimately connected to their surroundings. Complemented by splashes of green, which are inspired by the vibrant foliage of the sausage tree leaves and sage bush, and the pink of the setting sun on a dried palm leaf, the neutral colour palette exudes a harmonious blend of earthy tones, creating a soothing ambience that resonates throughout the camp.
Woven elements, African artefacts and rich textures add a layer of warmth and authenticity, further fostering a sense of connection to the surroundings. Each room also has an outdoor shower, providing a revitalising and immersive connection to nature. To infuse a touch of regional artistry, baskets skilfully crafted by on-site staff have been integrated into the decor, adding cultural significance and a sense of place to the surroundings.
Sustainability is at the heart of the design philosophy, guided by Wilderness' impactful commitment to minimising the environmental footprint of its camps and preserving the integrity of the landscape at all costs. Numerous cherished furniture pieces have been repurposed to enhance staff areas, providing them with a renewed purpose within the camp and furthering their Tubu journey. Recycled building materials from the camp construction were also donated to the Tubu Village Development Committee for community distribution. By embracing this circular approach to design, every aspect of the build confirms this commitment to environmental responsibility and stewardship.
“In keeping with the theme of seamlessly merging indoor spaces with the outdoors, live-edge tables (which showcase the natural edge of the wood) have been incorporated into our soft furnishings, adding a touch of natural beauty that complements and contrasts our modern style. By marrying the rugged charm of these unique pieces with our contemporary design, we aim to create a harmonious balance of textures that not only captivate the eye but also elevate the overall aesthetic appeal of our suites and central areas”, added Cathy.
The tent design was perfected before moving forward with manufacturing in collaboration with Canvas & Tent. Working closely with architects Elena Bellavite and Chiara Airoldi from Archidea, the redesigned main area effortlessly blends with its riverine forest setting, offering a captivating transition between the indoors and outdoors, leaving guests with a sense of being enveloped by the tree canopy.
"By combining modern geometrical tents with organic, thatched African main areas, we aim to offer our guests the perfect fusion of comfort and tradition, providing them with an unforgettable safari that celebrates the best of both worlds”, concluded Cathy.
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