Camp Kalahari sits nestled among the palms and acacias on Brown Hyena Island, right at the edge of Botswana's otherworldly Makgadikgadi Salt Pans. It's the more affordable, laid-back sibling of Jack's Camp and San Camp, which means you get the same incredible location without the eye-watering price tag – perfect if you're traveling with family or just want authentic desert safari without all the fuss.
The camp itself channels that classic explorer spirit beautifully. There's a thatched lounge and dining area filled with locally crafted furniture, a library for lazy afternoons, and a covered plunge pool that's an absolute lifesaver when the Kalahari heat kicks in. What really sets the mood is the lack of electricity – everything's lit by spirit lamps and lanterns at night, creating this wonderfully atmospheric throwback to old-school safari days.
Accommodation comes in twelve Meru-style canvas tents spread comfortably apart across the grounds. You'll find six twins, four doubles, and two family units where tents connect via a shared outdoor bathroom – brilliant if you've got kids who want their own space but aren't quite ready to be completely independent. Each tent sits on a raised wooden deck with its own little veranda out front.
Inside, the vibe is traditional safari meets colonial charm: four-poster beds, rich textiles, patterned rugs, and wooden campaign furniture that looks like it could have belonged to an intrepid Victorian explorer. The en-suite bathrooms are completely open to the sky – screened for privacy but with solar-heated water cascading down while you gaze up at the stars. It's simple, characterful, and exactly what you want in the middle of the Makgadikgadi salt pans.
