A traveller’s guide to the Makgadikgadi Pans National Park

The Makgadikgadi Pans National Park with an area of 3,900 kilometres. It is situated in the middle of the dry savanna of north-eastern Botswana, but it is one of the largest salt flats in the world. It lies southwest of the Okavango Delta and is surrounded by the Kalahari Desert.

Makgadikgadi Pans National Park comprises nutritious grasslands, attracting thousands of animals. It is, however, an area of low rainfall and the Boteti River rarely flows to capacity but often has everlasting pools that attract waterbuck, bushbuck, and hippos. You will somehow feel its ancient glamour when journeying into this magical land and across the desolate pans. If you’re planning, a Botswana safari – a traveller’s guide to the Makgadikgadi Pans National Park is definitely what you need.

When to go

The zebra migration in Botswana begins when the rains start to fall- usually around the end of November to early December. The best time to visit the Makgadikgadi Pans National Park, depends on the kind of experience you’re looking for. The pans are only accessible during the dry season – from March to October, the glaring white surface spreads so far that you can see the earth’s curvature.

This season includes peak winter days with sunny and warm daylight hours, but the nights are extremely cold. However, from August to November – windy weather sets in, with October being the hottest month – the wildebeest and herd of zebra migrate slowly towards the Boteti River in anticipation of the rains. Meanwhile, the wet summer season of November to March. The road becomes impossible to travel – but the Pans usually retain water into April or May, which is great for birding and game watching.

What to see

Flocks of flamingos can be observed from the air during a thrilling helicopter flight where you can experience the true size of this awesome spectacle. Game such as springbok, gemsbok, wildebeest and zebras move slowly from the pans in the South East of the park, to the Boteti River on the Western side of the park. Animals accumulate in their thousands during this migration – one can also see shy antelope such as duiker and bushbuck in heavily wooded areas beside the river.

The main objective in visiting the Makgadikgadi National Park is not to view game only, but to experience true remoteness and absolute isolation. However, the best way to view the pans this season is to fly over the pans. You will then also see the spectacular flamingo flocks. The sheets of water that cover the northeastern section of the Makgadikgadi during the first few months of wetter years attract a phenomenal marvel of water birds.

The arrival of this water stimulates the birth of millions of tiny shrimps and other crustaceans otherwise lying dormant below the white salt crust. Greater and Lesser flamingos arrive, journeying from as far off as the Great Rift Valley in East Africa to partake in one of Africa’s largest avian feasts. From a helicopter, the flamingos appear as enormous pink clouds in a shimmering silver sky. Helicopter Horizons run helicopter flights over the flamingos and can be organized through San Camp, Jacks Camp and other accommodation options in the area.

What to do

Quad biking across the vast expanse of dry salt pans is one of the highlights of visiting the Makgadikgadi Pans National Park. Among the many things to do in the Makgadikgadi Nationals Park are safari rides, game drives, birdwatching, and a tour of the Gweta as well as sightings such as eland, lions, zebras, cheetah, gemsbok, springbok, red hartebeest bushbuck, giraffe, steenbok, elephants and many more.

You can also experience the view of large herds of antelope converging on the great lakes to drink water and play. Encounter Bushmen trackers that will take you on guided walks to historical sites where you will learn about the connection between their ancient culture and the natural environment.

Places to stay

Elephant Sands

Elephant Sands is situated 53km north of Nata on the Nata—Kasane road on a 23000 ha private game reserve. You can view the elephant drinking from the waterhole right in front of the lodge or from the swimming pool.

Accommodation includes safari tents on stilts, family safari tents on stilts, chalets, and family chalets, all with en-suite bathrooms. A campsite offers outside (and inside) ablutions for those looking for a real African experience. A swimming pool lets you cool off and relax in the midday sun.

A picturesque watering hole is the focus point at this camp, where animals such as impala, elephant, and kudu come in their droves in the late afternoon for a drink. Enjoy a true bush experience at Elephant Sands on a game drive or bush walk in the private game reserve with trained guides, or relax and take in the view of our watering hole while enjoying a barbeque.

The best time to visit is during the dry months of May to November, when animals congregate around pans and waterholes. Other activities that are seasonal and weather-dependent include a Makgadikgadi Pans sundowner or overnight. All activities are at an additional cost with a minimum of four guests.

Jack’s Camp

Jack’s Camp Botswana is an oasis of style and comfort in the middle of Botswana’s Kalahari Desert. It is a beautiful authentic 1940s-style tented safari camp that includes a private museum, shop, drinks tent, and pool pavilion. Spectacular vistas, creative surprises, expert guiding, old-world safari styling, and superb cuisine all come together to create an experience that is completely different from any other.

Jack’s Camp features seven twin and three double tents with en-suite bathrooms featuring indoor and outdoor showers. Spacious and stylish – with an elegant atmosphere.

The activities are varied and combine wildlife with culture, history, archaeology, and geology. Most are on offer all year round and include interacting with incredibly habituated meerkats, walking with Bushmen guides, day and night game drives, Chapman’s Baobab (one of the oldest and biggest trees in Africa), and birdwatching.

During the dry season (16th April – 31st October) activities include quad biking across the saltpans.

Gweta Lodge

Gweta Lodge holds 15 rooms comfortably accommodating 38 pax. There is a bar, swimming pool, and relaxed seating areas. The lodge is situated only a short distance from the Makgadikgadi Salt Pans where you can see the very entertaining meerkats, the impressive Baobab trees and the incredible biodiversity of the region.

There are plenty of activities to enjoy and majestic landscapes to experience in the Makgadikgadi. This is the perfect destination for those who prefer something a little more off-the-beaten-track and an authentic Botswana safari with various accommodations to suit your budget. We highly recommend Makgadikdagi Pans and would love to make it happen for you.