Jack’s Camp
Jacks Camp
Hotel
On the edge of the Makgadikgadi Salt Pans’ western basin lies the Ntetwe Pan, the stunning location for the Jack’s Camp and the San Camp, both run by Wilderness Safaris.
Jack's is beautifully set on an isolated island dotted with tall fan palms and commiphora trees. Doubtlessly, the location is one of the most mysterious and awe-inspiring regions of the Kalahari.
Incidentally, the camp is named after the legendary, some say infamous, pioneer Jack Bousefield, whose son Ralph Bousefield read more » built the exceptional accommodation together with his wife Catherin Rapaely. To this day, the camp is run by the dedicated couple.
The saltpans come alive when the migratory animals pass through the region. After the great rains (December to April), the area is visited by huge herds of wildebeests, zebras and springboks arriving from the savannah, closely followed by their predators.
In this season, the pans fill with water and attract countless water birds, such as flamingos, wattled cranes and pelicans.
In the dry season, or wintertime, many animals again leave for the Boteti River. Others however have adapted to the desert-like conditions and are resident year-round. Brown Hyenas, Meercats, and Aardvarks are just some of the animals to be found here.
Despite its harsh character, the region offers more than the fascinating wildlife. Ralph Bousefield and his gamekeepers have made many archaeological discoveries in the region, fossilized proof that men inhabited this area in the Stone Age.
Ntetwe Pan is an extremely fragile but spellbinding environment. The management and guides take great care to protect the pristine nature. The Kalahari and Jack’s Camp are a destination for those looking for truly remote experiences.
Living
Every fibre of Jack’s Camp is a tribute to the “golden days” of the Twenties, when the word “safari” stood for real adventure and pioneering spirit.
This camp is a desert safari destination read more » and offers accommodation for only 16 guests in eight spacious walk-in tents, two of which are set up as Honeymoon Tents.
The traditional green canvas tents are anything but basic, offering en-suite facilities comprised of a shower, washbasin and flush toilet as well as an additional outdoor shower for those who like to feel the desert wind on their skin.
Children are welcome at Jack’s. It is a pleasure for the camp to arrange extra beds in the tents for the small guests. The tents are very comfortable and the Twenties style befits the character of the Makgadikgadi perfectly.
Meals are served in a communal “mess tent”, which also has a small library area stocked with a selection of interesting reads, many focusing on the local fauna and flora.
The Jack’s Officers’ Tent is home to a national museum, which you are welcome to visit.
The Tea Tent is comfortable and inviting. Equipped with Persian Rugs, a chessboard and an antique gramophone it is the perfect setting to unwind.
It is also the place where the traditional afternoon tea is served, which is offered daily, just before the afternoon’s activities start.
Activities
Jack’s Camp is definitely a unique safari destination thanks to the remote setting and the wildly romantic character of the camp. Desert dwellers such as meercats, brown hyenas, aardwolves, springboks
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and many other animals inhabit the region year round.
During the rainy season, large numbers of water birds such as flamingos are seen in the region, and the annual migrations of wildebeest and zebra herds are amazing to witness.
Normally, the camp’s activities take place in the early mornings and late afternoons. Throughout the year, the camp offers game drives in open all-terrain vehicles.
Interesting alternatives are the foot safaris, of course, accompanied by one of the camp’s experienced trackers. A very special experience is a morning spent with the comical meercats.
Also on offer are trips to explore the largely still uncharted archaeological sites located in the area, where you can search for stone tools left by early tribes.
Do not miss the chance to visit Chapman's Baobab. The historical baobab tree was used by Livingstone, Selous and many other early explorers as a landmark and basis.
A highlight of the dry season is quad biking across the vast saltpans. Once the pans flood in the rainy season and quad biking becomes impossible, other activities are offered.
Two of the most popular are guided visits to the nesting areas of the water birds and, during the evening, game drives introducing you to the impressive migrations of immense animal herds.
In addition, a visit to the remote outposts of the local population brings you in touch with the Bushmen’s culture and traditions, it is a memorable experience.
