Jack's Camp
Jacks Camp is one of Africas most iconic safari destinations, set on the edge of Botswanas vast Makgadikgadi Salt Pans. Founded in the 1960s by adventurer Jack Bousfield, it blends timeless 1940s campaign style with modern comfort. The nine elegant tents feature Persian rugs, hand-carved furniture, and a fascinating collection of natural history artifacts, creating an atmosphere of classic safari charm.
Set in a private one-million-acre reserve, the camp offers both exclusivity and adventure. The landscape transforms with the seasons, from shimmering salt flats in the dry months to green grasslands alive with migrating zebra and wildebeest. Guests can enjoy guided game drives, quad biking, horseback safaris, and close encounters with habituated meerkats, all led by expert guides.
Dining is a highlight, with meals served in the vintage mess tent or under the stars. Menus feature fresh local ingredients, fine wines, and the camps signature Persian afternoon tea. For those seeking more privacy, Jacks Private Camp offers a two-bedroom villa with a private pool, lounge, and dining area, complete with a dedicated chef and guide. With its tented swimming pool pavilion, Persian tea tent, and rich sense of history, Jacks Camp combines wilderness, culture, and refined comfort.
Gallery
Wildlife
- Large herds of elephant and buffalo, particularly in the dry season.
- Strong predator presence including lion, leopard, cheetah, wild dog, and spotted hyena.
- Seasonal zebra migrations attract increased predator activity.
- Plains game such as red lechwe, sable, roan, kudu, and tsessebe.
- Aquatic species including sitatunga and hippos in permanent channels.
- Birdlife exceeding 350 species, including Pel’s fishing owl, African skimmer, wattled crane, and various kingfishers and raptors.
- High density of wildlife due to permanent water sources and diverse habitats.
Game Drives
- Daily guided drives in custom-built 4×4 vehicles provide access to vast areas of the pans and surrounding desert.
- Focus on spotting desert-adapted wildlife and tracking elusive species like brown hyena and aardwolves.
- Opportunity to see large migrating herds of zebra and wildebeest seasonally.
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Night drives available for nocturnal wildlife viewing.
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Guides share expert knowledge of desert ecology and local history.
Activities & Facilities
- Game drives
- Night drives
- Meerkat encounters
- Guided quad biking
- Horseback riding safaris
- Bushman walks
- Helicopter flights
- Flamingo and zebra migrations (seasonal)
- Star gazing
- Swimming pool pavilion
- Persian tea tent
- Natural History Museum
- Vintage dining tent
- Lounge and library
- Spa treatments
Highlights
- One of Africa’s most famous safari camps, known for its 1940s campaign style and timeless elegance.
- Set in the vast Makgadikgadi Salt Pans with dramatic desert scenery and unique wildlife.
- See up to 50,000 zebra and wildebeest during Africa’s second-largest migration in season.
- Home to desert-adapted species like brown hyena, black-maned Kalahari lion, cheetah, and meerkat.
- Located in a private one-million-acre reserve with expert guides and exclusive access.
- Features a tented swimming pool, Persian tea tent, Natural History Museum, and vintage mess tent.
- Open year-round with stunning contrasts between dry and green seasons.
- Jack’s Private Camp offers a secluded villa with dedicated staff for families or small groups.
Location
- Located in the Makgadikgadi Salt Pans of northeastern Botswana, within a private one-million-acre wildlife reserve.
- The camp is surrounded by vast salt flats, desert landscapes, and unique desert-adapted wildlife.
Getting There
- The best way to get to Jack’s Camp is to fly from Johannesburg to Maun, followed by a flight via light aircraft to the Tsigaro Airstrip.
- Flight time from Johannesburg to Maun: 1 hour 50 minutes.
- Flight time from Maun to Tsigaro Airstrip: 30-40 minutes.
- Overland transfers from Maun to Jack’s Camp are available and take 3-4 hours.
- Inter-camp air transfer options are also available.
Special Offers
- Long stay discounts apply when staying at one or a combination of Natural Selection camps.
- 5 – 6 nights: 10% off for stays in Mid season 1.
- 5 – 6 nights: 5% off for stays in Mid season 2, High & Peak season.
- 8 nights: 15% off for stays in Low season & Mid season 1.
- 8 nights: 10% off for stays in Mid season 2 & High season.
- 8 nights: 5% off for stays in Peak season.
Child Policy
- Jack’s Camp welcomes children of all ages.
- Children 0-5 years stay free of charge.
- Children 6-16 years are charged 50% of the sharing adult rate when sharing with an adult.
- Families are accommodated in the family tent or with extra arrangements in standard tents.
- Activities are tailored to suit family groups and safety considerations.
Inclusions & Exclusions
- Included: Daily activities, all meals, beverages, laundry, airstrip transfers and park entry fees.
- Excluded: Premium brand drinks and anything of personal nature.
Rates
- The updated rates are displayed for each room category below.
- Rates are charged per person, per night.
- Jacks Private Camp is charged per unit, for 2 adult & 2 children, or 3 adults. Additional person surcharges apply.
- Single supplement of 40% applicable.
- There is no single supplement from 10 January – 31 March & 01 October – 19 December.
- Rates displayed are valid until 09 January 2027.
Seasons
- Peak season: 01 July – 31 August
- High season: 01 – 30 June & 01 – 30 September, & 20 December – 09 January
- Mid season 2: 31 May & 01 – 31 October
- Mid season 1: 01 – 30 April & 01 November – 19 December
- Low season: 10 January – 31 May
Your Safari, Expertly Curated
Our dedicated travel specialists craft seamless, tailor-made journeys – every detail designed around you.
Tent
The two double and seven twin tents feature a spacious lounge area, private plunge pool, and en-suite Read more bathrooms with indoor and outdoor showers. Designed with classic 1940s safari style, these tents provide an intimate and luxurious desert retreat for couples or small families. Read Less
| Peak Season | $ 3,895per person per night |
|---|---|
| High Season | $ 3,945per person per night |
| Mid Season 2 | $ 2,935per person per night |
| Mid Season 1 | $ 2,795per person per night | Low Season | $ 2,095per person per night |
Jack's Private Camp
This exclusive, stand-alone villa offers two expansive bedrooms, one king-size and one twin/double queen Read more beds, with private verandas and day beds. The villa boasts luxurious en-suite bathrooms featuring indoor showers, outdoor showers, and a freestanding bathtub. Guests enjoy a private lounge, dining area, swimming pool, and dedicated staff including a personal chef and guide, making it ideal for families or small groups seeking privacy and bespoke service. Read Less
| Peak Season | $ 11,685per unit per night |
|---|---|
| High Season | $ 10,845per unit per night |
| Mid Season 2 | $ 8,805per unit per night |
| Mid Season 1 | $ 8,385per unit per night | Low Season | $ 6,285per unit per night |
