As one of the world’s largest salt pans, Makgadikgadi Pans once contained a massive lake that evaporated over 2,000 years ago leaving behind a vast lunar landscape.
A salt pan, even the world’s largest one, is not, arguably, the most obvious safari destination. So what is the appeal of visiting a remote and seemingly barren landscape? For wilderness connoisseurs, it’s this very emptiness and nothingness that makes Jack’s Camp such a secluded romantic getaway.
Quite simply, Jack’s Camp is as far from the madding crowd as you can get. The pans offer views that stretch to infinity and a silence that, at first, is, depending on your inclination, either eerie or soothing. The only sounds you’ll hear are the soft grunts of buffalo, the occasional lion roar, or the distant rustle of the wind across the open plain.
But during the wet season this emptiness becomes an arena for a mesmerising display of wild life that can rival any David Attenborough documentary. Rain transforms the pans into a temporary water haven, attracting 35,000 – 75,000 wildebeest and zebra who migrate to the water source, with fleet footed predators, like lions and cheetahs, following fast on their paws, making for thrilling game viewing.
But even during the dry season, the pans are home to fascinating wildlife. For example, this is the world’s largest breeding site for greater flamingos, the tallest flamingo species. Guests at Jack’s Camp are often entertained by male flamingos performing intricately choreographed courtship displays, involving synchronised wing-flapping, preening and head turning.
A hidden getaway, exceeding all expectations
At Jack’s Camp you will experience that most intoxicating of combinations: Untamed wilderness entwined with luxury accommodation.
The inhospitable barrenness of the location is deliciously softened around the edges by the sumptuous luxury of Jacks Camp and the utter spoiling you will receive at this off the grid romantic getaway.
Which is why Jack’s Camp is rated so highly by some of the world’s savviest travellers and, in 2025, was included on Condé Nast Traveller’s Gold List, of the world’s best hotels and resorts.
So, what is Jack’s Camp actually like? Pitched on a low grassland knoll amongst an oasis of desert palms and Kalahari acacia, Jack’s camp is not your typical luxury safari lodge, but a traditional East African 1940’s style safari hideaway, down to the campaign desk and hand-carved bed in each of the nine spacious, stylish canvas tents that all have en-suite bathrooms, indoor and outdoor showers, Persian rugs and cool cotton sheets.
Outside, swings hang over broad wood decks and plunge pools invite you to rejuvenate after your daily adventure.
And adventure you will. If you are wondering how you will spend your time on this luxury safari, rest assured, Jack’s Camp offers much more than game drives. Your time here is precious and as carefully choreographed as a flamingo’s mating dance, which, with luck, you will manage to see.
Four generations of Zu/’hoasi Bushmen are hosted at Jack’s Camp and once you have drunk your fill of silence and solitude, you will be invited to join a walking safari with a group of them to gain insight into their ancient culture.
The next day, it’s time for the Meerkat Adventure when you will be delighted by comically cute meerkats as they pop out of their burrows and stand sentry at sunrise.
You will appreciate the welcome pause for afternoon tea, served upon faded Persian rugs.
After being refreshed by Earl Grey, you’ll be ready for the next desert adventure, this time a quest on quad bikes for archaeological sites of fossil beds.
At the end of a rewarding day, you will gather at a 36-seater table to clink glasses, trade stories and tantalise your taste buds with pilipili-hoho, a Jack’s Camp mainstay, of African chilies soaked in gin.
As darkness falls and one by one stars light up the night sky, shining brighter than you ever thought possible, you will thank your very own personal lucky stars that there is no electricity, or wifi, at Jack’s Camp and that you have the opportunity to truly disconnect in one of Africa’s most romantic getaways.
Edited by Dawn Kennedy