Makgadikgadi Pans

Meno a Kwena

Overview

Gateway to the Makgadikgadi Pans

Set on a cliff edge above the Boteti River, this low-key, comfortable camp is the perfect base for exploring the Makgadikgadi Pans. It is ideal for adventure-seeking families. The name Meno a Kwena means “teeth of the crocodile” in Tswana, which is fitting considering some of the predators that call the riverbanks home.

Each tent has an en-suite bathroom as well as a spacious private veranda on which you can while away the hours enjoying the sounds of nature and spotting the local wildlife. In the mess tent there is a wide collection of interesting artifacts, books and trinkets for you to peruse.

When the weather is at its driest, between April and October, the river draws hundreds of animals, resulting in amazing game viewing opportunities for you. So impressive is the turn-out, that often you don’t even need to leave camp to see the wildlife. April is also the high point of Africa’s second largest migration, and you’ll get to see large numbers of wildebeest and zebras gather at the river.

Facts

At a glance

  • Ten tents including two for families

  • Swimming pool

  • Sleep out in the Makgadikgadi Pans

  • Floating hide

13meno a kwena elephant colour

Experiences

  • 21 Meno a Kwena Game drive with impala

    Game drives

    Head out on a game drive through Makgadikgadi Pans National Park with a guide, stopping along the way for refreshing drinks and bush picnics.

  • 4 Meno a Kwena Bushmen3

    Walk with the bushmen

    Join a small family from the Ju! Hoansi clan village of Xai Xai for a walk and learn more about the lives and knowledge of this ancient nomadic tribe. As you walk together you’ll gain incredible insight into their hunter gatherer lifestyle. The walks are suited to all ages.

  • 13 Meno a Kwena Elephant Colour

    River cruise

    Take a leisurely cruise along the Boteti River looking out for the many birds that call the riverbanks home, as well as some larger animals that gather at the water’s edge. Game drives into the park include a boat transfer across the river.

Community & Culture

Your stay here helps the team at Meno a Kwena to continue their involvement with Moremaoto Village. Some of the projects they are working in include sponsoring schools and libraries, running environmental education programmes and helping to provide employment. These projects all have a positive impact on the nearby communities as well as the neighbouring conservation areas.

Conservation

Communities Living Alongside Wildlife Sustainably (CLAWS) is a communal herding programme which safeguards cattle, creates employment and helps to reduce the retaliatory killing of lions and also restores overgrazed landscapes.

Meno a Kwena is aware of how wide-ranging wildlife outside of protected areas often come into contact with livestock, leading to losses which negatively impact local communities. Retaliatory killings directly affect predators, and when poisons are used the effects do even more damage. So their involvement with CLAWS is an important part of what they do.

Footprint

Meno a Kwena is a low impact camp that is developing solar power, recycling and water conservation projects.


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What makes us different

Why Niarra

Niarra Travel is a forward-thinking travel company headquartered in London born out of a passion to do things differently.

In Swahili, a Bantu language spoken by millions in Eastern, Central and Southern Africa, the name Niara means "with utmost purpose" and our team are united by a passion for exploration and a belief that the right kind of travel can make the world a better place.

Our Travel Researchers are here to create incredible trips with a positive impact for you.

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    Creating your trip is entirely collaborative and our Travel Researchers are here for every step.

  • Positive impact

    Curated sustainable experiences and accommodation that maximize the benefits to local people and place.

  • Fairness and transparency

    An open, competitive pricing structure that ensures more money goes to where it's needed in the destination.

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