Starting in October 2019, Jack’s Camp in the Makgadikgadi, Botswana will be entirely rebuilt from scratch. The project is expected to wrap in May 2020 when the luxurious camp can show off its new look just in time for its 25th anniversary. During this time, guests can choose to stay at Jack’s Migration Camp—a temporary camp near sister property Camp Kalahari, which will have all the same facilities as Jack’s Camp, like a tea tent and swimming pool. The same Jack’s Camp staff, including beloved guides Super Sande and Chabba Selei, will be running Jack’s Migration Camp.
Here’s what to expect with the rebuild: Overseen by camp owner and founder, Ralph Bousfield, the project will create 10 safari tents, nearly double the size of the existing tents (140 square feet inside). The traditional green exterior canvas of the tents will remain the same, while the interiors will be decorated with family antiques and a miniature “natural history museum” consisting of a cabinet of curiosities showcasing fossils and stone tools collected by Bousfield over the years. There will be seven twin tents with two queen size beds and three double tents with extra-length king beds. For families traveling together, note that each tent can also accommodate a child on a third day bed in the living room. Tents include plunge pools, wood-burning stoves for the colder months, and indoor and outdoor showers.
The pool pavilion will be redesigned with a new sun deck, and there will also be a dedicated spa tent. Described as a “Natural History Museum in Botswana,” the mess tent will be expanded, while retaining its same look and vibe. (Think Peter Beard pictures and original posters by French taxidermist, Deyrolle.)
Part of the Natural Selection portfolio, the newly rebuilt Jack’s Camp will be entirely run on Tesla’s “clean and green” solar battery technology. (This includes the new air-conditioning units in the guest tents.) Note that 1.5 percent of revenue generated by Natural Selection’s camps goes back to local conservation projects.