Tented Camps · Boteti River - Makgadikgadi Pans National Park, Botswana
Meno a Kwena
Overview
The safari never really stops at Meno a Kwena, a hidden gem perched on a rocky clifftop above Botswana’s Boteti River on the edge of Makgadikgadi Pans National Park.
From this lofty vantage point, the ten tents look down on a menagerie of animals at the water below. Elephants move slowly down the riverbanks, antelope come to drink, and predators are never far behind. It’s one of those rare places where some of the best game viewing happens without even leaving camp.
Between April and November the Boteti becomes the stage for one of Africa’s great wildlife spectacles as thousands of zebra arrive as part of the continent’s second-largest migration. From the deck, the pool, or your private veranda, guests can watch the drama unfold below.
There’s plenty to explore beyond the clifftop too. Guests can head out on game drives along the Boteti River and into the Makgadikgadi landscape, take day trips onto the vast salt pans, walk with San bushmen to learn the ancient survival skills of the desert, or enjoy boat trips along the river when water levels allow. Just under two hours by road from Maun, Meno a Kwena is easily accessible and works particularly well for families or small groups travelling together. The camp itself embraces the spirit of a classic safari: ten traditional Meru-style tents set along the cliff edge, simple yet stylish, with sweeping views across the river valley.
Suites & Rates
Choose how you stay
Double Tent
The 2 King tents made up of 1 x king sized bed offers views over the Boteti River, into the Makgadikgadi National Park. Along with the indoor ensuite, each has its own private outdoor...
Family Tent
There are 2 Family tents consisting of 2 adjacent tents, each with views over the Boteti River, into the Makgadikgadi National Park. Along with the indoor ensuite, each has its own private outdoor shower,...
Twin Tent
All of the 6 twin tents include 2 x queen sized beds, with views over the Boteti River, into the Makgadikgadi National Park. These tents can easily accommodate2 adults and 2 children and along...
Details
Good to know
Accommodation & amenities
Balcony / Deck, Detached Private Bathroom, Dressing Gowns, Electrical Outlets, En Suite Bathroom, Fan, Laundry Facilities, Laundry Service (Complimentary), Outside Shower, Shower, Tea / Coffee, Verandah
Languages spoken
English
Ideal for
Adventure, Birding, Flora, Indigenous Culture / Art, Leisure, Nature, Relaxation, Wildlife
On-site activities
Bird Watching, Boating, Game Drives, Game Viewing Hide, Game Viewing, High Tea, Safaris, Sleep Outs, Walks (Guided)
Services
Airport Shuttle (Complimentary), Credit Card Facilities, Laundry Service (Available), Laundry Service (Complimentary), Private Vehicle (Available)
Nearby activities
Bird Watching, Boat Cruises, Boating, Cultural Tours, Game Drives, Game Viewing, Helicopter Scenic Flights, Scenic Flights, Walks (Guided), Wildlife Tours
Property facilities
Accept Credit Cards, Bar, Battery Charging Facilities, Communal Dining, Eco Friendly, Guided Tours, Internet Access (Complimentary), Laundry Service, Library, Pool, Vegetarian
Location
Where you'll be
Video
See the stay
Meno a Kwena
Activities
What you can do
Boating (water levels permitting)
Cruise along the Boteti River by boat (water levels permitting). The only source of water for miles around, you’ll get to see bountiful animals and birds along the riverbanks. With wildlife coming to drink and bathe enjoy your afternoon watching the beautiful orange sunset while sipping on a sundowner as the world around you floats on by.
Bushman Walk
Small families of Bushman from the Ju! Hoansi clan village of Xai Xai on the Botswana/Namibia border of the Kalahari Desert come to Meno a Kwena to share their knowledge of one of the last great nomadic tribes. This immensely interesting walking and cultural experience gives you an insight into their hunter/gatherer way of life as they have coexisted with wildlife for thousands of years. This gentle walk is very popular and appeals to all ages.
Floating Hide (water levels permitting)
Our viewing hide, on the Boteti River, offers guests an all-year round floating hide experience. Here we offer guests a close-up of wildlife activity from the vantage point of the river. With an abundance of wildlife and birdlife this is every photographer’s dream. We provide picnic lunches and bar facilities for guests spending time here (by prior arrangement) – this hide will truly delight.
Full / Half Day Game Drive in the Makgadikgadi National Park
Departing camp shortly after breakfast you can enjoy a full day of game viewing within the Makgadikgadi National Park. After a 90 min transfer to the Park gates, you will spend the day searching for the Park's plethora of species. Lunch and tea is taken in picturesque locations along the bank of the Boteti River often with elephants and antelope for company, as they pass through.
Salt Pans Sleep Out (May - September & subject to weather and the dryness of the pans)
Our salt pans sleep out requires a minimum 3 night stay and a minimum 2 guests. You will depart Meno a Kwena after breakfast following your first night's stay and drive to the edge of the salt pans for a picnic lunch (approximately 3-4 hours drive). Following an open-air siesta you continue to your campsite in time for sundowners. After a campfire dinner you will sleep under the vast skies with a myriad of spectacular stars to accompany you.The following day you return to camp after a delicious breakfast at sunrise in time to join the Bushmen for a cultural walking experience and your final night with us. Please note that the sleep out must be booked in advance. This activity must be pre-booked.
Visits to the local communities (on request)
We maximise community involvement and benefits from our sustainable tourism operations that ultimately secures a future for wildlife and their environment. The proximity of camp to rural communities allows us to offer our guests exposure to fascinating traditional Batswana cultural experiences in and around camp.
Zebra & Wildebeest Migration (May - Aug)
The migration is dependent on water sources along the migratory paths of the zebra and wildebeest. After spending several months in the Makgadikgadi Salt Pans the zebra and wildebeest slowly start to make their way towards the Boteti River.
Ready to plan your stay?
Tell us your dates and we'll handle the rest — flights, transfers and the lodge itself.
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