Kumaga Entrance: Gateway to Makgadikgadi's Wonders

Discover Botswana's wild heart: Explore the Makgadikgadi Pans through Kumaga, where wildlife roams free across ancient salt flats.

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Kumaga Entrance to Makgadikgadi Pans National Park

The Kumaga Entrance welcomes visitors to the Makgadikgadi Pans National Park, offering access to vast salt flats and diverse wildlife. Located near Xhumaga village on the Boteti River, it's a prime spot for game viewing, especially during the zebra and wildebeest migration.

A brief summary to Kumaga Entrance to Makgadikgadi Pans National Park

GGH9+43J, Xhumaga, BW
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Monday 6 am-6:30 pm
Tuesday 6 am-6:30 pm
Wednesday 6 am-6:30 pm
Thursday 6 am-6:30 pm
Friday 6 am-6:30 pm
Saturday 6 am-6:30 pm
Sunday 6 am-6:30 pm

Local tips

Visit during the dry season (May to October) for optimal wildlife viewing as animals congregate around the Boteti River.
A 4x4 vehicle is essential for navigating the park's sandy tracks.
Bring your own water and supplies, as amenities within the park are limited.
Consider hiring a local guide for enhanced insights into the park's ecology and wildlife.
Book accommodations and campsites well in advance, especially during peak season.

Getting There

Driving

From Maun, drive approximately 160 km east on the A3 highway towards Nata. The Kumaga Entrance turnoff is located about 45 km west of Gweta. Follow the signs to Kumaga village and the park entrance. Note that the last 8km to the gate is a rough gravel road. Park entrance fees are payable at the gate. Ensure you have sufficient fuel as there are no fuel stations near the entrance.

Discover more about Kumaga Entrance to Makgadikgadi Pans National Park

The Kumaga Entrance, situated near Xhumaga village on the western edge of the Makgadikgadi Pans National Park, serves as a portal to one of Botswana's most unique landscapes. This entrance provides access to the park's western region, known for its mix of grasslands, acacia woodlands, and the Boteti River. The Makgadikgadi Pans themselves are the remnants of an ancient super-lake that once covered a large area of Botswana. Today, they form a vast complex of salt flats that shimmer white during the dry season and transform into lush wetlands during the rains. This dynamic environment supports a fascinating array of wildlife, including migrating zebras and wildebeest, Kalahari lions, elephants, and numerous bird species. Kumaga is particularly known for its proximity to the Boteti River, the Okavango Delta's last finger. Although the river has experienced periods of dryness, it remains a vital water source for wildlife, attracting large concentrations of animals during the dry season. Game drives along the Boteti River offer excellent opportunities to spot elephants, hippos, crocodiles, and various antelope species. Visitors to Kumaga can also experience the local culture by visiting Xhumaga village, located just across the river from the entrance. The village offers a glimpse into rural Botswana life and provides a base for exploring the surrounding area.

Iconic landmarks you can’t miss

Khumaga Camp Sites

1.9 km

Experience Botswana's wild beauty at Khumaga Camp Sites, your gateway to the Makgadikgadi Pans National Park and the great zebra migration.

Leroo La Tau

5.7 km

Luxury safari lodge on the Boteti River, offering exceptional wildlife viewing and a unique Kalahari experience in Botswana.

Boteti River

38.7 km

Experience Botswana's dramatic landscapes and abundant wildlife along the Boteti River, a vital artery connecting the Okavango Delta and Makgadikgadi Pans.

Kudiakam Pan

46.2 km

Discover Kudiakam Pan: Botswana's hidden gem offering serene landscapes, diverse wildlife, and the iconic Baines' Baobabs.

San Camp

64.0 km

Experience the magic of the Makgadikgadi Pans in luxurious style at San Camp, a unique desert oasis in Botswana's Kalahari.

Camp Kalahari

64.1 km

Experience the magic of the Kalahari at Camp Kalahari: Adventure, wildlife encounters, and cultural immersion in Botswana's stunning desert landscape.

South camp Nxai Pan

65.4 km

Experience Nxai Pan's wildlife spectacle from the comfort of South Camp, your gateway to Botswana's natural wonders.

Kwando Nxai Pan Lodge

69.0 km

Experience the magic of Nxai Pan at this exclusive lodge, offering unparalleled access to Botswana's dramatic landscapes and wildlife.

Jack's Camp

69.5 km

Experience the magic of a 1940s-style safari in the heart of Botswana's Makgadikgadi Pans at the luxurious and iconic Jack's Camp.

Nxai Pan North Camp

71.9 km

Experience the Kalahari's raw beauty at Nxai Pan North Camp, a remote campsite in Botswana's wildlife-rich Nxai Pan National Park.

Gweta Lodge

82.5 km

Your comfortable base for exploring the Makgadikgadi Pans, offering wildlife encounters and cultural experiences in the heart of Botswana.

Planet Baobab

88.0 km

Experience Botswana's quirky side at Planet Baobab: Authentic lodging, Kalahari adventures, and unforgettable desert nights near the Makgadikgadi Pans.

Unmissable attractions to see

Boteti River Camp

0.4 km

Explore Botswana's salt pans and wildlife from Boteti River Camp, your comfortable gateway to Makgadikgadi, Nxai Pan, and the Kalahari.

Meno-A-Kwena Tented Camp

26.5 km

Experience Botswana's wildlife at Meno-A-Kwena Tented Camp: stunning views, diverse activities, and a commitment to sustainable tourism on the Boteti River.

Makgadikgadi Pans National Park

30.5 km

Explore the breathtaking landscapes of Makgadikgadi Pans National Park, renowned for its unique salt pans and diverse wildlife encounters in Botswana.

Baines Baobabs

47.9 km

Discover the enchanting beauty of Baines Baobabs, home to ancient trees and breathtaking landscapes in Botswana's wilderness.

Flughafen

47.9 km

Your starting point for exploring the stunning landscapes and wildlife of Nxai Pan National Park in Botswana.

Nxai Pan National Park

51.8 km

Explore Botswana's Nxai Pan National Park: Witness massive migrations, ancient baobabs, and stunning Kalahari landscapes. A unique safari adventure awaits!

Haina veld Game Farms

61.0 km

Explore accessible Kalahari wilderness: wildlife encounters, San culture, and stunning desert landscapes on the border of the Central Kalahari Game Reserve.

NG/47 Concessionaire

66.8 km

Discover Botswana's hidden gem: NG/47 Concessionaire, a state park offering tranquility, diverse wildlife, and stunning natural beauty.

Nxai Pan

68.8 km

Explore Botswana's Nxai Pan: Witness dramatic wildlife migrations, iconic baobabs, and vast landscapes in this unique national park.

Green’s Baobab

74.5 km

Discover Green's Baobab in Botswana: A historical landmark where explorers left their mark on an ancient African icon.

Baobab Chapmana

76.3 km

Explore Baobab Chapmana in Tutume, Botswana - a historical landmark featuring majestic baobab trees and rich local culture.

Joy Pan Tours

82.5 km

Discover Botswana's stunning landscapes and rich culture with Joy Pan Tours in Gweta, your gateway to unforgettable adventures.

Aardvark

87.7 km

Discover Aardvark in Tutume, Botswana: A blend of culture, nature, and adventure in a welcoming village setting.

Tolankwe Conservancy

87.7 km

Discover Botswana's hidden gem: Explore diverse wildlife and support sustainable tourism at Tolankwe Conservancy near Maun.

Nwetwe Pan

87.8 km

Discover Botswana's Nwetwe Pan: a seasonal spectacle of wildlife, stunning landscapes, and serene solitude in the heart of the Makgadikgadi.

Markets, malls and hidden boutiques

TauTswana

1.0 km

Experience the authentic taste of Botswana at TauTswana, a premier butcher shop in Xhumaga, specializing in locally sourced meats and culinary treasures.

TOP BAR, HARDWARE, BUTCHERY, SALON AND BOTTLE STORE

63.9 km

Explore the vibrant community hub of Rakops with shopping, dining, and local culture all in one place.

TOP BAR, HARDWARE, BUTCHERY, SALON AND BOTTLE STORE

Wings

81.6 km

Explore the vibrant local flavors and artisanal products at Wings in Gweta, a must-visit grocery store for every traveler.

Saverite Gweta

82.6 km

Discover the essence of Botswana with local products at Saverite Gweta - your grocery haven in the heart of Gweta.

China Shop

83.0 km

Discover local flavors at China Shop in Gweta, a vibrant grocery destination offering a taste of Botswana's culinary delights.

Essential bars & hidden hideouts

Center Bar

0.8 km

Experience the vibrant nightlife at Center Bar in Xhumaga, where great drinks and an inviting atmosphere await every visitor.

Moselewapula Bar and General Dealer

77.2 km

Discover the authentic taste of Botswana at Moselewapula Bar and General Dealer, where local flavors meet a welcoming atmosphere in Mawala, Xhumo.

Bludot Liquor Store

82.1 km

Discover Bludot Liquor Store in Gweta, Botswana – a serene bar offering excellent service and a perfect retreat for travelers seeking relaxation.

Kwa Ga Xhubus Bar and Grill

82.7 km

Savor the vibrant taste of Botswana at Kwa Ga Xhubus Bar and Grill, the perfect dining destination for tourists in Gweta.

Veracity

82.8 km

Experience the vibrant nightlife and local flavors at Veracity Bar in Gweta, Botswana, a must-visit for all travelers.

Your Ultimate Free Travel Guide

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