Rating: Ultimate
Jack's Camp is located deep in the Kalahari Desert at the edge of the Makgadikgadi Pans, the largest saltpans in the world. Accommodation is luxurious, tasteful and romantic. The tents are spacious, all with ensuite bathroom. Guest facilities include a dining tent and a separate tea tent furnished with comfortable cushions where guests can relax. Jack's Camp has been voted one of the Top 20 Leisure Hotels in 2009 Conde Nast UK Travellers Reader's Awards, as testament to the quality of the accommodation and the stunning setting of this camp. It evokes a feeling of a 1940s safari.
Activities include game viewing in 4x4 vehicles specially adapted to the unique terrain, night drives and guided bush walks with the San Bushmen. Special species of wildlife that can be found in this area include Meerkats and Brown Hyaena and at certain times of year the incredible spectacle of the zebra migration passes through.
Open: All year.
Please note that Jack's Camp is being refurbished between October 2019 and April 2020. From 16th October 2019 till 15th April 2020 Jack's Migration Camp will be open, a short distance from the main camp, offering the same style of accommodation and activites.
Location: The camp is located to the east of the Madgadikgadi Pans on a private soncession. It is a tranquil, even solitary setting in this harsh yet beautiful terrain. It is reached by flight from Maun to a private airstrip.
Rooms: 10 spacious canvas safari tents with antique furnishings, en-suite bathrooms and indoor and outdoor showers. These are set in a peaceful palm grove and each has its own private veranda with wonderful views of the pans.
Activities: Guests can take Bushman-led walks looking for wildlife including meerkats and brown hyena. The camp offers game drives, day and night, with exceptionally well-informed guides. Guests have the opportunity to go on bird watching walks. As of 2018 guests staying 3 nights will be offered a 20 minute helicopter ride. For those staying less than 3 nights the helicopter can be booked, prices start at $250 per person for 30 minutes (subject to change).
Facilities: The main area has the dining area, a seating area and museum plus a tented swimming pool and wooden deck. The camp has a separate, uncovered, plunge pool too. There are 2 circular pavilions, one is the lounge and bar and the other is the library. There is a seating area with swing chairs and a camp fire where guests can chat over the day’s events in the evening.
Dining: Meals are taken communally in the pavilion, seated at the long table. There is a separate tea tent.
Children: Children of all ages are welcome at the camp. Children under the age of 13 require the use of a private vehicle and guide. Children under the age of 12 cannot stay alone in their own tent, but can share a tent with 1 or 2 adults (maximum 2 adults and 1 child). Parents with 2 children under 12 will be roomed in 2 tents with 1 adult and 1 child each.
Health: This is a malarial area.
Communication: There is no mobile reception or email. Communication is maintained with the head office via radio. There is a satellite phone for emergency use.
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0"We won't spill the beans about Jack's - be prepared to be surprised and delighted. The staff (Izzy Ritch Vindi Cobra) were outstanding and good fun. The surroundings were simply luxurious but the experiences unforgettable and simply magical. We loved every moment and felt privileged to be there"