On arrival at Maun Airport, and once you have cleared passport control, you will proceed to collect your bags and exit via customs to the arrivals hall. Here you will be met by an Africa Geographic representative and assisted to the awaiting transfer vehicle for your road transfer to Meno a Kwena (2hrs)
On arrival, you will be checked in and shown to your room. You can finally take advantage of Meno a Kwena's unique location, relax and enjoy the seasonal game viewing from the comfort of your own room or the lodge's hide, or rock pool.
Meno a Kwena isn’t a hyper-luxurious camp – and that’s why we love it. There is no private butlers or air conditioning, but its amazing rooms are perched on a 100-foot high clifftop overlooking the river and offering the best ‘armchair’ game viewing the area has to offer. Patience, keen eyes and a pair of binoculars will yield great sightings generously as drones of thirsty game come and go to the river's edge.
Later whilst you enjoy sundowner drinks you will have a chance to discuss with the activities manager, what tomorrows program holds in store for you.
Dinner and overnight at Meno a Kwena
Meno a Kwena is located on tribal land on the western boundary of the Makgadikgadi Pans National Park (MPNP), overlooking the exceptionally beautiful Boteti River. In the desert, water means life and the Boteti is the only permanent water source in the area, attracting a rich array of resident game and a procession of migratory wanderers. Meno sits almost exactly halfway between the unique Okavango Delta region and the drier southern regions, and it’s this excellent location that makes the camp truly special. Head into the Makgadikgadi Pans National Park, where baobabs stand like sentinels above the shimmering expanses of crusted salt or discover Nxai Pan National Park, its endless landscapes dotted with umbrella acacias and clumps of mopane woodland.
Your next two full days can be pre-planned or arranged in situ as you wish, and depending on where the game is being seen and what unique experiences and offerings you are keen to partake on.
The most popular approach is to do a variety of AM and PM activities, and rest and relax during the heat of the day by the pool or in your lofty room. Full day activities are also on offer, even a chance to sleep out in the pans, where a 360-degree uninterrupted horizon, makes experiencing the milky way in a very special manner, not only light contamination is non-existent here, but the location feels like you are floating above the ground and "one" with the cosmic spectacle above. A truly unique, unforgettable, serene and mind-bending experience, truly endemic to this location ( Only possible during the dry months June to October)
Game viewing is possible from the comfort of a game viewing vehicle in the AM and PM and full-day activities with picnic lunch included can also be arranged. A solid favourite when water levels allow it is Meno a Kwena's game viewing cruise along the Boteti River.
A cunningly well-constructed floating game-viewing hide also allows for long enjoyable times contemplating wildlife at the river at eye-level.
A firm favourite is the possibility to spend some time with the local San people. This activity invites you to walk through the bush to a traditionally built Bushmen village, where the local San community gathers during the day. The huts provide shelter from the harsh Kalahari environment but are not the community’s permanent accommodation. On arrival, the elders of the community will greet you in a traditional manner after which you will walk out into the bush with the men, women and children. The focus of the walk will be to provide a gentle introduction to the Kalahari and Bushmen way of life. The group will point out the distinct ecological characteristics of this area and its animal and bird species. Spontaneous gathering and discussions about the uses of plants and wildlife by your Bushmen guides provide the link between culture and wild environment.
By special arrangement, it is also possible to visit meerkats, take a scenic flight over the pans, and do a stargazing session.
Overnights at Meno a Kwena or out in the pans if you feel adventurous
Meno a Kwena is open all year round, and almost every month heralds a different highlight.
During the dry season, from April to October, the Boteti River is the only source of water for miles around, and hundreds of animals, predators and prey, assemble on the banks, making for truly remarkable game viewing – and you don’t even have to leave camp!
April is the culmination of Africa’s second-largest mammal migration, and the wildebeest and zebra join the resident wildlife at the river in their masses. In the Makgadikgadi, the lunar-like salt flats glint in the sunlight and a haze shimmers above the ground. This is the desert in its most iconic state and is a jaw-droppingly magical sight.
As the clouds gather and the rains begin to fall in the wet season, the Makgadikgadi is transformed into a blanket of glittering, green grass. The beasties of the migration begin their journey back to the salt pans lured by the promise of nutrients, and to breed in the fertile environment. In fact, the entire area is transformed into a Garden of Eden that has to be seen to be believed.
After breakfast, and time allowing a short game drive, you will check out and get a chance to bid farewell to Meno a Kwena staff and lodge Kalahari before departing for Maun airport. The transfer will get you to the airport well in time to connect with your Johannesburg bound flight or onwards trip into the Delta or Moremi Game Reserve.
The Africa Geographic team trusts you have enjoyed your experience, wish you a safe onward journey and hope to welcome you back in future to make more African inspired memories with us!
End of services
