San Camp

San 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. Whilst they may look empty, the pans are home to unique desert wildlife including ostrich, lion, brown hyena and, of course, the cheeky meerkats. You can forget the tourist crowds and over-stuffed 4x4s too; it’s just you, the wildlife, and a handful of local San Bushmen, waiting to share their secrets with you.

San Camp has 5 twin and 2 double tents all with ensuite bathrooms, indoor showers and large verandas. The tents are spacious, stylish and have solar lighting (ceiling & bedside lights). Think enormous four-posters, draped in crisp cotton and feather-soft blankets, raised high above Persian rugs. Mahogany writing desks and leather armchairs contrast the rugged surroundings, and there’s a lazy day bed just outside, perfect for an afternoon of view-gazing. Ensuite 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.

Gather in the splendid mess tent for a three-course feast, accompanied by white linen and crystal glasses. The mess tent also contains a small natural history museum and library. The tea tent, spread with cushions, is a tranquil sanctuary as is the tented yoga pavilion and plunge pool. While the camp remains perfectly off-grid, wifi is now available in the pool pavilion for guests.

Activities at San Camp include: Meet the habituated meerkats, walks with the Zu/’hoasi Bushmen, search for the elusive brown hyena, game drives and night drives, Helicopter flips (extra cost), morning and afternoon horse rides, (extra cost), quad biking (2 guests per quad bike, weather dependent).