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Kumaga Entrance: Gateway to Makgadikgadi's Wonders

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Discover Botswana's wild heart: Explore the Makgadikgadi Pans through the Kumaga Entrance for unmatched landscapes and wildlife encounters.

The Kumaga Entrance, also known as Xhumaga, provides access to the Makgadikgadi Pans National Park in Botswana, offering a chance to witness the vast salt flats, diverse wildlife, and dramatic seasonal transformations. It's a prime spot for game drives along the Boteti River and experiencing the Kalahari's unique beauty.

A brief summary to Kumaga Entrance to Makgadikgadi Pans National Park

  • 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

  • A 4x4 vehicle is essential for navigating the sandy roads within the park.
  • Bring your own drinking water, as the borehole water at Kumaga has a strong sulfur smell.
  • Book your campsite well in advance, especially during peak season (July to October).
  • Consider visiting during both the wet and dry seasons to witness the contrasting landscapes and wildlife behaviors.
  • Be aware that there is limited or no fuel available in the immediate vicinity.
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Getting There

  • Driving

    From Maun, take the A3 towards Nata. The turnoff to the main entrance of Makgadikgadi Pans National Park is approximately 160 km east of Maun. From Gweta, the turnoff is about 45 km west. Once you reach the turnoff, follow the signs to Kumaga. Note that the last stretch is a gravel road. Park entrance fees are payable at the gate. As of July 2025, expect to pay BWP 190 per person per day for international visitors, plus BWP 75 per vehicle per day. Ensure you have sufficient fuel, as there are no fuel stations in the immediate vicinity.

  • Ferry

    If the Boteti River is flowing, you will need to cross it via a small ferry. The ferry can usually only take one vehicle at a time. There may be a small fee for the ferry crossing, payable in cash. Check local conditions beforehand, as the river may be dry, allowing you to drive across the riverbed.

Discover more about Kumaga Entrance to Makgadikgadi Pans National Park

The Kumaga Entrance, situated on the western edge of the Makgadikgadi Pans National Park, serves as a portal to one of the world's largest salt pan systems. This entry point, also referred to as Xhumaga, lies on the banks of the Boteti River, the Okavango Delta's last stretch. Here, the landscape transforms dramatically with the seasons. During the dry months (April to October), the riverbed becomes a sandy expanse where wildlife congregates around remaining waterholes. The rainy season (November to March) breathes life into the region, attracting migrating zebras and wildebeest, as well as flamingos and other waterbirds. Visitors can explore the area through game drives, seeking out elephants, lions, cheetahs, and a variety of antelope species. The entrance provides access to both the riverine environment and, further into the park, the mesmerizing salt pans themselves. Kumaga offers a raw and immersive safari experience, appealing to those seeking solitude and a connection with nature. The area showcases the resilience of life in an arid environment and the stunning beauty of Botswana's wilderness.
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