Jack's Camp

Kalahari - Classic 4

Jack's Camp - Kalahari, Botswana

The Kalahari Legend

After several decades of setting the standard in the Kalahari, we are delighted to announce that Jack’s Camp has undergone a full rebuild and has now reopened in 2021.

The brand-new Jack’s Camp pays homage to the property’s enduring and much-loved 1940s campaign style. The guest tents, seven twins and two doubles, are much larger and each is 270 square metres in size. The iconic interiors remain and are embellished with rich textiles from around the world, Natural History Museum cabinets, and an overhead bed cooling system. Ensuite bathrooms have both indoor and outdoor showers and outside, each veranda has a private plunge pool.

The new, larger mess tent is resplendent with the renowned Natural History Museum, library, antique pool table and a well-stocked drinks chest. The iconic nomadic Persian tea tent has been made larger and the shop has been renovated and restocked with new treasures.

Mess tent - Jack's Camp - Kalahari, Botswana
Sitting area in the mess tent - Jack's CampDining area in the mess tent - Jack's Camp
Persian Tea Tent - Jack's Camp - Kalahari, Botswana

Accommodation

The new Jack’s pays homage to the much-loved 1940s campaign style of the existing camp. Adorned with a classic East African safari feel, the nine guest rooms, 7 twin tents featuring two queen-size beds and 2 double tents with extra-length king beds, have almost doubled in size. Whilst the iconic green canvas and muslin-draped walls remain, each tent is embellished with Persian and North African rugs, paraffin lamps, brass fittings, luxuriant textiles and mahogany campaign furniture.

Guest Tent King-Size Bed - Jack's Camp
Guest Tent Bedroom - Jack's CampGuest Tent Twin Beds - Jack's Camp

There is a comfortable living area, with a sofa and day bed for expansive views of the Kalahari. You’ll discover Natural History Museum cabinets curated by Ralph Bousfield himself, an overhead bed cooling system to ward off the desert heat and an en-suite bathroom with indoor and outdoor showers. Outside, each veranda has a private deck with a sparkling plunge pool as well as several velvet-clad chairs overlooking the glittering ancient landscape.

The new, larger mess tent still houses the renowned Natural History Museum, library, vintage 36 seater dining table that served as an officer’s mess table in the 1820’s, well-stocked drinks cabinet and antique pool table. The iconic, nomadic Persian tea tent remains, now a little larger in size. Framed Peter Beard pictures sit alongside original posters from French taxidermist Deyrolle, both complemented by Bousfield family photos. The swimming pool pavilion is still the only one of its kind in Africa.

Guest Tent Sitting Area - Jack's CampGuest Tent Shower - Jack's Camp
Guest Tent Pool Deck - Jack's Camp

Accommodation & Amenities

  • 9 tents: 7 twins, 2 doubles.
  • Rooms are an enormous 270 sq metres: 135 sq metres indoors and 135 sq metres outdoors.
  • Ensuite bathrooms with indoor & outdoor showers.
  • Private plunge pools.
  • Bed cooling systems.
  • Swimming pool pavilion.
  • Persian tea tent.
  • Wifi available: No.
  • Hairdryers: No.
  • There is 24-hour electricity in the tents (100% solar-powered).
  • Complimentary laundry service.

Jack's Private Camp

The Ultimate in Space and Exclusivity

Jack's Private Camp was built for travellers who desire all of the above, but who are wanting the freedom to safari on their own terms. This is an under-canvas villa where privacy is the name of the game. You'll be given a private guide and vehicle, dedicated chef and host, and like Jack, the freedom to explore the Makgadikgadi Pans on your own terms.

Set apart from the main Jack's Camp and away from other guests, it includes a central lounge and dining area with a separate kitchen and library, two expansive bedroom suites; each with a private deck, an additional day bed, en-suite facilities with a central chaise lounge, two indoor showers, a brass bathtub and an outdoor shower. The villa faces out onto an expansive deck with a large swimming pool and endless views across the Makgadikgadi Pans.

Jack's Private Camp - Makgadikgadi Pans, Botswana
Private guide, chef and vehicle - Jack's Private Camp - Makgadikgadi Pans, Botswana
Living area - Jack's Private Camp - Makgadikgadi Pans, Botswana>
Bedroom - Jack's Private Camp - Makgadikgadi Pans, Botswana>
Pool area - Jack's Private Camp - Makgadikgadi Pans, Botswana