Jack’s Camp

Originally built by Jack Bousfield in the 1960’s as a base from which to explore the pans, and inherited by his son, Ralph, Jack’s Camp has been operating since 1993. It was given a fantastic makeover in 2020 and is the perfect base from which to explore some of the largest salt pans in the world, in old world luxury and style.

Shaded by a cluster of real fan palm trees, Jack’s Camp consists of a peaked mess area and ten pioneer sleeping tents. The main guest area includes a dining tent, a lounge, bar, library and outdoor seating area, all of which look out onto the pans. Unique and unapologetically bright, no where else in Africa will you find a swimming pool tent – and a tea tent!

Guests are accommodated in 10 superb tents, scattered along the outer boundary of the palms, facing across the pan. Three have double beds and the rest are twins. Medieval styled four poster beds are draped in beautiful fabric, the same design and colour as the tents’ inner lining, and beautiful furniture includes delicate antique dressers, elegant fold up bedside tables, foot chairs, old director’s chairs and writing desks. Stylish en-suite bathrooms possess flush loos, hot and cold running water and showers.

In the wet season, from November to March, large herds of zebra and wildebeest are drawn to the seasonal water on the pans, however for the rest of the year, the pans can appear deserted, except for a few desert adapted species. This is not a traditional big five safari destination, but don’t let this put you off –  this is not the point of the area or the camp. Ralph and his team of expert guides are the best in the business and will bring this desert wilderness to life. Activities are based around discovery and exploration and include day and night wildlife drives, exploring the pans in 4×4 vehicles and quad bikes; guided nature walks with local San trackers; and close encounters with families of  habituated meerkats. Longer excursions include a four night quadbike expedition to Kubu Island, an isolated granite rock considered sacred by the local San, and superb horse-riding safaris.

Jack’s Camp is impossible to describe, however that is part of it’s appeal.  It surprises guests around ever corner and captures the soul – a unique experience which will not be forgotten.