Meno A Kwena
Makgadikgadi National Park, Botswana
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Meno A Kwena
- MAKGADIKGADI PANS, BOTSWANA
The camp is located on the western boundary of Makgadikgadi Pans National Park (MPNP), near Moreomaoto Village, in Central Ngwato Tribal District. We are ideally located with access to MPNP, NPNP (Nxai Pan National Park) & Central Kalahari Game Reserve (CKGR).
The Boteti river is now flowing, carrying Okavango Delta overflow through Meno A Kwena, all the way to Lake Xau near Mopipi and the saltpans. This natural phenomenon occurs every 40 year cycle when we experience higher than average rainfall in the region.
The impact of higher than average water levels in the Okavango Delta causes mass exodus of wildlife from the inundated floodplains to the fringe edges including – Khwai, Mababe, Savute, Santawani and Boteti Rivers. It is estimated these conditions will persist for another two to three decades.
Accommodation 
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The canvas tented safari camp accommodates up to 16 people in 6 twin and 2 double tents. The camp is ideally located in full view of wildlife activity at the river in front of camp. Southern Africa’s largest zebra and wildebeest migration concentrates at the river during the weather-permitting dry season (June to November).
On arrival, many guests opt to relax in camp to watch the constant comings and goings of wildlife. The camp style focuses on the authentic classic safari theme, a bit like a museum of safaris.
Each fully serviced tent has its own private semi en suite bathroom with flush toilet and bucket authentic shower. The emphasis of the camp accommodation layout is to maximise the extraordinary views over the river and national park.
We provide extra bedrolls & bow tents for family groups, children under 12 years by special request.
Carbon Footprint
Our safari operation maintains a high standard of eco-tourism based on minimal negative impact on the environment with maximised benefits to the country – people, wildlife and the environment. We have implemented and are developing solar power, recycling and water conservation projects.
Activities
Walking Safaris
This guided activity is offered to all our fully inclusive guests and is designed to excite and educate on flora & fauna subjects. We are the first safari operator to be given permits to operate walking safaris in Makgadikgadi Pans National Park directly from camp that requires a short canoe crossing.
These ‘passive’ nature walks led by an unarmed guide and accompanied by a group of Naro Bushmen, the emphasis is on a walking experience as done by these rare and fascinating hunter gatherers.
Safety is always a major consideration which is why we operate passive walks with trained guides carrying satellite phone, basic medical supplies and non lethal weapons of discouragement.
Half Day Game Drives
All our fully inclusive guests are offered morning/afternoon 4X4 guided game drives into Makgadikgadi Pans National Park through Khumaga entry gate 30 minutes drive from camp. This requires crossing the river on a small ferry. These half day trips average about 4-5 hours. Early morning drives are provided with a continental picnic bush breakfast.
Dry Season Day Trips (Approx’ June-November)
Access into Makgadikgadi Pans National Park and Nxai Pan National Park via Khumaga, and day trip safaris provided with picnic lunch. For guests booked two nights it is recommended we explore along the Boteti River for most productive wildlife viewing opportunities. For guests booked three nights & on request we will plan one day exploring into the saltpans.
Green Season Day Trips (Approx’ November-May)
Access into Makgadikgadi Pans National Park & Nxai Pan National Park via Khumaga, and day trip safaris provided with picnic lunch.
It is recommended at least three nights booked to fully experience this area at its most productive. Day trips during the green season are weather permitting that also influences access to the saltpans during the rainy season. Green season day trips to experience the migration concentrated in their breeding range around the saltpans in Makgadikgadi Pans National Park &Nxai Pan National Park.
Wildlife
Boteti River Wildlife (SEASONAL & RESIDENT)
Seasonal (migratory) wildlife concentrations from June to November, (weather permitting), includes – 20 000 to 30 000 Zebra & wildebeest migration, buffalo, migratory birdlife.
Resident wildlife all year round includes – elephant, white rhino, hippo, giraffe, lion, leopard, hyaena, cheetah, wild dog, jackal, kudu, impala, steenbok, duiker, crocodile, warthog, porcupine, badger, small mammal varieties & riverine birdlife.
Saltpans Wildlife (SEASONAL & RESIDENT)
Seasonal (migratory) wildlife concentrations from November to June (weather permitting), includes – 20 000 to 30 000 Zebra & wildebeest migration, buffalo, elephant breeding herds, breeding flamingo & other migratory birdlife.
Resident wildlife all year round includes – elephant, giraffe, lion, leopard, hyaena, cheetah, wild dog, bat-eared fox, jackal, oryx, springbok, kudu, impala, steenbok, duiker, meerkats, porcupine, badger, small mammal varieties, ostrich & desert-adapted birdlife.
Zebra & Wildebeest Migration
Southern Africa’s largest zebra & wildebeest migration occurs all year round including the Permanent Okavango drainage system (including Boteti) in the dry season (Jun-Oct) and the seasonally wet saltpans in the green season. The migration travels to the saltpans for the mineral rich grazing when rain water is available for their breeding season (Nov-May).
White Rhino
The first white rhino arrived in 2008, two females from the Okavango Delta with the Boteti flood. A male was introduced from Khama Rhino Sanctuary to start a breeding nucleus and since another female has arrived. These threatened and rare animals are resident in the Boteti area and due to their territorial behaviour are relatively easy to find. This means we are potentially located in a “big five” area! Please do note that publicising rhino viewing adds to the threat of poaching so to be aware of this irony!
Cultural experience
We maximise community involvement and benefits from our sustainable tourism operations that ultimately secures a future for wildlife & their environment. The proximity of camp to rural communities allows us to offer guests exposure to fascinating traditional Batswana cultural experiences in and around camp.
Activities include walks through Moreomaoto Village, meeting the chief and community leaders, traditional healers, the primary school and Meno A Kwena traditional farms. We are patrons of Moreomaoto Primary School, involving their traditional music and dance group in our tourism activities enjoyed by our guests.
Conservation Safaris (proposed)
We have initiated development of this proposed two week safari option for guests who are interested in combining safaris with hands-on wildlife conservation & community involvement projects. The concept originates from the need for tourism involvement in wildlife conservation.
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