Meno a Kwena
Meno a Kwena is a charming safari camp set on a rocky clifftop above the Boteti River in Botswana. It combines natural beauty with an authentic safari atmosphere. The camp is not overly luxurious, there are no butlers or air conditioning, but it offers comfort, character, and incredible views.
There are 10 classic tents, each decorated with a mix of colonial-style furniture and local fabrics. The look is colourful, homely, and full of personality. Every tent has an ensuite bathroom with indoor and outdoor showers, and a private veranda with sweeping views over the river and Makgadikgadi National Park.
From this high vantage point, you can enjoy some of the best “armchair” game viewing in Africa. Elephants, zebras, and antelope often gather along the river below. You can watch them from your veranda, the pool, or the lounge and dining tents filled with books and safari artefacts. The camp’s name, Meno a Kwena, means “teeth of the crocodile.” Its décor reflects this theme with handcrafted crocodile details and rustic touches that connect you to the river.
Activities include guided game drives, walking safaris, and fascinating encounters with the San Bushmen. There’s also a floating photographic hide at river level for up-close wildlife viewing. Families are welcome, and there are family tents with interleading rooms.
Meno a Kwena is open all year. In the dry season, large herds of zebra and wildebeest migrate through the area. During the rains, the land turns green and full of life. The camp’s friendly team, relaxed atmosphere, and stunning views make it one of Botswana’s most authentic safari experiences.
Gallery
Wildlife
- Unique desert-adapted elephant herds that thrive in this arid environment.
- Large concentrations of zebra and wildebeest during the dry season migration, Africa’s second largest mammal migration.
- Predators including lions with black manes, leopards, cheetahs, packs of wild dogs, and jackals.
- Diverse birdlife ranging from bush birds in camp to waterbirds on the river, including numerous owl species such as barred and Verreaux’s owls.
- Resident antelope with unusual twisted horns, a specialty of this desert ecosystem.
- Reptiles and smaller creatures like meerkats and mongooses also inhabit the area.
Game Drives
- Daily guided drives in custom-built 4×4 vehicles exploring the Boteti River corridor and surrounding bushveld.
- Game drives timed to coincide with early morning and late afternoon for best wildlife activity.
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Guides share expert knowledge of desert ecology and local history.
Activities & Facilities
- Guided game drives
- Walking safaris
- Cultural experiences with San Bushmen
- Floating photographic hide
- Sleepouts on the Makgadikgadi Pans
- Boat trips
- Birdwatching
- Visits to Nxai Pan National Park
- Communal dining and
- Lounge tents
- Swimming pool
- Library
Highlights
- Perched 100 feet above the Boteti River on a dramatic cliff.
- Offers panoramic “armchair” game viewing from tents, the pool, and communal areas.
- Classic safari tents with colonial-style furniture and locally woven fabrics.
- Warm, nostalgic feel without air conditioning or private butlers.
- During the dry season, elephants, zebra, wildebeest, lions, and wild dogs gather in large numbers.
- Close to Makgadikgadi Pans National Park for salt flats, baobabs, and desert scenery.
- Floating photographic hide offers close-up, water-level wildlife encounters.
- Relaxed atmosphere filled with history and quirky décor inspired by early explorers.
- Optional sleepouts on the Makgadikgadi Pans under vast starry skies.
Location
- Meno a Kwena is located in Botswana on tribal land on the western edge of Makgadikgadi Pans National Park, overlooking the Boteti River.
- The camp is close to both Makgadikgadi Pans and Nxai Pan National Parks.
Getting There
- The best way to get to Meno a Kwena is to transfer from Maun by road.
- The overland transfer takes under two hours.
- Road transfers are scenic, crossing varied landscapes including dry salt pans and riverine habitats.
- Charter flights to nearby airstrips are possible but road transfer is the usual route.
- Inter-camp air transfer options are also available.
Special Offers
- Long stay discounts apply when staying at one or a combination of Natural Selection camps.
- 5 – 6 nights: 10% off for stays in Mid season 1.
- 5 – 6 nights: 5% off for stays in Mid season 2, High & Peak season.
- 8 nights: 15% off for stays in Low season & Mid season 1.
- 8 nights: 10% off for stays in Mid season 2 & High season.
- 8 nights: 5% off for stays in Peak season.
Child Policy
- Meno a Kwena welcomes children of all ages.
- Safe camp environment with fenced areas and supervised children’s activities.
- Children 0-5 years stay free of charge.
- Children 6-16 years are charged 50% of the sharing adult rate when sharing with an adult.
- Families are accommodated in the family tent or with extra arrangements in standard tents.
- Two family tents with interconnecting rooms are available at the camp.
- Activities are tailored to suit family groups and safety considerations.
Inclusions & Exclusions
- Included: Daily activities, all meals, beverages, laundry, airstrip transfers and park entry fees.
- Excluded: Premium brand drinks and anything of personal nature.
Rates
- The updated rates are displayed for each room category below.
- Rates are charged per person, per night.
- Single supplement of 40% applicable.
- There is no single supplement from 10 January – 31 March & 01 October – 19 December.
- Rates displayed are valid until 09 January 2027.
Seasons
- Peak season: 01 July – 31 August
- High season: 01 – 30 June & 01 – 30 September, & 20 December – 09 January
- Mid season 2: 31 May & 01 – 31 October
- Mid season 1: 01 – 30 April & 01 November – 19 December
- Low season: 10 January – 31 May
Your Safari, Expertly Curated
Our dedicated travel specialists craft seamless, tailor-made journeys – every detail designed around you.
Tent
The camp has two king tents and six twin tents each featuring two queen-sized beds. They offer stunning views Read more over the Boteti River and into Makgadikgadi National Park. Each tent has an ensuite bathroom with both indoor and outdoor showers, a ceiling fan, and a private veranda with a daybed and seating area. Please note that the queen beds cannot be separated. Read Less
| Peak Season | $ 1,275per person per night |
|---|---|
| High Season | $ 1,080per person per night |
| Mid Season 2 | $ 995per person per night |
| Mid Season 1 | $ 875per person per night | Low Season | $ 625per person per night |
Family Tent
Two family tents, each made up of two interleading tents are perfect for families with children. One family tent Read more accommodates five guests with one king bed and three single beds, while the other fits four guests with one king bed and two single beds. Both tents have ensuite bathrooms with indoor and outdoor showers, fans, and private verandas, offering breathtaking river views. Read Less
| Peak Season | $ 1,275per person per night |
|---|---|
| High Season | $ 1,080per person per night |
| Mid Season 2 | $ 995per person per night |
| Mid Season 1 | $ 875per person per night | Low Season | $ 625per person per night |
