Description
While on a trapping expedition in the Makgadikgadi Pans during the 60s, Jack Bousfield stumbled upon a site that so captured his imagination, he set up camp under an acacia with the unshakeable expectation that others would feel the same.
At Jack’s Camp, the sand-scape is stark but awe-inspiring in its apparent emptiness. The camp is set on a small rise with endless views of rolling grassland on one side and saltpans on the other, and is furnished in traditional East African 40s safari style. The tents are positioned for maximum privacy and perfect views through the palms and acacias. The en-suite bathrooms have bucket showers and are open to the stars. This is one of the most original and exciting camps in Africa, set in a truly fascinating area. The camp is well run and the activities are endless, although it should be noted that other than during the migration, this is not a ‘big game’ destination.
Game walks and drives take place every day with qualified zoologists/biologists to show you the unique desert flora and fauna. Guests explore the inner pans on specially adapted vehicles and learn about their ancient history, both geological and human.
A relic of one of the world’s largest super-lakes, the Makgaikgadi dried up thousands of years ago as a result of the continued shifting of the earth’s crust. Guests can explore the pans by 4WD quad bike, and also have the opportunity to join a Bushmen safari and learn about their fascinating way of life at first hand.
Accommodation
The classic tented accommodation is in ten roomy and stylish canvas tents with en-suite bathrooms and indoor and outdoor showers (for those who want to feel the Kalahari breeze on their skin) and are set into a palm grove. Persian rugs underfoot and cool cotton sheets form a striking contrast with the rugged wilderness viewed from the comfort of the verandah.
Childcare
Children of all ages are welcome at Jack's camp however, if guests are travelling with children under the age of eight years, a Private Guide & Vehicle is required. Children under the age of 12 are not permitted to have their own tent and would need to share with a parent.
Facilities
Creative menus emphasising fresh tastes and original cuisine; home to a unique national museum, library, pool pavilion and plunge pool.
Activities
The activities all revolve around game viewing and the guides at Jack's Camp are often graduate students who combine research with guiding, they team up with a small group of Zu/’hoasi Bushmen to guide guests on morning walks and game drives. Venturing far into the centre of the Makgadikgadi, on 4wd quad bikes, guests are able to explore remote archaeological sites, periodically discovering never before documented fossil beds of extinct giant zebra and hippo.
Location and directions
Makgadikgadi, Botswana
Set in the middle of nowhere on the edge of the Makgadikgadi Salt Pans, Botswana.
How to get there
11 hour international flight followed by a 2hour international flight and then just 30mins by light aircraft in to camp.
