The newly refurbished and classically elegant San Camp comprises just six canvas tents set widely spaced apart in a most dramatic location, The Makgadikgadi Salt Pans, thus creating an oasis of civilization in a fascinating environment.
Learn about how the San bushmen live in this harsh environment
Spend a morning hanging out with the family of habituated meerkats
San Camp is situated on the edge of the vast and mysterious Makgadikgadi Salt Pans
Lie on the salt pans as the stars come out and listen to the complete silence - it's eerie
A visit to San Camp is all about the isolation. Turn 360 degrees and nothing will cross your eyeline but the huge bowl of the sky. Views stretch for miles and you can practically see the curvature of the earth from here.
Set on the edge of the Makgadikgadi Salt Pans, the camp is a collection of 1940s safari tents, with four-poster beds, cambric sheets, paraffin lamps and butlers. It's beautifully eco-friendly, being run entirely by solar power and leaving barely a sign of its existence. In keeping with the remote environment, there is no internet access nor electricity however there are central charging facilities in the main area. Paraffin lamps are lit around camp at night adding to the romantic atmosphere.
Open over the dry months, from April to October, San Camp offers a totally unique chance to explore the Kalahari. Here the wildlife viewing consists of rare species such as the elusive brown hyena as well as aardvark, meerkats, gemsbok and springbok.
Game walks and drives take place every day with qualified zoologists and biologists to show you the unique desert flora and fauna. Guests can explore the inner pans on specially adapted vehicles and learn about their ancient history, both geological and human.
A relic of one of the world’s largest super-lakes, the Makgadikgadi dried up thousands of years ago as a result of the continued shifting of the earth’s crust. It's possible to explore the pans by 4WD quad bike.
You should also not miss the opportunity to join a Bushmen safari and learn about their fascinating way of life at first hand.
When to visit
Find out how the San Bushmen survive in such a stark environment on one of the fascinating walks with one of the local San Bushmen.
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Enquire NowSan Camp is situated on the edge of the vast and mysterious Makgadikgadi Salt Pans, the remnant of an extinct super lake that once covered most of Botswana.
Nxai Pan Camp
Nxai Pan is situated on a fascinating fossil pan of the same name, overlooking beautiful grasslands so typical of this area. The game viewing is excellent, and the camp offers a true contrast to the Okavango Delta and other areas of Botswana.
Camp Kalahari
Run by Uncharted Africa Safaris, the simple and rustic little Camp Kalahari is found in the incredible Makgadikgadi Pans, and offers guests the chance to explore the vast and ever-changing moonscape of the pans by vehicle, on horseback or on foot.
Jack’s Camp
Jack's Camp was set up by the legendary African character Jack Bousfield, who was one of the great explorers and adventurers of the continent. There are just ten tents and this intimate camp is one of only two permanent camps in the Makgadikgadi.
Meno A Kwena
Located on cliffs overlooking the Boteti River, Meno A Kwena is a unique camp which harks back to the authentic safari experience of the past. The traditional style is combined with modern facilities, as well as superb river views.
Uncharted Africa Riding Safari
Experience some of Africa's most diverse and unique environments on horseback. From the barren Magadikgadi salt pans to the sprawling woodlands of the Kalahari plains, Uncharted Africa Riding Safari is a truly unforgettable way to explore Botswana.
Walking with the Kalahari Bushmen
The San interpret the signs of the bush like no one else, all senses build a picture of their world. Beyond this, on the hunt, San tap into the spirit world, entering the minds of their quarry. This natural understanding has to be seen to be believed.
Meerkats on the Makgadikgadi
Down in the Makgadikgadi Pans, and accessible from both Jack's and San Camp, is a very special, habituated clan of meerkats, which have been studied by scientists for years. Guests to Jack's and San are able to visit and observe quietly.
