Camp Kalahari
Makgadikgadi Pans

Camp Kalahari is the relaxed family-friendly little sister to the glam San and Jack’s Camps. It is also on the more affordable end of safaris, so it makes a lovely option for families.

Situated in the heart of the Makgadikgadi Pans in Botswana, Camp Kalahari consists of 12 large tents spread out behind the thatched main areas. The camp is styled with an eastern inspired influence, think burnt orange sofas, bashed gold water jugs and cowrie shell cushions. The tents themselves need a bit of love but still maintain that Out of Africa charm that Jack’s Camp is so well known for. Recently fenced the camp has a homely feel to it and the horses used for riding safaris can sometimes be found finding shade and food throughout the camp. 

Meals are served at the communal table and the food is delicious – roasted vegetable tartlets, tarte tartin, salad niçoise all feature on the camps menu. The guides eat with the guests which makes for interesting discussions about the day’s game viewing. Electricity is at a minimum in the camp, so all charging must be done in the main areas. Paraffin lamps and torches light the camp as darkness falls. The lack of Wi-fi is a relief, meaning that conversations are vibrant, and guests can connect with the world around them.

Activities at Camp Kalahari are wide and varied making this a fantastic place for young ones who can feel restless sitting still in a game vehicle! Quad biking across the pans to find a sundowner spot is great for the older kids and adults, whilst horse riding is open to all that have a decent level of riding experience. Meeting with the San bushmen and learning about their extraordinary lives is fascinating for all family members, and walking with one of the three habituated meerkat families is a must for all visitors to the Makgadikgadi. Keeping up with these fast movers as they ferociously dig for scorpions is a great experience and provides guests with a totally different safari experience to being out in the vehicles; it allows you to see the minutiae of the wild up close.

The family tents are a good size and the communal feel of the camp is its asset, so for families looking for a more affordable option in the Pans, then Camp Kalahari is a great option. 

If you think you are too small to make a difference, you haven’t spent a night with a mosquito.
African Proverb