Jack's Camp in the Makgadikgadi salt pans
Jack’s Camp is a complete one off in every respect. An exclusive, 
classic tented camp nestled in the heart of the Makgadikgadi salt pans, Jack’s focuses on the intricacies of this unique ecosystem. Venture into the centre of the Makgadikgadi, on a 4x4 quad bike and explore remote archaeological sites and perhaps discover fossil beds of extinct giant zebra and hippo. With the style and charm of a traditional East African 1940's safari camp and position in its own wilderness, Jack’s is the ideal escape to fully relax and unwind at the end of any Botswana trip.
Accommodation:
There are ten walk in en-suite canvas tents with indoor and outside showers (for those that want to freshen up whilst watching the sun 
rise over the Kalahari plains). As with San Camp, its sister camp, Jack’s Camp blends in very subtly with its surroundings set amongst a palm grove on the edge of a plain.
The tents are spread out around the palm trees, with a mess tent and a Persian-style 'tea tent', with a library of books, astonishing artefacts from the area, an antique pool table and a well-stocked drinks chest! There is also a swimming pool in the shade of a tent and a refreshing plunge pool to cool off if the heat of the Kalahari gets too much.
Activities:
The activities from Jack's Camp are truly unique. You don’t come to Jack’s Camp in search of big game as it is scarce for most of the year in this area of the Makgadikgadi National Park. As a result you will get a real understanding of the area's geology, archaeology and anthropology, as well as a chance to observe its wildlife. The focus very much depends on the season. Year round you can expect to get up close and personal with a family of meerkats, walk with local bushmen trackers to gain an insight into their ancient culture and environment, observe elusive desert species, search ancient stone tools and visit Chapman’s Baobab, the third largest tree in Africa!
During the dry season (April to October) you can experience quad bike trips across the salt pans, watch the sun go down and lie under the stars in your very own paradise. If you have the time you could even embark on a five night quad bike expedition to Kubu Island.
During the wet season (November to March) you can witness the last remaining zebra and wildebeest migration in Southern Africa with lion, cheetah and other predators in close pursuit. The wet season also sees the arrival of clouds of flamingo and many other migratory birds on the watery grasslands.
Location:
Nxai Pan is situated in the heart of the Makgadikgadi Salt Pans. The camp is accessible by light aircraft from Maun which takes approximately 40 minutes.
Facilities:
- 7 twin and 3 double tents with en-suite bathrooms
- Mess tent
- Library
- Antique Pool Table
- Swimming Pool
- Plunge Pool
- No electricity (camera charging equipment)
- Private airstrip
When to go:
The main attraction of this area of Botswana is the sense of being in the true wilderness surrounded by vast salt pans. The amount of wildlife that you are likely to see completely depends on the time of year. Throughout the year you are likely to see meerkats, mongooses, aardvark and aardwolf. Although a lot more skittish, the brown hyena can also be seen in this area. The only birds that inhabit the pans during the dry season are ostriches, Chestnut-banded Plover and Kittlitz’s Plover. When the rains finally arrive, usually around November or December, the salt pans completely transform. If the rain has been enough, the pans will flood by January or February, the plants will spring to life, the flamingos will come to feed and thousands of zebra and wildebeest will arrive along ancient migration routes bringing with them a host of opportunistic predators including lion and cheetah. The migration of zebra into the salt pans is the second largest in Southern Africa and an astonishing spectacle.
Price:
From around £650 or $1,020 per person per night sharing, fully inclusive of all meals, drinks and safari activities.
Please be aware that this is simply an indication and can change from time to time due to exchange rate fluctuations and seasons. For an accurate price please get in touch.