Sitting on the edge of the vast and pristine Makgadikgadi Pans is San Camp, an oasis within its dramatic and beautiful location. With views that run towards the horizon, Morrocan-style tents and a dreamy atmosphere, San Camp is a serene base for exploring the pans.
Location
The camp is situated on the northern side of the Makgadikgadi Pans and sits right on the edge of the Ntwetwe Pan . This lunar-like landscape is spectacular and a pristine environment for exploring on safari drives. With 360 degree views of nothing but nature, the camp feels isolated within this vast space of the Kalahari. The camp is only open during dry season.
Rooms
Seven Meru-style tents are spaced out in a half-moon facing the Ntwetwe Pan. Interiors conjure up the Livingstone era with campaign-style furniture, Persian rugs, mahogany writing desks and dark leather chairs. Walls are striped with green and cream and the canvas fronts roll up to reveal the private deck and daybed overlooking the pan. En-suites have flush toilets, hot running water and a copper jug and basin.
Communal Areas
A pavilion-style structure houses the main area with more breathtaking views across the pan. The ‘Tea Tent’ boasts plenty of seating, cushions and tables to lounge around. Meals are enjoyed in the smart dining tent and guests can spend an afternoon in the library and small museum which contains many historical maps and African artefacts. Take a break from activity at the serene yoga pavilion or by the plunge pool surrounded by loungers and deckchairs.
Activities
Take day and night drives across the pans in search of brown hyena, springbok and meerkat. Embark on walking safaris with the local Zu/’hoasi Bushmen who have occupied the pans for thousands of years. Get a new perspective on a horseback safari or set off on quad bikes to the heart of the wilderness. The camp sits close to four habituated meerkat colonies so guests have the opportunity to visit and interact with the groups.
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.
Explore Makgadikgadi Pans and Nxai Pan National Park Properties
Jacks Camp
Jacks Camp
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 ..
Leroo La Tau
Leroo La Tau
Located 10 meters above the Boteti River, Leroo La Tau offers a unique vantage point within Botswana's Makgadikgadi Pans National Park. With 12 chalets aligned along the ..
What People Say
-
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…
-
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!!
-
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...
-
Thanks so much for a truly unforgettable once in a life time holiday. Hopefully we will be in touch again soon!
-
Spot on in terms of itinerary . We not disappointed by any of the suggestions and had the best holiday ever! Thank you!
-
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.
-
Jamie was excellent. Once I described what we wanted I knew he would come up with the business. ..and he did!!! 5 stars
-
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.
-
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.
