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Jack's Camp, Makgadikgadi Pan, Kalahari Desert, Botswana
Ntwetwe Pan and Sua Pan, together with numerous smaller pans, form the Makgadikgadi Pans system. The pans are the remnants of the once great Lake Makgadikgadi: 80,000 square kilometres in extent, and up to 30 metres deep, this was the largest inland sea in Africa. In the wet season, this vast area of salt pans interspersed with low-lying grass islands is the destination of herds of migrating zebra. It has an unspoilt beauty unlike any other part of Africa.
Jack's Camp was originally
established by the late Jack Bousfield while on a
trapping expedition in the 1960's. The choice of such
striking locale owed much to his original taste for the
savage beauty of a forgotten Africa. Jack was immediately
inspired by this special place and envisaged a new and
innovative safari. His son, Ralph, is now pursuing Jack's
vision.
Jack's Camp now has now been completely refurbished in a
traditional East Africa '40's safari style. Into these
sometimes harsh surrounds, we have introduced luxury
unparalleled. Authentic but comfortable and stylish,
these roomy, classically styled tents have private bucket
showers and flush loos and are set into a palm grove
creating an oasis of civilization.
Persian carpets and cool
cotton sheets form a striking contrast with the rugged
wilderness viewed from the comfort of one's own verandah.
Using four wheel drive quad bikes, guest are able to
explore a hitherto unknown and impenetrable area in an
exciting and
eco-friendly way. Jacks's Camp was voted '12th Best
Leisure Hotel' in the World by Condé Naste Traveller
Magazine readers - making it the 'best Safari Camp in the
World'!
Kubu Island
Resting in the southern tip of Sua Pan, this small rocky
outcrop was once an island in the great Lake
Makgadikgadi. Stunted baobab trees and the ruins of
unexplained stone walls lend a mystical aspect: Kubu
Island has a magic that touches every visitor
.
Central Kalahari Game Reserve
The largest game reserve in the world, the Central
Kalahari encompasses some of the hottest and most
inhospitable areas in Botswana. In this seemingly
limitless expanse of scrub desert and pans, you will
encounter animals and plants that are specially adapted
to survive in such harsh conditions.
Nxai Pans and Baines’ Baobabs
Nxai Pan lies to the north
of the Makgadikgadi Pans area, on the migration route of
the great herds: a wide, grass-covered pan dotted with
umbrella thorn trees. With its bountiful wildlife, the
area provides excellent game viewing
opportunities.
Just to the east of Kudiakam Pan, and south of Nxai Pan,
is an impressive group of baobab trees, standing on the
pioneers’ route to the swamps of the Okavango Delta.
First painted by Thomas Baines, and inscribed with his
name on 22nd May 1862, the trees are known as
Baines’ Baobabs.
Desert Mobile Safaris
In addition to our regular excursions to explore the
Makgadikgadi Pans, by prior arrangement we can arrange
longer expeditions into the Kalahari Desert.
For the intrepid visitor we
offer the prospect of profound engagement with the
uncompromising beauty of the Kalahari. On this seven
night camping safari you will traverse the Makgadikgadi
Pans, visit enigmatic Kubu Island; and enter the largest
conservation area in Africa - the Central Kalahari Game
Reserve.
Deception Pan, Xaka, Piper Pans, Molapo, and many
nameless places. The safari transcends any organised
cultural experience. You will gain a direct insight into
the subtle ecology of the apparently pitiless and
unchanging desert. Perhaps you may even come to empathise
with the "first people" who lived in the
Kalahari - insignificant in the infinite thirstland, yet
happily and marvellously alive.
Our Tour that includes Jack's Camp
For further information, reservation details or details of packages which include Jack's Camp, please go to:
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