A unique and striking environment!

Few parts of Africa can match the mystique of Botswana's Kalahari Desert. Its unique and striking environment, and its vastness and isolation, leaves a lasting impression on all visitors. In addition to exploring its fragile ecosystem, you can experience the cultural richness of the indigenous San (Bushman) people, who live in complete harmony with their environment. From Jack's Camp, an elegant, traditional East African-style camp (the best in the Kalahari!), you'll explore the saltpans on quad bikes and take a walk with a Bushman and learn how the San people have survived for centuries in this harshly beautiful environment.

The Makgadikgadi is a relic of one of the world’s largest super-lakes, dried up thousands of years ago as a result of the continued shifting of the earth’s crust. 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 traveler a first-class safari.

Other "Build Your Own" African Adventures
We've selected our favorites of the best wildlife areas and exclusive tented camps and lodges in South Africa, Botswana, and
Botswana: Okavango & Linyanti Flying Safari Private Adventure
Malawi: Lake Malawi Private Adventure
Mozambique: Bazaruto Archipelago Private Adventure
Namibia: Exploring the Sand Dunes of Sossusvlei Private Adventure
Namibia: Skeleton Coast Private Adventure
South Africa: Cape Town Private Adventure
South Africa: Kruger "Giving Back" Private Adventure
South Africa: Safari Kruger National Park Private Adventure
Zambia: Safari Kafue National Park Private Adventure
Zambia: Walking in Zambia Private Adventure

Combine this trip with other journeys in Africa to create the ultimate dream safari vacation.

Activities

Game viewing by 4-wheel-drive vehicle, nature walks

TRIP HIGHLIGHTS

• Explore the expansive Makgadikgadi Salt Pans of the Kalahari Desert, search for the elusive brown hyena, roam the pans on quad bikes, and walk with a Bushman!

Duration: 4 days Start Location: Maun End Location: Maun Best time to go: January - April, July - December

Itinerary

• Day 1 : Makgadikgadi National Park

  From Maun, take a light aircraft transfer across the vast expanse of northern Botswana to Makgadikgadi National Park with its endless vistas of rolling golden grasslands. The camp staff will meet you at the airstrip and take you the short distance to Jack's Camp, a permanent camp offering a chance to explore and understand the Kalahari. The Makgadikgadi is a relic of one of the world's largest super-lakes, dried up thousands of years ago as a result of the continued shifting of the earth's crust. 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 traveler a first-class safari.

   

  Jack's Camp offers a traditional East African 1940s safari-style experience and is comfortable and stylish. It recently underwent extensive remodeling and now offers the comfortable amenities associated with a permanent structure-flush toilets, electricity, and hot and cold running water.

• Days 2 - 3 : Makgadikgadi National Park

  You’ll spend two full days exploring the fragile ecosystem in this part of the Kalahari Desert. When the Pans are dry, we use motorized four-wheel-drive quad bikes to travel where conventional vehicles cannot and to guard against scarring the Pan’s crust. Venturing far into the middle of the Pans, you are able to explore remote archaeological sites, periodically discovering sites never before documented such as fossil beds of extinct giant zebra and hippo. You’ll get an in-depth interpretation of the geology, archaeology, and anthropology of the Kalahari and Makgadikgadi.

  The Makgadikgadi is also one of the most important wetland sites remaining in Africa. In the wet season, the Pans fill with water, attracting flocks of flamingo and other migratory birds. The area is also the only place in Southern Africa, depending on the season, where one is able to see a migration of tens of thousands of wildebeest and zebra followed by predators. Other desert species include gemsbok, rare brown hyena, springbuck, and meerkat (several families of meerkats have been habituated to human presence).

• Day 4 : Depart

  Return to Maun.

Properties shown are representative of the accommodations we use on this trip, may not be inclusive of all accommodations we use, and are subject to change.

Expert leadership is the key to an exciting, unforgettable experience. Our trips feature gifted leaders for whom leading trips is a true vocation. Besides showing you wonders you’d never find on your own, they make sure everything runs smoothly and safely without a hitch. They are knowledgeable about all aspects of your trip, and take great pleasure in sharing their insights with you. More than just guides, they positively elevate your experience by being teachers, companions, and the best of friends. You’ll be in good hands with them every step of the way.

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