Makgadikgadi Pans & Khwai Private Reserve: Desert to Delta Safari

Journey from the surreal landscapes of the Makgadikgadi Pans to the wildlife-rich Khwai Private Game Reserve. Experience the stark beauty of the desert, with its endless salt flats and ancient baobabs, before transitioning into the lush Okavango Delta, where you’ll encounter abundant wildlife on thrilling game drives and mokoro safaris. This Desert to Delta adventure offers a perfect blend of dramatic scenery, diverse ecosystems, and unforgettable wildlife encounters.

Duration

6 Nights

Price

From $6750 per person sharing

country
when
locations
accommodation
country
Day
locations
accommodation
Botswana
Day 1-3
Makgadikgadi National Park
Meno a Kwena
Day 3-5
Khwai Private Reserve
Hyena Pan
Day 5-7
Khwai Private Reserve
Little Sable
Day 7
Khwai Private Reserve

Your Itinerary

makgadikgadi-pans-khwai-private-reserve-desert-to-delta-safari-summary-img-1.webp

Day 1-3

Arrive at Maun International Airport, Botswana. Road transfer from Maun International Airport to Makgadikgadi National Park. 2 Nights.

Location: Makgadikgadi National Park
Accommodation: Meno a Kwena
Spa Services Swimming Pool Game Drives Viewing Decks 2 Family Tents Boma Restaurant, Bar & Lounge Tents 10 Tents 6 Twin Tents 2 King Tents Limited Wifi in Camp

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.

makgadikgadi-pans-khwai-private-reserve-desert-to-delta-safari-summary-img-2.webp

Day 3-5

Road transfer from Meno a Kwena to Maun International Airport. Scheduled Seat-in-Charter flight from Maun International Airport to Khwai Airstrip. Road transfer from Khwai Airstrip to Hyena Pan. 2 Nights.

Location: Khwai Private Reserve
Accommodation: Hyena Pan
Wifi Game Drives Viewing Decks Boma 8 Tents Underground Hide Plunge Pool Dining Deck Lounge

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.

makgadikgadi-pans-khwai-private-reserve-desert-to-delta-safari-summary-img-3.webp

Day 5-7

Road transfer from Hyena Pan to Little Sable. 2 Nights.

Location: Khwai Private Reserve
Accommodation: Little Sable
Restaurant, Bar, & Lounge Swimming Pool Wifi Game Drives Viewing Decks 8 Tented Suites

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.

makgadikgadi-pans-khwai-private-reserve-desert-to-delta-safari-summary-img-4.webp

Day 7

Game Drive transfer from Little Sable to Khwai Airstrip. Scheduled Seat-in-Charter flight from Khwai Airstrip to Maun International Airport.

Location: Khwai Private Reserve
About Botswana
A breathtaking destination, Botswana is wild and unspoilt, with a wealth of game viewing opportunities -  from ‘mokoro-ing’ (canoeing) along the winding waterways of the Okavango Delta, watching the great herds of elephant swim across the mighty Chobe River, to witnessing spectacular predator action, and quad biking across the wide open salt pans. Often referred to as ‘Land of Giants’ due to the ancient Baobab Trees and roaming elephant herds, Botswana’s contrast between arid desert and wetland paradise, creates a completely unique landscape...

Booking Enquiries

Complete the Online Enquiry Form

Submit this quick and easy travel questionnaire, one of our expert journey planners will reach out with more information soon.

Our Safari Africa Travellers’ Reviews

“I’ll never be able to properly explain how cool this experience was. Thanks so much to Molori for treating us so well and making this a trip of a lifetime.”

- M Homa,
 America

“An absolutely INCREDIBLE trip to Molori. I can’t recommend a safari enough, truly beautiful seeing these animals up close and learning so much about them. Weekend of a lifetime!!!”

- J Thomas,
 America

“Amazing trip. Everything was seamless. Thank you for your efficient service in putting together this last minute safari to the Masai Mara. Appreciated the fast track service through the airport, a game changer”

- J Martin,
 United Kingdom

“Ours was indeed a trip of a lifetime! Your recommendations were spot on and the whole experience was beyond our wildest expectations. We will be back! We started thinking about our next trip to Africa before we had boarded our flight back home!”

- R Wells,
 America

“Everything you booked for us was perfect and there were never any issues with reservations.
We just wanted to say a special thank you for helping to plan this amazing honeymoon. We couldn’t have done it without you!”

- R Gomez,
 Europe

“One of the most memorable trips, made special from start to finish. Cannot recommend Madikwe Hills enough for a truly special holiday. Can’t wait to return!”

- R Pardon,
 United Kingdom

“An amazing week! Game viewing, lodge and personal attention beyond what I expected! Stephanie, our travel agent was easy to work with and all her recommendations were excellent”

- A Hussain,
 America

Your Travel Team

Our expert travel team provides a superior, end-to-end safari travel experience to guests from all over the world, in partnership with some of Africa’s most loved, inspired, and unique destinations.

The Safari Africa Travel Team excels at designing bespoke multi-destination journeys across the best of Africa, with each trip tailored to fit your unique interests and preferences.

Leigh-Ann

Sales & operations director

Stephanie

Travel Manager

Keshia

Travel Planner

Why Book With Safariafrica.Travel?

We believe in curating unforgettable journeys tailored to your preferences. Booking directly through us, rather than navigating the complexities of doing it yourself or using generic booking platforms, ensures a seamless, personal and safe safari experience.

Choosing Safariafrica.travel for your safari adventure means opting for a journey crafted with care, expertise, and a deep passion for Africa.

Expertise & experience

Our Travel Team are safari specialists with deep knowledge of African destinations.

customised itineraries

We tailor-make each safari trip to your personal interests, preferences, and budget.

seamless logistics

We handle all your travel logistics including flights and transfers, ensuring a stress-free journey.

24/7 support

We provide personal support throughout your journey, handling all unexpected issues, and giving you peace of mind.

personalised service

Our Travel Team offers a personal, high-touch service from the moment you inquire and throughout your journey.

safety & security

We ensure your safety with trusted partners and up-to-date travel information – something online booking platforms can’t guarantee.

one point of contact

A singular, personal point of contact for all elements of your travel arrangements far outweighs multiple suppliers and chat bots.

fully accredited

We are fully accredited members of the Southern Africa Tourism Services Association, and the African Travel & Tourism Association.

local connections

Our well established, on-the-ground relationships ensure you receive the best service at every point of your journey.

Frequently Asked Questions.

Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit, sed do eiusmod tempor incididunt ut labore et dolore magna aliqua. Ut enim ad minim veniam, quis nostrud exercitation ullamco laboris nisi ut aliquip ex ea commodo consequat. 

Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit, sed do eiusmod tempor incididunt ut labore et dolore magna aliqua. Ut enim ad minim veniam, quis nostrud exercitation ullamco laboris nisi ut aliquip ex ea commodo consequat. 

Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit, sed do eiusmod tempor incididunt ut labore et dolore magna aliqua. Ut enim ad minim veniam, quis nostrud exercitation ullamco laboris nisi ut aliquip ex ea commodo consequat. 

Booking Enquiries

Makgadikgadi Pans & Khwai Private Reserve: Desert to Delta Safari
Tell us when you’d like to travel and how many guests are joining you. Our team will be in touch to help you start planning this unforgettable journey.

"*" indicates required fields

Estimated travel date*

Booking Enquiries