Makgadikgadi Pans & Khwai Private Reserve: Desert to Delta Safari

The Makgadikgadi Pans is an area of 4 600 square miles, part of the Kalahari Basin and one of the largest series of salt pans in the world; a remnant of what was once one of the biggest inland lakes Africa has ever had. During years of good rain, the two largest pans – Sowa in the east and Ntwetwe in the west – flood and attract zebras, wildebeest and vast flocks of flamingos. No vegetation grows on the pans but they are fringed with grasslands, palms and ancient baobabs, all of which present a visually stunning landscape.

Early explorers like David Livingstone risked their lives exploring this wilderness on oxcarts with little to navigate by, and there are even tales of local San children getting lost in the mirages on the pans. In the wet season these areas can have large herds of grazing animals that make their way westwards on migration towards the Boteti River, followed by a whole host of predators. Other animals to look for include elephants, brown hyenas, meerkats and desert adapted and nocturnal species.

Meno a Kwena is a safari lodge situated on tribal land along the western boundary of the Makgadikgadi Pans National Park, offering stunning views over the Boteti River. In this desert landscape, the river serves as the only permanent water source, attracting a diverse range of resident wildlife and seasonal migratory animals. Its prime location, positioned midway between the lush Okavango Delta and the arid southern regions of Botswana, makes Meno a Kwena a unique and sought-after destination for safari-goers.

Activities & Highlights
The lodge's canvas lounge and dining tents are filled with character, featuring a mix of old-world charm and quirky décor, including books, trinkets, and a striking crocodile sculpture - a nod to the camp's name, which translates to "teeth of the crocodile." Guests can relax in the living area while enjoying uninterrupted views of the Boteti River or take a dip in the rock-hewn swimming pool, where wildlife can often be seen visiting the river below. Meno a Kwena’s exceptional location allows for game viewing directly from the camp, offering a front-row seat to nature’s spectacle.

Accommodation
Meno a Kwena offers classically-styled guest tents that blend locally-woven fabrics with colonial-style furniture, creating a comfortable yet unique aesthetic. Each tent includes fully-equipped ensuite bathrooms, ensuring a relaxing stay. Splashes of color and carefully chosen décor add to the charm, making each tent feel both cozy and distinctive, perfect for those seeking a mix of rustic simplicity and elegant safari living.

Khwai Private Reserve is 200 000 hectares of pristine wilderness. The reserve itself is within Botswana’s most talked about region, the Okavango Delta. It actually sits just to the north east of the Delta, adjacent to Moremi Game Reserve and Chobe National Park, and the landscape is one of the most diverse.

The Khwai Private Reserve is positively bursting with game. Wildlife moves freely from the neighbouring Moremi Game Reserve and you’ll see buffalo, zebra, reedbuck, red lechwe, sable and roan antelope, and waterbuck dotted over the landscape. Predators are plentiful and lion and leopard hide in the mopane bush, whilst cheetah and wild dog frequently cross the open plains.

The wetlands and rivers host impressive quantities of hippos and crocodiles, whilst on dry land, big cats lurk along treelines and sometimes right through camp. Sable, roan, impala, and kudu dot the grasslands, alongside giraffe and zebra, an abundance of elephant and buffalo, and of course, the occasional jackal. The birdlife is fantastic and guests can expect everything from giant eagle owls to lilac-breasted rollers. Khwai also has an excellent reputation for the rarer species of the African savannah including wild dogs, serval cats, honey badgers, and the elusive pangolin.

Nestled around a waterhole in the heart of Botswana's dry mopane forest, Hyena Pan offers a secluded and authentic safari experience. This intimate camp provides a genuine connection to the African wilderness, with wildlife encounters that are raw and untamed. It's a destination for those seeking simplicity and immersion in nature, rather than opulence. The camp's tents overlook a busy waterhole, where elephants frequently gather, providing spectacular wildlife viewing from the comfort of your tent or the main areas.

Activities & Highlights
At the center of Hyena Pan, the dining deck and lounge offer guests a relaxed environment to watch the action at the waterhole. Whether lounging on a comfortable sofa or taking a dip in the mini-splash pool, guests can enjoy uninterrupted views of wildlife at the water's edge. Meals at Hyena Pan are wholesome and flavorful, with evenings spent around the open-air boma, enjoying drinks under the starry African sky. As darkness falls, the waterhole is softly illuminated, bringing a magical atmosphere to the wildlife spectacles that continue into the night.

Accommodation
Hyena Pan’s accommodation consists of eight tents, designed with stylish simplicity and a touch of rustic charm. Each tent is equipped with twin beds, convertible to doubles, and features mesh netting to keep mosquitoes at bay. Practical amenities include an electronic safe, a luggage rack, and a wardrobe. Hyena Pan’s eco-friendly ethos is evident throughout, with solar-powered electricity and international plug points in each tent. The en-suite bathroom features a gas geyser for constant hot water, ensuring comfort without compromising the camp's low environmental impact.

Nestled in the heart of the wilderness, Little Sable offers an intimate safari experience that seamlessly blends comfort with style. This camp provides a serene and exclusive retreat. Designed to offer a relaxed yet sophisticated atmosphere, it is the perfect destination for guests seeking tranquility in nature. Each suite serves as a cosy hideaway, with private viewing decks offering sweeping views of the surrounding grasslands, providing a front-row seat to the abundant wildlife.

Activities & Highlights
The main lodge area at Little Sable boasts an inviting lounge and dining area, with an extended outdoor deck and a large fire pit that serves as a gathering point for guests. Whether enjoying a cup of coffee at dawn or a sundowner in the evening, the deck offers a prime vantage point for wildlife viewing, with elephants and zebras often grazing nearby. The bar, lounge, and dining areas, designed with a blend of old-world English charm and African-inspired creativity, provide a stylish and comfortable space to unwind. The camp is a wildlife-watching haven, perfect for siesta time or any time of day.

Accommodation
Little Sable features eight tented suites, each elevated on wooden platforms to enhance the panoramic views of the shimmering grasslands. The suites are equipped with ceiling fans to keep guests cool, and each has a private veranda for relaxation. Inside, the spacious ensuite bathrooms feature both indoor and outdoor showers, allowing guests to feel connected to nature while maintaining the comforts of home.