A memorable place to visit, no matter what time of year.

Makgadikgadi National Park covers a region largely covered by enormous salt flats, where an inland lake the size of Switzerland once lay, and dried up many thousands of years ago.

In the rainy season, see the zebra and wildebeest migration pass through this region, increasing your chance of seeing predators in action. The area also attracts huge flocks of migratory flamingos.

In the dry season, ride horses, quad bikes, or walk with bushmen across the vast, desolate salt flats, under a truly dazzling Milky Way.

WHY YOU SHOULD VISIT MAKGADIKGADI PANS

• Experience some of the diversity of Botswana all in one region, with the Boteti River area providing water for excellent game viewing, and the Nxai Pan offering stark, baobab-crested semi-desert landscapes.
• To the south of Nxai Pan, you’ll find a group of seven baobabs called The Sleeping Sisters. These trees were captured in watercolour by British artist/explorer Thomas Baines in 1862, and stand very much the same as they did 160 years ago.
• Meet Zu’hoasi bushmen and learn some of their fascinating culture and traditions.
• A great one for kids and adults alike – try a meerkat encounter! These popular creatures are habituated to humans (not to be confused with ‘tame’), and they might even climb on top of you if they’re in the mood!

OUR TIP – PLANNING A TRIP TO MAKGADIKGADI PANS

“If you go in the dry season, you should definitely plan an excursion to sleep out under the stars. Ride quad bikes out on the salt flats, and pull up a comfortable bed roll after dinner around the campfire.

Due to low light pollution, the night sky is breathtaking, and sunrise is equally spectacular.”

Pierre Burden

African Safari Expert, New African Safaris

SOME OF OUR RECOMMENDED MAKGADIKGADI LODGES