Going on an African safari has recently shot up in popularity for several local celebs, with the likes of Megan Young and Mikael Daez, Vicki Belo and Hayden Kho (with Scarlet!), Kryz Uy and Slater Young, Anne Curtis and Erwan Heussaff, and Ellen Adarna and Derek Ramsay (with Elias!) all documenting their unique experiences on social media.
The latest celebrity family to go on a wilderness exploration are Dr. Aivee and Dr. Z Teo, who took their kids on a trip to Jack's Camp in Botswana.
What you need to know about Jack's Camp in the Kalahari, Botswana
What is Jack's Camp?
Set up by the legendary explorer Jack Bousfield, Jack's Camp is a luxury tented safari experience in the middle of Botswana’s arid plains. Known as a glamorous oasis in the desert, the initial camp was built in the 1940s, traditional East African style. It recently underwent a complete renovation and reopened in 202, but the new Jack's pays homage to the much-loved look and feel of the original — only bigger, and much more luxurious.
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How many rooms are available in Jack's Camp?
There are a total of nine guest rooms: seven twin tents featuring two queen-size beds, and two double tents with extra-length king beds. Described as "the perfect base for your African adventure," each tent comes equipped with an open bar mini fridge, a state of the art bed cooling system perfect for warding off the desert heat, and an en-suite bathroom that comes with both indoor and outdoor showers. Outside, each veranda has a private deck with an accompanying plunge pool, and several velvet-clad chairs overlook the picturesque landscape.
Aside from private accommodation, Jack's Camp also includes several shared amenities: A swimming pool pavilion, a Persian tea tent, and a curio shop tent perfect for pasalubong shopping.
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How much does it cost to stay in Jack's Camp?
Following the 2023 rates, the price of a stay at Jack's Camp depends on the season. All prices are per person, per night (PPPN), and include accommodation, all meals and beverages, complimentary laundry service, daily activities, airstrip transfers, an expert guide, park entry fees, and VAT.
- Green Season (January 10 - March 31): USD $1,700 (approx. P92,550)
- Shoulder Season (April 1 - May 31, November 1 - December 19): USD $2,250 (approx. P122,490)
- High Season (June 1-30, September 1 - October 31, December 20 - January 9, 2024): USD $2,650 (approx. P144,267)
- Peak Season (July 1 - August 31): USD $2,950 (approx. P160,600)
The Conservation, Community & Reserve Fee is USD $50 (approx. P2,722) per person per night, which applies to adults and children six years and older. Children under five years can stay free of charge, while children aged 6-18 years old are charged 50% of the adult accommodation rate per night.
Since it's currently Peak Season, Dr. Aivee and Dr. Z are paying USD $3,000 (approx. P163,320) each per person per night, while Kenz (16), Kenzo (12), and Keli ()'s stay costs USD $1,525 (approx. P83,021) each per night. That's a total of USD $10,575 (approx P575,110) per night for the entire family.
Here's a list of popular activities guests can partake in at Jack's Camp:
- Safari guests can book a private vehicle for USD $735 (approx. P40,000).
- Horseback riding costs USD $170 (approx. P9,255) per person.
- Get up close and personal with playful meerkats on the Meerkat Adventure
- Spend time with a group of Ju/'hoansi Bushmen and learn more about their ancient culture
- Go quad biking across the lunar expanse of the pans (dry season only)
- Witness the spectacular migration of zebra and wildebeest – the second biggest in Africa and the last remaining in Southern Africa (wet season only)
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Jack's Camp also offers a "Honeymoon Special": Your partner can stay for 50% off — the offer is valid all year for an unlimited number of nights until January 9, 2024. Take note that proof of marriage must be provided at the time of booking.
A stay at Jack's Camp can be booked via Natural Selection, &Beyond, or TripAdvisor.
