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Jack's Camp: An Oasis of Luxury on the Makgadikgadi Pans

Experience the magic of Botswana's Makgadikgadi Pans at Jack's Camp: Luxury, adventure, and unique desert encounters await in this otherworldly landscape.

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Jack's Camp is a luxury safari camp located on the edge of the Makgadikgadi Pans in Botswana, offering a unique blend of adventure and old-world glamour. With its 1940s safari style, unique desert activities, and encounters with meerkats and Bushmen, it provides an unforgettable experience in a captivating landscape.

A brief summary to Jack's Camp

Local tips

  • Pack for extreme temperature variations; it can get very hot during the day and surprisingly cold at night.
  • Bring a hat, sunscreen, and sunglasses to protect yourself from the harsh sun.
  • Consider visiting during the green season (November to April) to witness the zebra and wildebeest migration.
  • Engage with the local Zu/'hoasi Bushmen for an insightful cultural experience.
  • Take advantage of the camp's unique activities, such as quad biking across the salt pans and meerkat encounters.
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Getting There

  • Air Transfer

    The most common way to reach Jack's Camp is by a light aircraft transfer from Maun Airport (MUB), the gateway to Botswana's Okavango Delta and other safari destinations. The flight takes approximately 50 minutes, offering stunning aerial views of the Makgadikgadi Pans. Upon arrival at the camp's private airstrip, a short 4x4 transfer will take you to Jack's Camp. This transfer is typically included in the camp's rates. There are no scheduled flights to Makgadikgadi Pans; charter flights are normally booked by tour operators as part of the safari package.

  • Road Transfer

    It is possible to access Jack's Camp by a private road transfer from Maun, a journey of around 3-4 hours. The drive involves traveling on tarred roads to Gweta, followed by dirt tracks into the park. A 4x4 vehicle is necessary due to deep sand in some sections. Entrance fees to Makgadikgadi Pans National Park are required, costing BWP 190 per person per day for international visitors, plus BWP 75 per day for a non-Botswana registered vehicle. It is advisable to carry spare fuel and water and to use a GPS device.

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Discover more about Jack's Camp

Jack's Camp, an iconic safari camp, is nestled within the otherworldly landscape of Botswana's Makgadikgadi Salt Pans, the remains of a vast lake that once covered most of Southern Africa. Founded by Jack Bousfield and later established as a camp in 1993 by his son Ralph, it stands as a testament to a family's deep connection with this unique environment. The camp is renowned for its unique blend of adventure and old-world glamour, offering visitors an unparalleled desert experience. The camp's design pays homage to the classic 1940s safari style, with nine spacious guest tents adorned with rich textiles, Persian rugs, and mahogany furniture. Each tent features a comfortable living area, ensuite bathrooms with indoor and outdoor showers, and a private plunge pool overlooking the shimmering salt pans. The main mess tent houses a Natural History Museum, a library, a vintage dining table, a well-stocked bar, and an antique pool table. Jack's Camp offers a wide range of activities that allow guests to explore the Makgadikgadi Pans and its unique wildlife. These include game drives, guided walks with Bushmen, meerkat encounters, quad biking, and horseback safaris. During the dry season, guests can venture onto the vast salt flats on quad bikes, discovering remote archaeological sites and fossil beds. In the wet season, they can witness the zebra and wildebeest migration, one of the largest in Africa. The camp is deeply influenced by the life story of its founder, Jack Bousfield, and houses a treasure trove of ancient artifacts collected by the Bousfield family over decades. Jack's Camp provides an immersive and unforgettable safari experience, combining luxury, adventure, and a deep appreciation for the natural world.

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