Moela Safari Lodge Makgadikgadi Pans
Makgadikgadi Salt Pans, Botswana
Highlights
- Exclusive Location: Set in the serene expanse of Botswana’s Makgadikgadi National Park, Moela Safari Lodge offers unparalleled access to the striking salt pans and surrounding savannah. Its secluded location ensures privacy, tranquillity, and a deep connection with the natural world.
- Diverse Wildlife: The area is home to a unique range of wildlife, including rare brown hyenas, playful meerkats, and aardvarks. During the rainy season, witness the dramatic zebra and wildebeest migrations, along with predators such as lions and cheetahs.
- Luxurious Accommodation: The lodge features beautifully designed suites that seamlessly blend modern comfort with traditional safari style. Each suite boasts spacious interiors, private decks with panoramic views, and thoughtful touches to create a luxurious retreat in the wilderness.
- Cultural Experiences: Experience the fascinating culture of the San Bushmen through guided walks and interactive storytelling. Learn about their traditional ways of living, including their survival skills, knowledge of the land, and deep spiritual connection to the environment.
- Scenic Activities: Discover the surreal beauty of the salt pans through quad biking excursions, guided nature walks, and seasonal horseback safaris. At night, marvel at some of the clearest skies in the world, perfect for stargazing and celestial photography.
- Sustainability Focus: Moela Safari Lodge operates with a strong commitment to conservation and community engagement. Eco-friendly designs and practices ensure minimal environmental impact, while partnerships with local communities support education and sustainable livelihoods.
Why we love Moela Safari Lodge
The lodge really is beautifully designed, integrating some serious luxury into the stunning wilderness of the Makgadikgadi Pans and making the most of the views, all with world-class service and amenities.
Start to planning your tailor-made trip by contacting one of our specialists
Gallery
Moela Safari Lodge, Makgadikgadi Pans, Botswana
Moela Safari Lodge, Makgadikgadi Pans, Botswana
Moela Safari Lodge, Makgadikgadi Pans, Botswana
Moela Safari Lodge, Makgadikgadi Pans, Botswana
Moela Safari Lodge, Makgadikgadi Pans, Botswana
Moela Safari Lodge, Makgadikgadi Pans, Botswana
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Good to know
How to get there
Moela Safari Lodge is approximately 45 minutes from Maun by light aircraft.
Are children welcome?
Yes, Moela Safari Lodge welcomes children aged 6 and above, offering family-friendly accommodations and tailored services. Spacious family suites provide comfort for all, while babysitting services can be arranged for parents seeking some time to relax or enjoy activities not suitable for younger children. Certain safari activities may have age restrictions for safety, so it’s best to discuss your family’s needs with the lodge in advance.
Giving back
Moela Safari Lodge is deeply committed to sustainability, focusing on conservation, community engagement, and eco-friendly operations:
- Community Partnership: The lodge operates within the Ngande Private Reserve, a community-owned concession, ensuring that tourism benefits local populations. The construction of the lodge involved skilled artisans from Khumaga Village, fostering local employment and cultural integration.
- Conservation Initiatives: Moela actively engages in wildlife conservation efforts, including the establishment of artificial water points to support species like zebras during droughts, educational projects to promote human-wildlife coexistence, and the removal of invasive plant species to preserve biodiversity.
- Sustainable Design and Operations: The lodge employs eco-friendly designs, utilising traditional thatch and locally sourced materials to minimise environmental impact. It operates on a solar hybrid system, providing 24-hour electricity and hot water through thermodynamic solar energy, reducing reliance on non-renewable resources.
Wildlife you are likely to see
The Makgadikgadi Pans, one of the world’s largest salt flats, offer a unique wildlife experience due to their dynamic ecosystem, which changes dramatically with the seasons. Here’s what you’re likely to see:
- Large Mammals:
- Seasonal Zebra and Wildebeest Migration: During the wet season (November to April), the pans host one of Southern Africa’s largest migrations of zebras and wildebeests.
- Elephants: Often spotted near water sources during the dry season.
- Giraffes and Antelope: Species like springbok, gemsbok, and red hartebeest are common in the area.
- Predators:
- Lions and Cheetahs: Found stalking prey across the plains.
- Brown Hyenas: A rare and fascinating predator unique to the region.
- Jackals and Bat-Eared Foxes: Frequently observed in the open landscapes.
- Unique Wildlife:
- Meerkats: A highlight of the area, often seen foraging and interacting in family groups.
- Aardvarks and Pangolins: Rare but occasionally sighted.
- Birdlife:
- Flamingos: During the wet season, the pans transform into breeding grounds for thousands of flamingos.
- Birds of Prey: Such as martial eagles and secretary birds.
- Migratory Species: Including storks, pelicans, and ducks.
- Reptiles and Amphibians:
- Lizards, Snakes, and Frogs: Particularly active during the wet season.
