San Camp occupies a marvellous location in a copse of palms at the edge of the great Ntwetwe Pan, a little oasis in this otherwise sparse environment, just outside the Makgadikgadi Pan National Park. This remote setting, overlooking the flat, seemingly endlessly salt pans, gives San Camp a wonderfully isolated feel.
Against all appearances, San Camp isn't quite as isolated at it might at first appear. It is in fact the sister property to both Jack's Camp and Camp Kalahari, which are also located on the edge of the Pans. All three properties are owned and managed by the Uncharted Africa Safari Co, and though Jack's Camp is the flagship property, we like San Camp the most of the three, for its striking location and stylish set-up.
San Camp has been designed to resemble a turn-of-the-century safari camp, with classic 1930s safari tents serving as the guest rooms and white canvas marquees for the public areas. Though small (just six tents), San Camp takes great advantage of the huge expanse of space around it, with the rooms spread far apart so as to ensure a good level of privacy and uninterrupted views.
The activities at San Camp are very similar to those on offer at Jack's Camp and Camp Kalahari. During the dry season (June to Oct), there's very little game in the region (beyond the ubiquitous meerkat!), and the pans appear almost entirely devoid of life. During these months, the main activity is exploring the pans on quad bike, which is an absolutely thrilling experience! In the wet season (Dec to April), the pans are transformed, attracting huge herds of migratory game, particularly zebra, from the Okavango region, as well as flamingo in their droves. During these months the pans are usually too wet for quad biking, but walking safaris and guided drives remain an option.
Accommodation
San Camp's classic safari tents are kitted out with large double beds, wooden chests and paraffin lights. They are simple but very attractive, and do a superb job of capturing the ambience of a classic safari camp, without becoming overly kitschy or resorting to the "colonial"-era novelty pieces that other camps employ as decor.
Note there's no electricity or hot running water (the bathrooms feature bucket showers supplied with hot water on demand) at San Camp. It's not only in its appearance that the camp recalls the classic safari camps of old!
Dining
Meals are typically served under a marquee around a communal dining table, or outside on the grass. The food and presentation, from our experience, is immaculate. The menus are fixed, though dietary requirements can be catered for.
Facilities
Bar and lounge area
Dining tent
Swimming pool
Activities
- Game drives
- Guided walking safaris
- Quad bike excursions
- Sundowner drives
- Visit the meerkat families
Child Policy
Children of all ages are accommodated at San Camp, though the camp management does ask that you book a private vehicle (at additional cost) if travelling with children under the age of eight.
