Jacks Camp, Makgadikgadi

Jack’s Camp is located deep in the Kalahari Desert on the edge of the Makgadikgadi Pans in Botswana, the largest salt pans in the world. This is a wonderful, but very different type of safari experience. We would recommend it is combined with a more traditional style safari at one of the other regions in Botswana such as Savute or the Okavango Delta where you are more likely to see all of the Big 5 African game animals.

Jack’s Camp is a classic desert safari camp, accommodating up to 20 guests. The camp is designed to be unobtrusive and in keeping with the character of the Makgadikgadi and its surroundings. Facilities include a mess tent for dining and a tea tent with Persian carpet cushions for socialising. This is real luxury camping, with sumptuous furnishings, a unique safari experience and wonderful cuisine.

Activities
The summer rains leave a warm shallow layer of water in the pans that entices waterfowl and flamingo. Safari drives are conducted in open 4×4 vehicles custom designed for this terrain and accompanied by knowledgeable guides. In the dry winter months, all-purpose ATV vehicles (a four wheeler motorcycle/Quad bikes) are available, allowing guests to travel across the saltpans.

After the rains (December to April), there can be enormous herds of wildebeest, zebra and springbok – with the accompanying predators on the open grasslands, so game drives are conducted by 4×4.

Walks with a Bushman tracker and a visit to Chapman’s Baobab -the historical baobab tree used by Livingstone, Selous and other early explorers – are activities also on offer. The highlight for many people is the chance to get up close and personal with a family of Meekats. Spend some time with a local researcher who is studying these adorable little creatures, and observe them at first hand. Watch out you don’t become the day’s baby-sitter or look out post!

Rooms at Jacks Camp
There are ten large walk-in tents, each with en-suite bathroom with flush toilet and shower. Four poster beds, chaise longue, private deck – why isn’t all camping like this?!

Dining
Meals are taken in the ‘Mess Tent’, a beautifully decorated tent with rugs, and lit with hurricane lamps to give a feel of bygone elegance. Breakfast is served when you return from the morning’s activities, lunch is buffet style, later in the day. Dinner is served either under the stars or under the canopy, depending on the weather. All meals and most drinks included (except premium wines, liquers & champagne.)

For more information about safari holidays in Botswana, or staying at Jack’s Camp, contact us here or call +44 208 249 5919 to speak to our Africa holidays and honeymoon team.