Water here, which is supplied from a borehole, has a particularly unpleasant sulphur smell when first drawn, but improves if left to stand. However, it is advised that water for drinking purposes should be brought in. Limited basic food supplies can be obtained in the Kumaga village.

Kumaga derives its name from a pool near the village that contains edible tubers. From turning off the main tar road, eight kilometres of rough gravel road leads to the park entrance gate, where entry fees are to be paid.

All roads within the park are rough and in many cases very sandy, so it is essential to have a 4x4 vehicle.

Khumaga is situated right on the banks of the Boteti River. To cross Boteti River you need to use ferry.

There are ten camp sites with water stand pipe, braai area and an ablution block with running showers and flushing toilets. The area is well known for the migration of zebras and wildebeest.

The roads in the eastern part of Makgadikgadi are in good condition and there should be no problems in a non-4WD vehicle in the dry season, but as you move westwards you’ll find the sand gets heavier and a 4WD is necessary.

Nxai Pan’s roads are very sandy - 4WD vehicle with low range is essential. Make sure your vehicle is in good condition. There’s no cellular phone reception and if you get stuck you’ll probably have to sort it out by yourself.

Camping in Makgadikgadi Park

Khumaga: there are ten camping stands at Khumaga, on the bank of the Boteti River. Eash camp site has two new ablution blocks with solar power.

Njuca Hills: There are two camp sites, each with a neat long drop and a bucket shower. Closed down.

South Camp: This campsite was upgraded and has two new ablution blocks.

Non-camping accommodation in Makgadikgadi Park. Meno a Kwena is a luxury tented safari camp overlooking the Boteti River off the Rakops Road. The western entrance to Makgadigadi is Khumaga Gate, it requires a typical African ferry crossing.

This ferry is little more than a floating pontoon. It ias only able to carry one vehicle at a time across the narrow 100 metres width. Makgadigadi Pans Game Reserve is a relatively small park which was established in early 1970s.

It is complemented by Nxai Pan National Park, a further 2,500 square km, which was combined with Makgadigadi to form one park in the early 1990s. Together, the parks protect large tracts of salt pans, palm forests, grasslands and savannahs.

Facts about Makgadigadi Pans National Park

Makgadigadi Pans National Park is located between Central Kalahari game Reserve and Maun. Distance from Maun south to CKGR is around 100 km on tarred road before turn off to the sandy track.