BOTSWANA
THE MYSTIQUE OF BOTSWANA’S MAKGADIKGADI PANS
RUSSEL WASSERFALL
The Iconic luxury safari lodge Jack’s Camp blends seamlessly into the landscape of the Makgadikgadi Pans formed by a lake that once covered most of Botswana.
The Makgadikgadi Pans, situated in northern Botswana, are among the largest salt flats in the world, spanning over 12,000 square kilometres. This awe-inspiring landscape, formed by the ancient Lake Makgadikgadi that once covered much of Botswana, is now a crucial ecosystem for a variety of wildlife including elephants, zebra, wildebeest and flamingos.
Conservation efforts in the area are focused on preserving the habitat and protecting its inhabitants. Projects such as anti-poaching patrols and wildlife monitoring help ensure the continued survival of these species in their natural environment.
The ultimate destination on the Pans is Jack's Camp, an internationally celebrated African safari experience. Established in the 1960s by the legendary Jack Bousfield, It was originally a rough-and-ready operation that focused on conservation rather than comfort. However, since Bousfield’s son Ralph inherited Jack’s in 1992 old-world luxury has been woven into the magic of the place and it is one of Africa’s signature safari experiences.
Whether in the rainy or the dry season, Jack’s Camp is an oasis in an endless sea of grassland and salt pans that are home to Africa’s exquisite wildlife.
At Jack's Camp, visitors can choose one of ten spacious and beautifully appointed canvas ‘tents’ that blend into their surroundings. Exquisitely furnished, with en-suite bathrooms, their private verandas offer stunning views of the vast salt pans stretching out to the horizon.
There’s plenty to keep guests occupied with activities like game drives, quad bike expeditions across the shimmering salt flats, or guided walks with the resident Zu/'hoasi Bushmen. There are also unforgettable horseback safaris, tracking the bountiful wildlife of the region, from wildebeest and zebra to the inquisitive meerkat.
Dinner is a communal affair reminiscent of the lives of the great adventurers and explorers of Africa’s colonial past.
Several community projects in the area aim to benefit the local economy and empower the people who call the Makgadikgadi Pans home. These projects include craft workshops where locals create traditional handicrafts to sell to tourists, as well as cultural exchanges that allow visitors to learn about and support local traditions and customs. (See the accompanying story on the Zu/'hoasi Bushmen)
Jack's Camp is situated approximately 35 kilometres from the nearest airstrip, which is accessible via a scenic flight from Maun International Airport. Direct flights to Maun are available from South African airports in Johannesburg and Cape Town, making it relatively easy for travellers to reach the remote and enchanting Makgadikgadi.
The plains surrounding the camp offer up incredible game viewing and seasoned local guides, who know every inch of the landscape, ensure magical close-up experiences.
Creatures great and small abound on the Pans surrounding the camp and encounters with wildlife are part of the adventure.
Les de andre artiklene fra Botswana her:https://www.matogdrikke.no/botswanaintro