A solar-powered, luxury, tented retreat perched on the edge of Botswana’s vast Makgadikgadi Salt Pans.
Location: San Camp sits on the edge of the Nwetwe Pan, a dazzling stretch of Botswana's Makgadikgadi salt flats where earth and sky seem to merge in silence. It’s one of the most otherworldly places we’ve ever experienced.
Rooms: There are just seven canvas tents, each designed with a nod to 1940s safari elegance. Think billowing white fabrics, four-poster beds, vintage campaign trunks, and soft Persian rugs underfoot. Every tent is en-suite, and guests love the outdoor bucket showers, especially at sunset. The shaded verandas are perfect for an early morning coffee as the light slowly creeps across the pan.
Amenities: The central tea tent and library feel like stepping into a film set, with their antique pieces and open-air design. You’ll also find a small natural history museum curated by guides who live and breathe this land.
A peaceful plunge pool is set within its own shaded pavilion, ideal for cooling off after a dusty quad bike ride or simply soaking in the stillness of the desert. Meals are unhurried and beautifully presented, often served under canvas or beneath the stars. Expect thoughtful, hearty dishes with plenty of local flair, paired with excellent wines and relaxed conversation.
Activities: This is one of the most immersive camps in Botswana. You can explore the pans by quad bike, walk with Zu/’hoasi San Bushmen, and spend time with habituated meerkats as they scamper around your feet. Wildlife drives offer the chance to spot lion, brown hyena, and migrating zebra, depending on the season. Guests love how every activity is both adventurous and deeply connected to place.
Sustainability: San Camp plays a vital role in conserving some of the Makgadikgadi Pans’ most elusive creatures and fragile ecosystems. We love that the camp supports The Aardvark Project, which helps monitor and protect these secretive desert dwellers. Through their partnership with the Elephant Footprint Alliance, they’ve also contributed to elephant collaring and tracking efforts, enhancing understanding of elephant movements in this arid landscape. The camp further empowers the next generation via Wild Shots Outreach, offering under-resourced youth the chance to learn wildlife photography and foster a lifelong connection to nature.
Best places to stay in Makgadikgadi Salt Pans
Makgadikgadi Salt Pans Trip Inspiration
Speak to a Botswana expert today
and start planning your tailor-made holiday
Alistair