Theories as to how and when this vast geographic phenomenon was formed vary. Our aim is to attempt to unravel some of the mysteries while providing the sophisticated traveler a first class traditional safari. Nestled in the awesome landscape of the Makgadikgadi Pans area of west-central Botswana, Jack's Camp appears like an oasis on the horizon.

Located on a palm and acacia-studded desert "island," the camp is swallowed-up by the immensity of the surrounding Kalahari Desert ecosystem, which is unlike anything on earth. The stark contrast makes for a wonderful adjunct to an Okavango safari. Facilities include a mess tent for dining, which houses a site museum and a tea tent with Persian carpets and cushions for decadent afternoon teas. Paraffin lamps are used for lighting providing a traditional camp atmosphere.

• Traditional Green canvas tents
• Access to tents through a zipped door
• En-suite bathroom facilities including shower, basin, flush toilet and outside shower

The camp itself is the pride & joy of Ralph and Catherine Bousefield, who have attained the nearly impossible balance of comfort, style and adventure. Tented accommodation is tactfully scattered amongst the palm trees, and is tastefully appointed.
 
Ten green 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) have been fashioned in classical style and are set into a palm grove creating an oasis of civilization in what can be the harshest of stark environments.

Persian rugs underfoot and cool cotton sheets form a striking contrast with the rugged wilderness viewed from the comfort of one's own veranda.

No electricity power is available in the tents or camp at all, except for the 220v generator powered electricity run in kitchen and main areas when guests are not in camp. When guests return from daily activities, generators generally switched off (for peace in camp). Camera and video batteries can be given to the camp staff for charging. Paraffin lamps used for lighting.

The Makgadikgadi is also one of the most important wetland sites remaining in Africa. In the wet season, the Makgadikgadi’s Pans fill with water attracting flocks of flamingo and other migratory birds. The area is also the only place in Southern Africa where one is able to see a migration of tens of thousands of wildebeest and zebra followed by predators. Although migrations do occur elsewhere in Botswana, the tree cover prohibits a view of the magnitude that we are able to see due to the exposed nature of the surrounding grasslands.

ACTIVITIES

• Game drives in open 4x4 Landcruisers – the camp has 3 custom designed vehicles with 2 rows of seats behind the front row thus seating max. 5 guests when
allowing each guest an outside seat
• A morning spent with the Suricate (Meerkat)
• Bird walks to observe migratory waterfowl breeding / feeding sites.
• Very limited usage of 4WD quad bikes and vehicles on the pans – weather permitting and if the pans are dry
• Night drives to view migration and unique desert wildlife.
• Game walk with Bushman trackers.
• Visit to Chapman’s Baobab (the campsite of Livingstone, Selous and Baines)
• Visit remote area dwellings / cattle posts to gain insight into local tribal tradition and culture.
• Explore undocumented archaeological sites to search for stone tools and fossils of extinct mega fauna left in the area by early settlements, weather permitting.

• Extensive usage of 4WD quad bikes
• Explore undocumented archaeological sites to search for stone tools and fossils of extinct mega fauna left in the area by early settlements, weather permitting.
• Night drives to view unique desert wildlife.
• Game walk with Bushman trackers.
• Visit to Chapman’s Baobab (the campsite of Livingstone, Selous and Baines
• A morning spent with the Suricate (Meerkat)