Makgadikgadi Pans National Park

Makgadikgadi Pans National Park | Botswana Salt Pans

Explore Makgadikgadi Pans National Park, home to vast salt pans, flamingos, meerkats, and unique desert safari experiences.

Makgadikgadi Pans National Park in Botswana is one of the world's largest salt pans, a vast and unique landscape that transforms dramatically between the dry and wet seasons. The park, a remnant of the ancient Lake Makgadikgadi, is renowned for its unique scenery, the second-largest zebra migration in Africa, and a profound sense of isolation and silence.

• Location: Situated in northeastern Botswana, bordered by the Boteti River to the west. The nearest towns include Gweta, Nata, and Maun.
• Size: The park covers an area of approximately 3,900 square kilometres (1,506 square miles).
• Landscape: A shimmering, cracked salt crust that, after good rains, transforms into a grassland and temporary wetland, attracting thousands of animals and a major bird migration.
• Access: A 4x4 vehicle is essential for self-driving due to sandy tracks. Access is also available via chartered flights to local airstrips near lodges.

• Dry Season (July to October): Wildlife concentrates along the permanent water source of the Boteti River, making game viewing reliable. This is also the best time for quad bike excursions onto the dry, open pans.
• Wet Season (December to March): The landscape transforms as the pans fill with water, attracting flocks of flamingos and pelicans, and supporting the large zebra and wildebeest migration as they move east into the pans.

• Game Drives: Witness the incredible zebra and wildebeest migration and spot predators like lions and hyenas that follow the herds. Common antelopes, elephants, and brown hyenas can also be seen.
• Bird Watching: During the wet season, the area is a vital breeding ground for flamingos.
• Meerkat Encounters: Visitors can spend time with habituated meerkat troops.
• Cultural & Historical Exploration: Explore archaeological sites and visit historical landmarks like the ancient baobab trees.
• Stargazing: The lack of light pollution provides unparalleled stargazing opportunities.