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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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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.

Plan your visit

A brief summary to Kumaga Entrance to Makgadikgadi Pans National Park

Opening times, essentials, and a few local tips gathered into one calmer, easier-to-scan planning section.

Plan your visit

📍
GGH9+43J, Xhumaga, BW
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
Eve
From Eve

Know before you go

Hi, I'm Eve. Here are a few practical things to know before exploring Kumaga Entrance to Makgadikgadi Pans National Park.

Local know-how to help you travel smarter and make the most of every moment.

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.

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.

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    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.

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    More about Makgadikgadi Pans

    Explore the surreal landscapes and rich wildlife of Makgadikgadi Pans, Botswana's stunning salt flats, where ancient history meets natural beauty.

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