Location
San Camp is located on a grass covered bay
that overlooks the endless white salt sea
of the extinct Makgadikagadi superlake and
directly adjoining the National Park. San
Camp, along with Jack's Camps, are unique
in that they are the only permanent camps
to offer a chance to explore and understand
the Kalahari. The concession adjoins the Makgadikgadi
National Park with its endless vistas of rolling
golden grasslands. Desert palms line the horizon
. . . . . Behind us are the huge salt pans
of the Makgadikgadi. Theories as to how and
when this vast geographic phenomenon was formed,
vary. Our aim is to attempt to unravel some
of the mysteries while providing the sophisticated
traveller a first class traditional safari.
Activities
Fly-In, Desert, Wildlife, Game Drives, Safari,
Camping, Culture, Photography, Birding, Fly
camp
Attractions
San Camp is a complete desert experience focusing
on species unique to the area such as gemsbok,
brown hyena and springbok, as well as the
geology, archaeology and anthropology of the
Kalahari and Makgadikgadi. Many of our guides
are fully qualified Zoologists/Geologists,
often working on PhD research. As such, they
are most able to convey all the nuances of
the desert and the adaptations of its inhabitants
which we consider to be one of the most interesting
features of the environment. The Makgadikgadi
is also one of the most important wetland
sites remaining in Africa. In the wet season,
the Makgadikgadi’s Pans fill with water
attracting flocks of flamingo and other migratory
birds. The area is also the only place in
Southern Africa where one is often able to
see a migration of tens of thousands of wildebeest
and zebra followed by predators. Although
migrations do occur elsewhere in Botswana,
the tree cover prohibits a view of the magnitude
that we are able to see due to the exposed
nature of the surrounding grasslands. The
Makgadikgadi, a relic of one of the world’s
largest superlakes, dried up thousands of
years ago as a result of the continued shifting
of the earth’s crust. When the Pans
are dry, to travel where conventional vehicles
cannot, and to guard against scarring the
Pan’s crust, we utilise four wheel drive
quad bikes. Venturing far into the middle
of the Pans, we are able to explore remote
archaeological sites, periodically discovering
sites never before documented such as fossil
beds of extinct giant zebra and hippo.
Facilities
Guests must be thoroughly advised as to the
traditional nature and style of our camps.
Ours are the most authentic and classic safari
camps in Southern Africa and evoke the atmosphere
and elegance of a 40's East African safari.
This is an experience in itself and one which
most adventurous and sophisticated Guests
will appreciate and enjoy. The important distinction
is that Guests should arrive knowing what
to expect. Some people find luxury in running
water and electricity in their tents whilst
others find luxury in Persian carpets underfoot
and having their steaming water brought to
their tents in a gleaming copper jug. We fall
into the latter category. Flush loos are an
exception but hopefully, we do not compromise
too much comfort in the name of authenticity.
Additional Information
For groups of four or more on five night safaris,
we offer the option of fly-camping by quad-bike
to Kubu Island. A fascinating granite island
studded with baobabs suddenly erupting from
the pan floor, inhabited by san salt miners
until as recently as the 1950's.
Children Policy
· Toddlers (0 - 3 years) welcome
· Children (4 - 12 years) welcome
· Children over 12 welcome
Location
· Game/Wildlife Reserve
Check In Before: 14:00
Check Out Before: 11:00