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Meno A Kwena, Makgadikgadi Pans

Meno A Kwena

Makgadikgadi Pans, Kalahari, Botswana

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Once used by early explorers and crocodile hunters, Meno A Kwena has held onto its heritage and old-world charm, with the whole camp littered with trinkets, maps, books, old wooden furniture and even a crocodile sculpture as a nod to its past. There are just nine canvas tents, each authentically rustic in style yet comfortable, with sturdy wooden furniture, en suite bathrooms and private decks set high above the Boteti River.

Elevated views of the river can also be enjoyed from the camp’s communal area, which includes a lounge and dining tent whose roof is made from an old parachute, a central boma area, a small pool, and various nooks and crannies where you can sit with a drink while looking out for wildlife coming to the water to drink.

OUR OPINION:

The elevated views over the Boteti River are one of this camp’s outstanding features, but we also like its early-explorer style, sociable atmosphere and excellent range of activities.

OUR RATING: First Class

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Rooms

The nine Meru-style tents are each set along the clifftop, with views straight over the river from their private decks. Generously sized, they’re furnished with wooden double or twin double beds strewn with locally woven blankets and cushions, large dark-wood chests for storing valuables, standing fans and patterned rugs. There’s an en suite bathroom with a shower and flush toilet, as well as an outdoor shower and toilet hidden by stone walls.

Location

Set on a clifftop overlooking the Boteti River, the camp is a 90-minute drive southeast of Maun. The Makgadikgadi Pans National Park is just over the river (though it’s a 45-minute drive to the gate), offering excellent game viewing, particularly in the winter months when the zebra migration brings large herds to the area.

Food and drink

Meals are served around a long communal dining table, lit atmospherically by candles in the evening. Dinners are three courses, with guests invited to help themselves to barbecued meats and fresh vegetables. At breakfast, continental options are spread out for you to pick and choose from, and bacon and eggs are cooked to order.

Families

There are two family units with interleading tents, with children of all ages welcome at the camp.

Facilities and activities

When not taking in the river views from the main camp’s pool and outdoor seating areas, you can head out on full-day game drives through Makgadikgadi Pans National Park, where wildebeest and zebra herds attract lion and cheetah. The camp’s position on the river means boat trips are possible as long as water levels allow. There’s also a floating hide set on the river where you can look out for pied kingfishers, African jacanas, European bee-eaters, snake-necked darters and partially submerged hippo. You can learn about the San People and their culture on a short walk with a tribe. They’ll tell you about different plants’ medicinal uses, how they make their weapons and finish with a traditional song and dance.

Wi-Fi is available in the camp's communal areas, and charging points are available in your room.

Tour ideas in Makgadikgadi Pans, Kalahari

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