This charming camp is one of only two situated permanently in the whole of the Makgadikgadi region, and was set up by legendary adventurer Jack Bousfield. With just ten tents, it is small and intimate, and fitted with a unique variety of antiques, trinkets and curiosities, complete with distinctive gothic-style interiors. Truly a one-of-a-kind destination.
Awarded: Silver
Location
The camp boasts impressive views across Botswana’s Makgadikgadi saltpans, which, in the wet season (between November and April) blossom into game-rich grassy plains filled with flamingos, wildebeest and zebra.
Facilities
Breakfast, lunch, and elegant candlelit dinners are served in the sophisticated Mess Tent, which also happens to be a registered museum of vintage artefacts. A good variety of dishes are served to high standards. Another large bedouin tent is furnished with rich Persian rugs, hand-carved antique chairs and scatter cushions, and is where afternoon tea is served.
The camp’s other tents house a library, a bar stocking an extensive list of South African wines, and an antique pool table. The beautiful swimming-pool pavilion overlooks a small waterhole where wildebeest and other animals can be observed up close.
Rooms
The ten bedouin-style canvas tents are spacious, luxurious and filled with Persian rugs, antique writing desks, and African artwork. Seven of these tents are twins, while the remaining three are doubles; all have majestic four-poster beds and crisp linen sheets.
Each tent is fitted with an en-suite bathroom featuring indoor and outdoor shower, a private canopied veranda with extensive savannah views, and is secluded in privacy amongst the acacia trees.
Activities
Though not a big-game safari location outside of the Great Migration (meerkats and rare brown hyenas are among the species found in the dry season), the camp has highly knowledgeable guides who will lead daily game drives and nature walks. These guides include international zoologists and biologists who team up with Ju’Wasi Bushmen to conduct research on the park’s wildlife, flora and fauna.
During the dry season, guests can explore the saltpans on quad bikes and learn about the area’s fascinating geological history. Horseback safaris can be arranged as a memorable alternative to 4×4 game-drives. The open plains are free from light pollution, and as a result offer spectacular astronomical sights – perfect for an evening of stargazing on your private veranda. Spa treatments are also available.
Fully inclusive
When to go
Find out when is best to visit
- Excellent
- Good
- Poor
WET SEASON
This is the peak of the wet season, yet days with rainfall are very spread-out. A season of change as the landscape totally transforms to a green flowering ‘desert’, a beautiful time to visit. Great birding with migratory species present and the chance of spotting flamingos on the pans. The migration of thousands of animals takes place during this period, ultimately offering some great game viewing potential.
Midday temperatures high during this period, averaging 31°C/88°F. Mornings are more comfortable, though can occasionally be cool, so do pack a light fleece.
Like the rest of Botswana, the Makgadikgadi and Nxai Silt Pans area has very distinct wet and dry seasons; rain occurs sporadically usually in the form of sharp thunderstorms from November through to April, the rest of the year clear skies dominate. Although the region offers great game viewing throughout the year we would generally recommend visiting the area at the back end of the rains, when wildlife is drawn to the flooded plans. This period also corresponds to the second largest migration of African ungulates, as approximately 30,000 animals (Burchell’s zebra and blue wildebeest) move from the Boteti River to the Makgadikgadi salt pans to take advantage of fresh lush grasses. It can also be possible to see flamingos on the pans over this period.
Outside the summer/ wet season the pans are a truly spectacular sight to behold. Game viewing can still be good, the best of which can be found along the banks of the Boteti river area.
WET SEASON
This is the peak of the wet season, yet days with rainfall are very spread-out. A season of change as the landscape totally transforms to a green flowering ‘desert’, a beautiful time to visit. Great birding with migratory species present and the chance of spotting flamingos on the pans. The migration of thousands of animals takes place during this period, ultimately offering some great game viewing potential.
Midday temperatures high during this period, averaging 31°C/88°F. Mornings are more comfortable, though can occasionally be cool, so do pack a light fleece.
Like the rest of Botswana, the Makgadikgadi and Nxai Silt Pans area has very distinct wet and dry seasons; rain occurs sporadically usually in the form of sharp thunderstorms from November through to April, the rest of the year clear skies dominate. Although the region offers great game viewing throughout the year we would generally recommend visiting the area at the back end of the rains, when wildlife is drawn to the flooded plans. This period also corresponds to the second largest migration of African ungulates, as approximately 30,000 animals (Burchell’s zebra and blue wildebeest) move from the Boteti River to the Makgadikgadi salt pans to take advantage of fresh lush grasses. It can also be possible to see flamingos on the pans over this period.
Outside the summer/ wet season the pans are a truly spectacular sight to behold. Game viewing can still be good, the best of which can be found along the banks of the Boteti river area.
WET SEASON
This is the peak of the wet season, yet days with rainfall are very spread-out. A season of change as the landscape totally transforms to a green flowering ‘desert’, a beautiful time to visit. Great birding with migratory species present and the chance of spotting flamingos on the pans. The migration of thousands of animals takes place during this period, ultimately offering some great game viewing potential.
Midday temperatures high during this period, averaging 31°C/88°F. Mornings are more comfortable, though can occasionally be cool, so do pack a light fleece.
Like the rest of Botswana, the Makgadikgadi and Nxai Silt Pans area has very distinct wet and dry seasons; rain occurs sporadically usually in the form of sharp thunderstorms from November through to April, the rest of the year clear skies dominate. Although the region offers great game viewing throughout the year we would generally recommend visiting the area at the back end of the rains, when wildlife is drawn to the flooded plans. This period also corresponds to the second largest migration of African ungulates, as approximately 30,000 animals (Burchell’s zebra and blue wildebeest) move from the Boteti River to the Makgadikgadi salt pans to take advantage of fresh lush grasses. It can also be possible to see flamingos on the pans over this period.
Outside the summer/ wet season the pans are a truly spectacular sight to behold. Game viewing can still be good, the best of which can be found along the banks of the Boteti river area.
WET SEASON
This is the peak of the wet season, yet days with rainfall are very spread-out. A season of change as the landscape totally transforms to a green flowering ‘desert’, a beautiful time to visit. Great birding with migratory species present and the chance of spotting flamingos on the pans. The migration of thousands of animals takes place during this period, ultimately offering some great game viewing potential.
Midday temperatures high during this period, averaging 31°C/88°F. Mornings are more comfortable, though can occasionally be cool, so do pack a light fleece.
Like the rest of Botswana, the Makgadikgadi and Nxai Silt Pans area has very distinct wet and dry seasons; rain occurs sporadically usually in the form of sharp thunderstorms from November through to April, the rest of the year clear skies dominate. Although the region offers great game viewing throughout the year we would generally recommend visiting the area at the back end of the rains, when wildlife is drawn to the flooded plans. This period also corresponds to the second largest migration of African ungulates, as approximately 30,000 animals (Burchell’s zebra and blue wildebeest) move from the Boteti River to the Makgadikgadi salt pans to take advantage of fresh lush grasses. It can also be possible to see flamingos on the pans over this period.
Outside the summer/ wet season the pans are a truly spectacular sight to behold. Game viewing can still be good, the best of which can be found along the banks of the Boteti river area.
DRY SEASON
Whist the occasional shower is still possible, May is the beginning of the dry season. The landscape will still be many shades of green following the rains, with great game viewing opportunities. Midday temperatures are pleasant, but the mornings are cold, with an average minimum low of 9°C/48°F, so do pack a light fleece.
Like the rest of Botswana, the Makgadikgadi and Nxai Silt Pans area has very distinct wet and dry seasons; rain occurs sporadically usually in the form of sharp thunderstorms from November through to April, the rest of the year clear skies dominate. Although the region offers great game viewing throughout the year we would generally recommend visiting the area at the back end of the rains, when wildlife is drawn to the flooded plans. This period also corresponds to the second largest migration of African ungulates, as approximately 30,000 animals (Burchell’s zebra and blue wildebeest) move from the Boteti River to the Makgadikgadi salt pans to take advantage of fresh lush grasses. It can also be possible to see flamingos on the pans over this period.
Outside the summer/ wet season the pans are a truly spectacular sight to behold. Game viewing can still be good, the best of which can be found along the banks of the Boteti river area.
DRY SEASON
Clear skies still dominate, the landscape is rapidly returning to a semi-arid desert. Game viewing opportunities remain strong, especially around the Boteti river area. Access onto the Pans also improves throughout the dry season.
Midday temperatures are pleasant, averaging around 26°C/79°F. The mornings are very cold, with an average minimum low of 6°C/43°F. Sub-zero mornings very possible, so do pack appropriately for those early game drives!
Like the rest of Botswana, the Makgadikgadi and Nxai Silt Pans area has very distinct wet and dry seasons; rain occurs sporadically usually in the form of sharp thunderstorms from November through to April, the rest of the year clear skies dominate. Although the region offers great game viewing throughout the year we would generally recommend visiting the area at the back end of the rains, when wildlife is drawn to the flooded plans. This period also corresponds to the second largest migration of African ungulates, as approximately 30,000 animals (Burchell’s zebra and blue wildebeest) move from the Boteti River to the Makgadikgadi salt pans to take advantage of fresh lush grasses. It can also be possible to see flamingos on the pans over this period.
Outside the summer/ wet season the pans are a truly spectacular sight to behold. Game viewing can still be good, the best of which can be found along the banks of the Boteti river area.
DRY SEASON
Clear skies still dominate, the landscape is rapidly returning to a semi-arid desert. Game viewing opportunities remain strong, especially around the Boteti river area. Access onto the Pans also improves throughout the dry season.
Midday temperatures are pleasant, averaging around 26°C/79°F. The mornings are very cold, with an average minimum low of 6°C/43°F. Sub-zero mornings very possible, so do pack appropriately for those early game drives!
Like the rest of Botswana, the Makgadikgadi and Nxai Silt Pans area has very distinct wet and dry seasons; rain occurs sporadically usually in the form of sharp thunderstorms from November through to April, the rest of the year clear skies dominate. Although the region offers great game viewing throughout the year we would generally recommend visiting the area at the back end of the rains, when wildlife is drawn to the flooded plans. This period also corresponds to the second largest migration of African ungulates, as approximately 30,000 animals (Burchell’s zebra and blue wildebeest) move from the Boteti River to the Makgadikgadi salt pans to take advantage of fresh lush grasses. It can also be possible to see flamingos on the pans over this period.
Outside the summer/ wet season the pans are a truly spectacular sight to behold. Game viewing can still be good, the best of which can be found along the banks of the Boteti river area.
DRY SEASON
Clear skies still dominate, the landscape is rapidly returning to a semi-arid desert. Game viewing opportunities remain strong, especially around the Boteti river area. Access onto the Pans also improves throughout the dry season.
Midday temperatures are pleasant, averaging around 26°C/79°F. The mornings are very cold, with an average minimum low of 6°C/43°F. Sub-zero mornings very possible, so do pack appropriately for those early game drives!
Like the rest of Botswana, the Makgadikgadi and Nxai Silt Pans area has very distinct wet and dry seasons; rain occurs sporadically usually in the form of sharp thunderstorms from November through to April, the rest of the year clear skies dominate. Although the region offers great game viewing throughout the year we would generally recommend visiting the area at the back end of the rains, when wildlife is drawn to the flooded plans. This period also corresponds to the second largest migration of African ungulates, as approximately 30,000 animals (Burchell’s zebra and blue wildebeest) move from the Boteti River to the Makgadikgadi salt pans to take advantage of fresh lush grasses. It can also be possible to see flamingos on the pans over this period.
Outside the summer/ wet season the pans are a truly spectacular sight to behold. Game viewing can still be good, the best of which can be found along the banks of the Boteti river area.
DRY SEASON
Clear skies still dominate, the landscape is rapidly returning to a semi-arid desert. Game viewing opportunities remain strong, especially around the Boteti river area. Access onto the Pans also improves throughout the dry season.
Midday temperatures rising, averaging around 32°C/90°F midday. The mornings are cool, with a minimum low of 15°C/59°F.
Like the rest of Botswana, the Makgadikgadi and Nxai Silt Pans area has very distinct wet and dry seasons; rain occurs sporadically usually in the form of sharp thunderstorms from November through to April, the rest of the year clear skies dominate. Although the region offers great game viewing throughout the year we would generally recommend visiting the area at the back end of the rains, when wildlife is drawn to the flooded plans. This period also corresponds to the second largest migration of African ungulates, as approximately 30,000 animals (Burchell’s zebra and blue wildebeest) move from the Boteti River to the Makgadikgadi salt pans to take advantage of fresh lush grasses. It can also be possible to see flamingos on the pans over this period.
Outside the summer/ wet season the pans are a truly spectacular sight to behold. Game viewing can still be good, the best of which can be found along the banks of the Boteti river area.
DRY SEASON
Clear skies still dominate, though as the heat builds towards the end of the month so does the likelihood of thunderstorm. Game viewing opportunities remain strong around the Boteti river area.
Temperatures are the highest of the year, averaging 34°C/93°F midday, but occasionally temperatures can climb over 40°C/104°F. Mornings are more pleasant with an average minimum of 19°C/66°F.
Like the rest of Botswana, the Makgadikgadi and Nxai Silt Pans area has very distinct wet and dry seasons; rain occurs sporadically usually in the form of sharp thunderstorms from November through to April, the rest of the year clear skies dominate. Although the region offers great game viewing throughout the year we would generally recommend visiting the area at the back end of the rains, when wildlife is drawn to the flooded plans. This period also corresponds to the second largest migration of African ungulates, as approximately 30,000 animals (Burchell’s zebra and blue wildebeest) move from the Boteti River to the Makgadikgadi salt pans to take advantage of fresh lush grasses. It can also be possible to see flamingos on the pans over this period.
Outside the summer/ wet season the pans are a truly spectacular sight to behold. Game viewing can still be good, the best of which can be found along the banks of the Boteti river area.
WET SEASON
A season of change as the landscape totally transforms to a green flowering ‘desert’, a beautiful time to visit. This great birding with migratory species present and fantastic wildlife viewing opportunities.
Temperatures are the highest of the year, averaging 34°C/93°F midday, but occasionally temperatures can climb over 40°C/104°F. Mornings are more pleasant with an average minimum of 19°C/66°F.
Like the rest of Botswana, the Makgadikgadi and Nxai Silt Pans area has very distinct wet and dry seasons; rain occurs sporadically usually in the form of sharp thunderstorms from November through to April, the rest of the year clear skies dominate. Although the region offers great game viewing throughout the year we would generally recommend visiting the area at the back end of the rains, when wildlife is drawn to the flooded plans. This period also corresponds to the second largest migration of African ungulates, as approximately 30,000 animals (Burchell’s zebra and blue wildebeest) move from the Boteti River to the Makgadikgadi salt pans to take advantage of fresh lush grasses. It can also be possible to see flamingos on the pans over this period.
Outside the summer/ wet season the pans are a truly spectacular sight to behold. Game viewing can still be good, the best of which can be found along the banks of the Boteti river area.
WET SEASON
A season of change as the landscape totally transforms to a green flowering ‘desert’, a beautiful time to visit. This great birding with migratory species present and fantastic wildlife viewing opportunities.
Temperatures are the highest of the year, averaging 34°C/93°F midday, but occasionally temperatures can climb over 40°C/104°F. Mornings are more pleasant with an average minimum of 19°C/66°F.
Like the rest of Botswana, the Makgadikgadi and Nxai Silt Pans area has very distinct wet and dry seasons; rain occurs sporadically usually in the form of sharp thunderstorms from November through to April, the rest of the year clear skies dominate. Although the region offers great game viewing throughout the year we would generally recommend visiting the area at the back end of the rains, when wildlife is drawn to the flooded plans. This period also corresponds to the second largest migration of African ungulates, as approximately 30,000 animals (Burchell’s zebra and blue wildebeest) move from the Boteti River to the Makgadikgadi salt pans to take advantage of fresh lush grasses. It can also be possible to see flamingos on the pans over this period.
Outside the summer/ wet season the pans are a truly spectacular sight to behold. Game viewing can still be good, the best of which can be found along the banks of the Boteti river area.
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What People Say
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The personalised service provided was far beyond my expectations. A three week trip visiting four countries in Africa, multiple game reserves, wineries and much, much more was flawless. While a close encounter with a leopard and her cubs…
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We got in touch after hearing about Hide & Seek from a friend. Have to say hats off to Jamie, he was so patient throughout, even through our indecisiveness! Ultimately we ended up with the most incredible holiday of our lives. Thank you again, we will be back!!
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Thank you for arranging our Safari holiday in Kenya and Tanzania for us. It was to celebrate our 40th. Wedding anniversary which was on July 1st. 2018, and through your arrangements, we have had a holiday that we will never forget...
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Thanks so much for a truly unforgettable once in a life time holiday. Hopefully we will be in touch again soon!
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Spot on in terms of itinerary . We not disappointed by any of the suggestions and had the best holiday ever! Thank you!
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Jamie was very helpful throughout the booking process and recommended the perfect holiday. There was nothing we would change having now been out to Tanzania. I would highly recommend Hide & Seek to friends and relatives.
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Jamie was excellent. Once I described what we wanted I knew he would come up with the business. ..and he did!!! 5 stars
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We spoke to numerous travel agents over the period we looked at booking our honeymoon and only hide and seek gave me the confidence I was looking for. Really pleased with our decision.
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Hide and seek dealt with our last minute travel plans extremely well. Obviously, our accommodations shifted as availability diminished but ultimately they came up with a vacation that we will never forget.
