Some places in Africa feel like legends come to life — and Jack’s Camp is one of them. Tucked away on the edge of Botswana’s Makgadikgadi Pans, this timeless camp has long held a reputation as one of the most unique safari lodges on the continent. On our recent visit, we discovered why: Jack’s isn’t just a camp, it’s an experience that blends wilderness, history, and culture in unforgettable ways.

First Impressions: A Legendary Camp Reimagined

Driving up to Jack’s Camp felt like stepping back in time. The newly refurbished lodge has held onto its signature 1920s safari glamour — think Persian rugs, antique furniture, and a museum-like collection of artifacts — yet every corner whispers comfort.

Each of the nine canvas tents is spacious and richly detailed. We loved how every room tells its own story, with personal libraries, quirky artifacts, and thoughtful touches like gin stations, cooling blankets, and even what can only be described as a “loo with a view.” Of course, the private plunge pools and swinging day beds overlooking the desert didn’t hurt either.

Inside the Tents: Comfort Meets Character

Every tent at Jack’s Camp tells a story. We found many amenities like:

Spacious sleeping areas with either two queen beds or a king-size option.
Personal libraries and unique artifacts, where each room felt like a private museum.
Refreshing beverage stations, stocked with wine, coffee, and spirits — all replenished daily (yay!).
Expansive bathrooms with showers, robes, and traditional cooling blankets to beat the desert heat.
Outdoor living spaces complete with plunge pools and swinging day beds, perfect for soaking in endless desert views.

Even the practical details are memorable — like the “toilet throne” or an outdoor loo with a panoramic view of the pans!

The Main Camp: A Living Museum

The main area at Jack’s Camp is just as extraordinary as the rooms. Here, we wandered through a series of themed spaces filled with history:

The Bar Room: included self-service or hosted cocktails, a billiards table, and panoramic views of the pans.
The Communal Dining Hall: it had a long shared table for lively meals (though private dining can be arranged if that’s what you like).
The Moroccan-Style Tea Tent: rich with rugs and cushions, where the afternoon tea becomes a ritual.
The Lounge & Library: lots of shelves of books and artifacts, there’s also guides available to walk you through the collection.

At night, the firepit comes alive, the perfect setting for sundowners, storytelling, and stargazing. Our favorite moment!

Unique Safari Experiences at Jack’s Camp

While the camp itself is stunning, the true magic lies in what surrounds it. Jack’s Camp sits at the edge of one of Africa’s greatest natural wonders: the Makgadikgadi Pans, an ancient salt pan the size of Portugal.

Highlights include:

The Zebra & Wildebeest Migration: Africa’s second-largest migration takes place here. Depending on the season, thousands of zebras and wildebeest gather, followed closely by predators. Definitely something you wouldn’t want to miss!
Bushmen Cultural Encounters: Walk alongside San Bushmen trackers to learn ancient survival skills and gain insight into their deep connection with the land. Which we showed in our latest youtube short & instagram reel!
Game Drives: Twice daily, we headed out across the pans and surrounding wilderness. We had the opportunity of riding on the vehicle roof seats, giving us great views.
Outdoor Showers & Plunge Pools: We were able to cool off while still being connected to the wild, nature really surrounds you!
Star-Studded Skies: With no light pollution for miles, the night skies are breathtaking.
The Meerkats – We were able to hang out with the meerkats! Curious, charming, and completely unbothered by your presence as they pop up all around you. Watching them felt like stepping into another world, one of the most delightful highlights of our stay.

Walking with the Bushmen

One of the most memorable moments of our time at Jack’s Camp was spending a morning with the San Bushmen, the original inhabitants of the Kalahari. Far from a staged activity, this felt like a genuine exchange, an opportunity to walk alongside people whose ancestors have lived here for thousands of years.

We followed them across the open pans as they pointed out animal tracks, demonstrated how to find water in the desert, and shared ancient survival skills passed down for generations. The way they read the land,noticing tiny signs in the sand or listening for subtle bird calls, was nothing short of extraordinary.

It wasn’t just educational, it was inspiring. Their deep connection to nature offers a perspective on the wilderness that most of us never get to see, and it left us with a profound respect for both the people and the landscape they call home.

🎥 We captured some of this experience on video, so if you’d like to see what it was like to walk with the Bushmen and learn directly from them, head over to our YouTube channel for the full story.

Why Jack’s Camp is Different

What sets Jack’s Camp apart is the way it blends luxury with authenticity. It’s not only about wildlife sightings, but about immersing yourself in the history, culture, and landscapes of Botswana. Every moment we experienced, whether sipping tea in the Moroccan tent, playing pool in the bar room, or sitting with Bushmen guides, felt deeply personal and unforgettable.

Experiencing the Makgadikgadi in Two other Ways

Our time in the Makgadikgadi wasn’t limited to just Jack’s Camp. We also visited San Camp and Camp Kalahari, and what struck us most was how each camp feels like its own interpretation of this extraordinary desert landscape. The setting is the same, but the mood, design, and energy are entirely different, giving travelers the chance to choose (or combine) the style that resonates most.

San Camp: Serenity on the Salt Pans

San Camp is all about space and stillness. Where Jack’s feels rich with history and character, San strips things back to their essence with white canvas tents and open to amazing views.

Here, silence becomes part of the experience. We slowed down, spent long moments on the deck watching the desert change colors, and just let ourselves breathe. There’s a mindful, wellness-driven energy at San: yoga mats tucked away in your tent, quiet corners for reflection, and the kind of calm you can only find in a place this remote.

Camp Kalahari: Adventure with a Warm Heart

Camp Kalahari had a completely different spirit in our experience. Where San is serene and Jack’s is iconic, Kalahari feels playful and adventurous. It’s warm, welcoming, and just relaxed enough to feel like home, which is why it’s such a favorite for families.

Here, the pans turn into a playground. The camp also shares the same opportunities to walk with the San Bushmen and go on wildlife drives like we previously showed you, but the overall atmosphere is more flexible and fun. Even the pool invites you to dive in after a hot day out on safari, which sundowners must be included!

For us, it was the sense of ease that stood out at Camp Kalahari — the kind of place where you don’t have to follow strict rules, you can just let yourself be swept up in the joy of the wild. We

Three Perspectives, One Wilderness

What makes the Makgadikgadi so special is that it can be experienced in so many ways.

Jack’s Camp is the legend; luxurious, historic, and unforgettable.
San Camp is minimalist; calm and soulful.
Camp Kalahari is the adventurer; warm, lively, and family-friendly.

Together, they show just how layered and versatile this desert really is. For us, spending time at all three gave a richer perspective of the Makgadikgadi — and if you have the chance, we’d recommend doing the same

Plan Your Safari to Jack’s Camp

A stay at Jack’s Camp is ideal for travelers looking for:

A luxury safari with character, steeped in history.
A chance to witness the second-largest migration in Africa.
Experiences that go beyond game drives, including cultural encounters and unique desert activities.

At Sundowner Safaris, we’ll help you design a tailor-made journey that pairs Jack’s Camp with Botswana’s other highlights — like the Okavango Delta, Chobe National Park, or even a Mozambique beach escape.

✨ Ready to experience Jack’s Camp?

Get in touch with us today and let’s start planning your adventure.

Let's plan your journey!

Jack’s Camp: A Timeless Safari Icon in Botswana’s Makgadikgadi Pans