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A visit to the area is
essential for anyone interested in evolution and the origins and
explanation of the Okavango Delta and Botswana’s big picture….
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. |
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Tent details:
• 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. |
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| The secret to Jack's Camp,
however, is the activity venue, of which guests are sworn to secrecy
upon departure. Without divulging too much, guests will certainly
enjoy the unusual approach to adventure in this spectacular setting,
which boasts rich natural, archaeological and geological treasures!
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. |
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| It is also a
complete desert experience focusing on species unique to the area
such as Gemsbok, brown hyaena and springbuck, as well as the
geology, archaeology and anthropology of the Kalahari and
Makgadikgadi. Jack's and San Camp are the only places where Guests
are guaranteed to see the rare and elusive brown hyaena in the whole
of Africa.
When the rains return (December - March),
the herds follow, zebras and wildebeest in the thousands
following their ancient migration routes to the newly-formed
grasses. This, too, is a wonderful time to see the Pans, which
form an immense shallow soda-lake teeming with birdlife,
including pink flamingos in huge numbers.
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. |
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Member of
the Classic Safari Camps of Africa
