Khumaga: Makgadikgadi National Park

Khumaga in the Makgadikgadi Pans National Park is probably my most favorite place in Botswana, it is also close enough to us to be able to go for a weekend. But I recommend at least 3 nights.

I have lost count of how many times we have been there, but it must be 6 or more. Last visit July 2016. Next visit hopefully soon.

Highlights:

• Stunning views of the Boteti River
• Plenty of elephant
• Massive herds of zebra and wildebeest
• Good birding with wattled cranes
• Not many people

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Location:

The easiest way of getting to Khumaga is through the village of Khumaga, which is just off the Rakops – Maun road. This does include an interesting ferry trip across the Boteti River. There is no fuel at Khumaga so you need to fill-up at Rakops or Maun.

You can also enter the Makgadikgadi National Park through the northern gate which is on the Nata – Maun road (143 km from Nata). Then travel down a not so great road to Khumaga. I would only recommend this route if traveling to or from Nata or Nxai Pans. Closest fuel is at Gweta.

Accommodation:

SKL Campsite: There are a number of big shady campsites available near the Khumaga (western) gate. There are two big ablution blocks which are very clean and well kept. Each campsite has its own tap, fire pit and braai. There is no electricity.

Tiaan’s Camp: is situated outside the park right at the ferry crossing.  They offer both camping and chalets, with a pool, restaurant, swimming pool, bar and a deck overlooking the Boteti River. Read More on Tiaan’s Camp at:  https://ourbots.wordpress.com/botswana-travel/khumaga-makgadikgadi-national-park/tiaans-camp/

There is also a lodge inside the park. which I haven’t visited,  so hence I can’t comment on it.

Best time to visit:

We have been to Khumaga at different times of the year and enjoyed it every time. But herewith some findings:

• The zebra and wildebeest migrate to the pans during the wet season (December – April), so during those months you will see very few.
• When we went in August this year the elephants had migrated.
• The best two months we have visited have been April and November.

Tips:

• This is not a cheap camping option compared with most of Botswana and the ferry is also not cheap (BWP 180 – each way with a trailer, I think its BWP 150 without a trailer). But it is worth it.
• A 4×4 is essential, you are not allowed onto the ferry if you don’t have one.
• The roads are good, but very sandy
• The best game drive route is along the river, there are a number of roads down to the river, it is worthwhile taking them.

Posts I have written about Khumaga:

• https://ourbots.wordpress.com/2013/05/06/khumaga-what-a-place/
• https://ourbots.wordpress.com/2013/11/21/khumaga-revisited/
• https://ourbots.wordpress.com/2014/04/22/most-amazing-wildlife-sighting-at-khumaga/
• https://ourbots.wordpress.com/2014/09/04/the-many-faces-of-khumaga/
• https://ourbots.wordpress.com/2016/02/02/another-face-of-khumaga/
• https://ourbots.wordpress.com/2016/02/04/khumaga-trip-part-2/
• https://ourbots.wordpress.com/2016/07/06/khumaga-for-the-3rd-of-july/