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Makgadikgadi Pans

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Highlights

The Makgadikgadi Pans are one of the world’s largest salt flats, offering breathtaking, otherworldly landscapes.

During the rainy season, the pans teem with wildlife, including migratory zebras, wildebeest, and predators like lions and cheetahs.

Thousands of flamingos flock to the pans during the wet season, making it a critical breeding ground in Southern Africa.

Kubu Island, a sacred granite outcrop, features ancient baobabs and stunning panoramic views of the salt flats.

Rich in history, the area showcases Stone Age relics and offers cultural encounters with the San (Bushmen) people.

June – December (Best wildlife viewing at the river) & December – May (Best wildlife viewing and birding at the pans)

July – October

Botswana Gallery

What Wildlife is in Makgadikgadi Pans ?

Most animals traverse this area during the wet season, when the salt pans turn into lush grasslands, perfect for grazing. During this time of the year, you can expect to see an abundance of zebras, giraffes, wildebeest, flamingos, and other migratory birds while on your Botswana safari. Elephants are occasionally seen here, as well as lions, leopards, and hyenas.

When to Go

From April to October, the dry season on a Botswana safari is a great time to visit the Makgadikgadi Pans for quad biking adventures and stargazing. For optimal wildlife viewing, plan your trip for the wet season – from November to March – when the pans burst to life. This brings the zebra migration and excellent birdwatching opportunities.

Peak

Low

Mixed

Botswana Safari in January

Botswana, home to the highest concentration of elephants in Africa, offers a unique safari experience. While not the peak season, the rainy season offers a unique perspective, revealing sights unseen during drier months. While wildlife sightings may be less frequent in January, it's an ideal time for birdwatching and observing smaller game. Weather in January Expect lush, green landscapes as well as occasional thundershowers. Although it’s considered a wet month, the temperatures are often hot, with the rains allowing a cooling period. Despite the less-than-ideal weather, the conditions offer stunning photographic opportunities. You won’t need to layer clothes for your...

Botswana Safari in January

Botswana Safari in February

Lodges and safari experiences haven’t reached their peak this month, so you'll be spoilt for choice regarding accommodation. Going on a Botswana safari in February is unique. Since calving season occurs in January, you can see animals with their young in February. Witnessing this is unique as wildlife is presented in a completely different light than you would witness in the dry season. Weather in February The rainy weather persists during February but begins to lessen slightly as the month goes on. On the bright side, this time of the year sees 244 hours of sunshine, so you won’t spend...

Botswana Safari in February

Botswana Safari in March

The perks of travelling at this time of the year include seeing the zebra migration and elephants scooping up the fallen fruits in the Okavango Delta. Zebra sightings mean good lion sightings on your safari tour as well. Zebras and elephants, among the many animals that are around, stick to water sources to drink, which means that predators are around, too. This will give you a great view of predator and prey interactions in the wild. Weather in March The rain decreases in March, and the weather is humid and warm. Thunderstorms occur occasionally, primarily sticking to the afternoons. However,...

Botswana Safari in March

Botswana Safari in April

April marks a significant transition in the natural landscape, as the rainy season concludes and the skies clear. This change leads to vibrant green environments that are visually striking and foster a rich biodiversity. Wildlife observation opportunities increase during this time, with various parks offering unique botswana safari experiences. The month is particularly advantageous for birdwatching and wildlife observation. Early mornings and evenings are the most active times for game drives, presenting ideal conditions to witness interactions between predators and their prey. Bring along your binoculars to enhance your experience of the natural world during this dynamic season. There’s so...

Botswana Safari in April

Botswana Safari in May

As May approaches in Botswana, the safari season gains momentum due to improving weather conditions. The shift towards drier, more pleasant weather reduces rainfall, which in turn influences pricing. During this transitional month, travellers can still enjoy relatively lower rates as accommodations and tour operators have not yet implemented their peak pricing. This is an ideal period for those seeking a more tranquil safari experience, as the number of visitors remains sparse, allowing for a more intimate connection with Botswana's stunning landscapes and wildlife. Taking advantage of this window in May provides a budget-friendly opportunity and the joy of exploring...

Botswana Safari in May

Botswana Safari in June

June is a popular month for a safari, and the season tends to pick up very quickly, which means camp availability becomes scarce and rates are up. Your Botswana safari will be exceptional, as sunny weather directly impacts game viewing. Since June is a sunny month, your game-viewing opportunities are perfect. Weather in June The sun is out, and there is very little chance of rain in June. The weather contrasts with South Africa, where rain is highly prevalent. Temperatures begin to rise, and they are much better than in April. This month is called the dry season and is...

Botswana Safari in June

Botswana Safari in July

July is the most popular month for a safari in Botswana. Vegetation and waterholes start drying out. Since tall grass isn't blocking the way, game is much easier to spot. To see big game life, Selinda Game Reserve is an excellent place to start as it houses four of the Big Five, with just rhinos absent. Other reserves, like Moremi Game Reserve, comprise the entire Big Five. Botswana also has parks that are great for birding safaris. As safaris are popular in July, rates are higher, and lodges and camps can get fully booked quickly. If this is the month...

Botswana Safari in July

Botswana Safari in August

August is such an exciting time to visit Botswana, especially since it lines up with European holidays! While temperatures may soar, the weather tends to feel quite pleasant. Just like in July, it’s a fantastic month for safaris. Plenty of wildlife lives around water sources, making it a great opportunity to spot animals in all their glory. Each park offers its own unique experience—some feature the Big Five, while others might have four, along with other amazing attractions. If you're thinking about visiting the Central Kalahari, August stands out for its fantastic weather and exceptional wildlife viewing opportunities. However, keep...

Botswana Safari in August

Botswana Safari in September

Lodges and camps are full around this time of year, as September is a popular month for wildlife viewing. The weather remains excellent; however, the green landscapes die out in dryer conditions, and most parks become dusty. These dry conditions don't make it an ideal time for photography. September is a great time to visit parks and reserves like the Mashatu Game Reserve, the Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park, and the Selinda Game Reserve. In the Mashatu Game Reserve, you’ll find animals like lions, spotted hyenas, and cheetahs, while the other parks have some of the Big Five, with the rhino rarely...

Botswana Safari in September

Botswana Safari in October

October is one of the driest seasons in Botswana, and because of this, wildlife viewing is at its peak. The lack of vegetation and water forces wildlife to stick around the few remaining water sources, allowing you to see them in full force. However, the dry and dusty weather makes it a challenging month for photography. Some popular parks to visit in October include the Linyanti Reserve, where wild dogs, cheetahs, and lions are a regular occurrence; as well as the Moremi Game Reserve, which is a Big Five destination; and the Selinda Game Reserve, which houses lions and elephants...

Botswana Safari in October

Botswana Safari in November

November is such an interesting month to visit Botswana! It's full of surprises; some days might feel just like October with the heat, while other days can be pleasantly cool, with a bit of rain adding to the charm. Even though it’s typically considered a rainy month, don’t let that discourage you! You can still have an incredible safari experience in Botswana. Some parks are bustling with wildlife year-round, and you might even spot different animals than you would see during the drier months. Just a little tip: make sure to dress warmly! The mornings and evenings can get a...

Botswana Safari in November

Botswana Safari in December

December brings a good chance of rain, with heavy showers usually popping up in the afternoons before letting up. While the game life might not be as bustling this month, the zebra migration in the Linyanti Reserve is a must-see! Imagine watching these beautiful creatures splash through the water on a lively Botswana safari – it’s truly a sight to behold. Plus, for all photography lovers, December is a fantastic time for a safari, giving you the chance to capture unique moments you won't find in other months. If you're looking for an exciting spot to explore, don't miss Nxai...

Botswana Safari in December