San Camp

​San Camp is situated on the edge of the vast Makgadikgadi Salt Pans (some 12 000 square kilometres in extent), and offers comfortable and elegant accommodation in spacious tents. There is only accommodation for 12 guests, creating an oasis of civilization in what can be the harshest of stark environments. 

Accommodation boasts with four-poster beds, mosquito net canopies, cambric sheets, paraffin lamps and butlers. The tents have private ablution facilities, and bathrooms have hot, running water showers and flush loos, and there’s plenty of water in the elegant copper jugs and basins. 

The entire camp runs on solar-power and when darkness falls, you’ll find lanterns scattered around to light the way. At the main camp area, the open-sided pavilions are bright and breezy – and allow for an exceptional view. Gather in the splendid mess tent for a three-course feast, accompanied by white linen and crystal glasses. You may also wish to sink into a cushion in the tea tent and treat yourself to one of the best brownies in the desert. 

A safari to San Camp is complete desert experience focusing on species unique to the area 
such as aardvark, oryx and springbok – it is also one of the very few places where guests are virtually guaranteed to see the rare and elusive brown hyena and be able to walk through the Kalahari with a gang of habituated, but wild, meerkats! 

You can see the curve of the earth here - turn 360° and nothing crosses the eye but the horizon splitting the colours of the sky and the salt pans of the Makgadikgadi. 
The Makgadikgadi is also, conversely, one of the most important wetland sites remaining in Africa. In the wet season (November – March), the Makgadikgadi 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 able to see a migration of thousands of wildebeest and zebra – with the attendant predators.

However, San Camp is also somewhere to learn about the geology, archaeology and anthropology of the Kalahari and Makgadikgadi. Take game drives and night drives in custom built 4x4s to see the unique desert wildlife, spend time with the cheeky meerkats, and join the Zu/’hoasi Bushmen on a bush walk. 

When the Pans are dry (April to October), to travel where conventional vehicles cannot - and to guard against scarring the Pan's crust - four wheeled quad motorbikes are used. This is a most unique way of going 'on safari', not to mention great fun as well.

You might also want to visit the historical baobabs (the campsites of Livingstone, Selous and Baines). Guests can also make use of the fly camping excursion (weather permitting) to Kubu Island with Quad bikes for 5 night trips of four Guests and more.