Wildebeest herd on the salt pans of Makgadikgadi

Makgadikgadi Pans National Park

Endless salt pans, shimmering horizons and seasonal wildlife movements make Makgadikgadi one of Botswana's most surreal landscapes. It is a place for big skies, desert silence, zebra herds, meerkats and unforgettable contrasts between dry and green seasons.

Meerkat in the Makgadikgadi Pans
Quad biking on the Makgadikgadi salt pans
Wildebeest crossing the salt pans
Wildebeest at seasonal water in Makgadikgadi
Sunset over Makgadikgadi
Baobab tree on the salt pans
Salt pans Salt pans
Dry & green season Dry & green season
Medium price level Medium price level
2 - 3 days 2 - 3 days

Makgadikgadi Pans National Park protects part of one of the largest salt pan systems in the world. What was once an ancient lake is now a vast landscape of pale pans, grasslands, palm islands and seasonal wetlands.

During the dry season, the pans can feel almost otherworldly: bright, open and silent. After the rains, the landscape changes dramatically. Grasses emerge, water gathers in depressions and zebras, wildebeests and flamingos may arrive in impressive numbers.

A safari here is less about dense vegetation and more about space, light and atmosphere. It combines beautifully with the Okavango Delta or Chobe because it shows a completely different side of Botswana.

Meerkat in Makgadikgadi

Wildlife in Makgadikgadi Pans National Park

Wildlife in Makgadikgadi follows the seasons. During and after the rains, zebras and wildebeests move through the grasslands and pans, creating one of Botswana’s most impressive migrations. Springboks, oryx and other desert-adapted species are also part of the scenery.

Predators such as lions, brown hyenas and black-backed jackals are present, although sightings depend on area and season. Meerkat encounters in the wider Makgadikgadi region are a special highlight for many travellers.

Birdlife can be excellent after rain, when temporary water attracts flamingos and other waterbirds to the pans.

Highlights

  • 01

    Vast salt pans

    The bright, open pans create one of the most unusual and photogenic landscapes in Southern Africa.

  • 02

    Seasonal zebra migration

    After the rains, zebras and wildebeests move through the region in search of fresh grazing.

  • 03

    Meerkat encounters

    In the wider Makgadikgadi area, habituated meerkat groups can sometimes be visited with experienced guides.

  • 04

    Desert atmosphere

    Few places in Botswana feel as spacious, quiet and dreamlike as the Makgadikgadi Pans.

Activities

Game Drive

Explore grasslands, pans and seasonal wildlife areas by 4x4.

Wildebeest in Makgadikgadi

Quad Biking

In suitable dry-season conditions, some areas offer quad-bike excursions on the pans.

Quad biking on the Makgadikgadi Pans

Meerkat Visit

Spend time with curious meerkats in the wider Makgadikgadi region.

Meerkat in Makgadikgadi

Sleep-Out

Experience the silence, stars and horizon of the pans in a deeply atmospheric way.

Sunset over Makgadikgadi

Getting there

By car

By car

Makgadikgadi can be reached by road from Maun, Nata or Kasane, with 4x4 access required for many safari areas.

By plane

By plane

Some lodges are reached by light aircraft from Maun or Kasane, depending on the itinerary.

Are you ready for your adventure?

Whether you want to glide through the Okavango Delta by mokoro, follow elephants along the Chobe River or experience the silence of the Kalahari - we will help you plan the right Botswana safari.

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