Unique Stay: Jacks Camp

Jack’s Camp is one of Africa’s most unique and exhilarating safari experiences. Set against the backdrop of the vast, otherworldly Makgadikgadi Salt Pans, what first appears to be a barren landscape soon reveals its hidden treasures with the guidance of expert camp guides. As your journey unfolds, you’ll discover a wide array of extraordinary activities and cultural experiences that bring the desert to life.

You may choose to get up close with the habituated meerkats, who love to greet visitors and uncover the mysteries of the pans with the Zu/’hoasi Bushmen on a captivating bush walk.

Visit the historic site of Chapman’s Baobab, once among Africa’s largest trees and a national monument of Botswana and experience the thrill of quad biking across the salt-encrusted pans (weather permitting).

As night falls, lie on the pans and watch the stars light up the sky in a breathtaking display.
Search for ancient stone tools in the expansive Sowa Pan.

Jack’s Camp stands as a beacon of luxury and adventure in one of Africa’s most remote and breathtaking locations. With all-year-round access and a range of extraordinary activities, your stay here includes all meals, standard bar drinks, laundry services, and park fees.

A Typical Day at Jack’s Camp

Morning:
Your day begins with the soft glow of dawn as the vast Makgadikgadi Salt Pans slowly come to life. Wake up in your luxurious tent to the sounds of the desert, then enjoy a freshly brewed coffee on your private deck, overlooking the endless horizon. After a light breakfast, embark on a guided morning game drive or a walk with the Zu/’hoasi Bushmen. As the sun rises, the desert reveals its hidden treasures: elusive brown hyenas, black-maned Kalahari lions, and perhaps even a glimpse of the playful meerkats. Your expert guide will share stories of the land and its inhabitants, deepening your connection to this ancient place.

Midday:
As the day heats up, return to camp for a sumptuous brunch served in the new, larger mess tent. The heat of the afternoon invites relaxation—cool off in your private plunge pool, take a leisurely nap in your spacious tent, or explore the fascinating Natural History Museum cabinets curated by the Bousfield family. Alternatively, retreat to the Persian tea tent for a refreshing drink and sweet treats, soaking in the camp’s old-world charm.

Afternoon:
In the late afternoon, set out on a quad bike adventure across the pans, feeling the thrill of riding over the shimmering salt flats. The dry season turns the pans into a dazzling white expanse, perfect for exploring by bike or simply lying back to watch the sky turn into a starlit canvas as night falls. During the green season, you might witness the arrival of migratory birds and herds of zebra and wildebeest as the pans transform into lush grasslands.

Evening:
As the sun begins its descent, return to camp for a sundowner, enjoying a cool drink as the sky blazes with color. Dinner is a delightful affair, featuring a blend of local and international cuisine served in the elegant mess tent. Afterward, gather around the fire or enjoy a nightcap in the Persian tea tent, reflecting on the day’s adventures under a canopy of stars.

Night:
End your day with a night drive, where the desert’s nocturnal creatures come alive. Spot aardvarks, honey badgers, and perhaps even the elusive aardwolf, all under the guidance of your knowledgeable tracker. Finally, retire to your tent, where the cool desert breeze and the distant sounds of the wild lull you into a peaceful sleep, ready to do it all again the next day.