Jackalberry Tented Camp

Jackalberry Tented Camp sits within the Nkasa Rupara National Park, in the northern part of Namibia's Caprivi Strip. This eco-camp offers an authentic safari experience deep within a wild wetland wilderness. The camp opened in 2015 as a self-catering option, then transitioned in February 2016 to an intimate, fully catered and hosted camp. It immerses guests in the remote, untouched landscape. The main lodge, known as Jackalberry Tower, is built around a large jackalberry tree and rises three storeys high. Wildlife, including elephants, hippos, and buffalo, pass close by, sometimes only metres from the tents. Night-time sightings occur during the experience. The camp is closed in February each year, operating from March to January.

Activities at Jackalberry Tented Camp focus on both day and night game drives within Nkasa Rupara National Park. Guests also enjoy boat trips along the Kwando-Linyanti River, which marks the border between Botswana and Namibia. The camp offers private activities. Birdwatching is a pastime due to the area's diverse birdlife, including both resident and migratory species. A two-night minimum stay is required. The camp is unfenced, meaning dangerous wild animals can enter the area.

Accommodation at Jackalberry Tented Camp consists of four canvas tents, providing a remote and unhurried feel. These tents blend seamlessly into the surrounding wilderness. Each tent features an en-suite bathroom with solar-heated hot water. The bathrooms include wooden partitions made from repurposed materials such as old cattle yokes from local villages. The furniture within the tents is sparse but comfortable, with a rugged, wooden theme. Bedside tables are crafted from large, polished triangular planks, and headboards consist of large wooden beams. Each tent also includes a fridge/minibar, which is filled upon request, and a writing desk. A power point is available, with electricity generated from solar panels; guests charge electrical items sparingly and during daylight hours. Outside each tent, beneath a canvas awning, there is a small seating area and a standpipe, offering a private space to relax.

Jackalberry Tented Camp operates on a full board and activities basis. The kitchen is located at the ground level of the Jackalberry Tower. Meals are delivered to the main dining level on the first floor via a manually operated dumb waiter. Breakfast includes a selection of fruits, cereals, meats, and cheeses, alongside hot dishes cooked to order, accompanied by freshly made coffee. Light lunch options are offered, and homemade cakes are served in the mid-afternoon. Dinner features a creamy soup starter, followed by a main course such as game steak with mashed potato, carrots, and greens. Desserts include crème brûlée, with the meal concluded by a shot of grappa or limoncello. Dining takes place communally at a dining table on the first floor of the main lodge, which is open-sided and offers wide views. Drinks are not included, with the exception of a flask of filtered drinking water provided in the rooms. Room service is not available.

Jackalberry Tented Camp is situated deep within Nkasa Rupara National Park in Namibia, within its own exclusive concession. The park is located in the southern part of the Caprivi Strip, which runs through the Zambezi Region of Namibia. This area is a wild wetland wilderness. The camp's elevated position and viewing deck offer wide views across riverine floodplains and lagoons; on a clear day, one sees as far as the Botswana bank of the Kwando River. The park is home to abundant wildlife, including good numbers of antelope, elephant, lion, and hippo. Giraffes, zebras, and large herds of buffalo are also present, particularly during the dry season from August to October. The Kwando-Linyanti river separates Botswana and Namibia in this region. Nkasa Rupara National Park is accessible only by 4WD vehicles. For those driving their own suitable vehicle, it is advised to leave it at the village of Sangwali and transfer to the camp with one of their experienced guides.

Jackalberry Tented Camp suits those seeking an authentic safari escape in an unspoilt wilderness. Its remote and unhurried atmosphere, with only four tents, appeals to travellers looking for an off-the-beaten-track experience that still offers comfort. The camp is for adults and does not accept children under the age of 16. This age restriction is in place because the camp is unfenced, presenting a risk from dangerous wild animals such as elephants and hippos. The focus on game drives and boat trips, alongside the opportunity for birdwatching, caters to wildlife enthusiasts and those with a keen interest in nature. Given its eco-camp status and remote location, with solar-generated electricity and solar-heated water, it appeals to guests mindful of their environmental impact and comfortable with basic, yet comfortable, amenities.