The Kanana Wilderness, near Ghanzi, incorporates the two dominant eco-systems of the Kalahari, Western Botswana. Calcrete pans with shallow water and Leadwood trees give way to rolling grasslands and Kalahari sands. Motswiri Lodge, overlooking one of these pans, is situated on 30 000 hectares of land.

The Kalahari, Western Botswana is renowned for its wide open spaces and pockets of wildlife. The Kanana Wilderness, on the water rich limestone ridges of Ghanzi, is an oasis amidst this aridity. The Kalahari Desert, which is really a misnomer, would be better described as the Kalahari savannah, with huge tracts of excellent grazing after good rains.

The various mammals present on Kanana prefer different habitats partly depending on the season and weather. Generally grazers such as Zebra, Rhino, Springbok, Hartebeest and Gemsbok prefer the northern sand veldt, whilst the browsers such as Kudu, Eland and Giraffe favour the stone veldt with its big trees.

Many types of bird occur; the White Backed Vulture is common and has numerous nesting sites on the stone veldt. Kori Bustards are abundant and prefer the sand veldt. The water holes attract many species, especially when water is plentiful. Raptor species include the huge Marshal Eagle, smaller Goshawk and Bateleur Eagle.

Directions

Road transfers from Ghanzi to Kanana and from Maun to Ghanzi can be arranged for a maximum of 4 guests at a time. Fly-in guests can use the registered air strip at Kanana Wilderness. Comprehensive road directions from Gaborone, Maun and Namibia are available and details of the airstrip, on request.

To Kanana and Motswiri Lodge from Ghanzi by road

Vehicles require a high clearance to access Kanana. There is only one Shell garage available in Ghanzi. As you drive out of the Shell Garage, turn right. Continue straight, at the t-junction turn left. Continue straight out of town. As you get to the outskirts of town, the road will turn to gravel (there is a sign here which reads “Groot Laagte 86km”) From the start of the gravel to the gate it is +/- 22km (14 miles), continue straight until you see the Kanana Wilderness / Motswiri Lodge signpost on your right.

Turn into the corridor with the game fence on the left and the smaller cattle fence on your right. Continue straight for 9.6 km (6 miles) then turn left into Kanana and go through the game fence gate. Continue on the dirt road following the signboards to Motswiri Lodge for +/-1km (0.6 miles). Arrive at Motswiri Lodge for welcoming drinks.