Highlights
- Unique location
- Wonderfully authetic
- Privately owned and operated
- Cultural activities
Start planning your tailor-made trip by calling one of our specialists on 0203 291 2907
EnquireMeno a Kwena is a small, charming lodge on the Boteti River, in the Makgadikgadi Pans area of Central Botswana. This private camp is in an unusual position between the Okavango and large, open salt pans to the south east and offers a rustic, hands on safari experience.
A large, L-shaped marquee makes up the main guest area and houses pleasant dining and lounge areas, along with comfortable sofas, bar and a curio shop. Every room is filled with interesting ornaments, photos and artefacts giving the area heaps of personality. A plunge pool and campfire overlook the river and a floating hide is a perfect place to relax and set up your camera.
Activities here offer a balance of wildlife and cultural human interaction. The main focus is still on vehicle safaris and guests are transported to the far side of the river for twice daily game drives. During the dry season herds of zebra, wildebeest and elephants congregate here as well as the resident hippos and crocodiles. Depending on water levels, motorboat safaris are also available; a lovely evening activity. Cultural activities are hugely important to owner David Dugmore and hence Bushmen walks and village visits are highly recommended. Day long treks and overnight trips can also be organised with camp outs on the pans themselves being a particular highlight.
The accommodation is spread out along the river bank in the form of 8 canvas tents, housing 16 guests. Surrounded by shrubbery for privacy, each room is fairly basic but full of personality and traditional touches. All ensuite, with outdoor showers and great views of the river and visiting wildlife, the rooms are homely and comfortable.
There is the usual minimum age of 12 at Meno a Kwena, however children as young as 6 may be accepted when booking private activities.
An authentic camp that is privately owned and operated, Meno a Kwena is a true African experience. In a great location with a team of dedicated staff and guides, this camp has truly mastered the personal touch and offers a fantastically unique safari.
We had such a good holiday. You did a fantastic job!
The house in Marrakesh was ridiculous. We effectively had it to ourselves. The accommodation was borderline palatial.
I actually think that the time we had in Marrakesh was sufficient. We could potentially have done a day by a pool but I think we’d done enough souk-ing by the end of Day Two.
The hotel in the mountains was a shade more rustic than I was expecting, but all great fun. Stunning views. The guide / mule / cook team were excellent and our guide (Hassan) tailored the treks to our capabilities well. He was superb, and really made an effort with the kids. The second and third day of trekking were particularly good. Such an adventure for the kids.
All the logistics worked seamlessly. Every aspect went like clockwork. Top marks. The advice on tipping was also much appreciated (I hate thinking that I’m getting mugged off or am potentially not giving enough…).
From my seven-year-old son:
I thought it was GREAT. The food was amazing and the culture was very interesting. My favourite bit was scrambling up rocks in the Atlas Mountains.
In retrospect, I’d probably do the trip in reverse. Flopping on the roof terrace after the rigours of the mountains would have been even more satisfying.
Henry O
reviewing Boutique Marrakech & Atlas Mountains
on 05 June 2025
We had an extraordinary time. It was magical and we couldn't hav asked or hoped for more. Thank you both so much for all of your time and assistance.
Emma M
reviewing Best of Botswana for Families
on 18 November 2024
We had an amazing experience - absolutely loved it.
Mohamed and Said were great and very patient especially with me going downhill - was quite nervous about the scree slopes and paths.Will be a trip we remember forever
Maritta B
reviewing Atlas Valleys & Villages Trek - Value
on 11 November 2024