Makgadikgadi Pans National Park: Botswana's Salt Heart

Discover the surreal beauty and unique wildlife of Makgadikgadi Pans National Park, a vast salt pan landscape in Botswana's Kalahari Desert.

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Botswana
Central Kalahari Game Reserve
Makgadikgadi Pans National Park

Explore the vast, shimmering Makgadikgadi Pans National Park, a surreal landscape in Botswana that was once a super-lake. Today, it's a haven for unique desert-adapted wildlife and offers an unparalleled sense of solitude and stunning night skies.

A brief summary to Makgadikgadi Pans National Park

Local tips

A 4x4 vehicle is highly recommended, especially if visiting during the rainy season, as road conditions can be challenging.
Pack for extreme temperature variations, as days can be hot and nights can be very cold, especially during the dry season.
Bring plenty of water, food, and fuel, as facilities within the park are limited.
Consider visiting during the wet season (Dec-Apr) for birdwatching and to witness the zebra and wildebeest migration.
Book accommodations and campsites in advance, especially during peak season (July to October).

Getting There

Self-Drive

The most common way to reach Makgadikgadi Pans National Park is by a self-drive safari. From Maun, take the A3 road east towards Nata. The main entrance to the park is approximately 160 km east of Maun and 45 km west of Gweta. Look for well-marked access points along the A3. A 4x4 vehicle is essential for navigating the park's dirt tracks and sandy conditions. Entrance fees are payable at the gate in cash (BWP). As of 2022, the fee for international visitors is P190 per person per day, plus P75 per vehicle per day. Ensure you have sufficient fuel, water, and supplies, as facilities within the park are limited.
Chartered Flight

For a quicker and more convenient option, consider a chartered flight from Maun or Kasane to one of the airstrips serving lodges on the western boundary of the park. Several charter companies operate from Maun, including Delta Air, Mack Air, and Wilderness Air. Charter flights typically cost between USD 300-600 per person, depending on the distance and aircraft type. This option provides stunning aerial views of the pans and saves considerable travel time.

Discover more about Makgadikgadi Pans National Park

Makgadikgadi Pans National Park, situated in the heart of Botswana, protects a portion of the world's largest salt pan complex. These pans are the remnants of a super-lake that existed tens of thousands of years ago, creating a unique and surreal landscape. The name 'Makgadikgadi' means 'vast, lifeless land' in the San language, but this belies the park's subtle beauty and surprising biodiversity. The park's landscape is dominated by expansive salt flats, interspersed with grasslands, acacia woodlands, and occasional rocky islands. During the dry season (May to October), the pans appear as an endless expanse of shimmering white, offering incredible stargazing opportunities. The wet season (November to April) transforms the pans into lush grasslands and shallow lakes, attracting migratory birds like flamingos and large herds of zebra and wildebeest. Wildlife in the park has adapted to the harsh desert environment. Visitors can spot springbok, gemsbok, Kalahari lions, meerkats, bat-eared foxes, and ostriches. The Boteti River, which forms the park's western boundary, attracts elephants and other wildlife, especially during the dry season. Experiences in Makgadikgadi Pans National Park range from game drives and guided walks to quad biking across the pans and sleeping under the stars. The park offers a sense of remoteness and tranquility, perfect for those seeking solitude and a connection with nature.

Iconic landmarks you can’t miss

Leroo La Tau

30.1 km

Luxury safari lodge on the Boteti River, offering exceptional wildlife viewing and a unique Kalahari experience in Botswana.

Khumaga Camp Sites

30.5 km

Experience Botswana's wild beauty at Khumaga Camp Sites, your gateway to the Makgadikgadi Pans National Park and the great zebra migration.

Camp Kalahari

33.8 km

Experience the magic of the Kalahari at Camp Kalahari: Adventure, wildlife encounters, and cultural immersion in Botswana's stunning desert landscape.

San Camp

34.0 km

Experience the magic of the Makgadikgadi Pans in luxurious style at San Camp, a unique desert oasis in Botswana's Kalahari.

Kudiakam Pan

36.0 km

Discover Kudiakam Pan: Botswana's hidden gem offering serene landscapes, diverse wildlife, and the iconic Baines' Baobabs.

Jack's Camp

39.4 km

Experience the magic of a 1940s-style safari in the heart of Botswana's Makgadikgadi Pans at the luxurious and iconic Jack's Camp.

Gweta Lodge

53.9 km

Your comfortable base for exploring the Makgadikgadi Pans, offering wildlife encounters and cultural experiences in the heart of Botswana.

South camp Nxai Pan

57.3 km

Experience Nxai Pan's wildlife spectacle from the comfort of South Camp, your gateway to Botswana's natural wonders.

Boteti River

59.2 km

Experience Botswana's dramatic landscapes and abundant wildlife along the Boteti River, a vital artery connecting the Okavango Delta and Makgadikgadi Pans.

Planet Baobab

59.4 km

Experience Botswana's quirky side at Planet Baobab: Authentic lodging, Kalahari adventures, and unforgettable desert nights near the Makgadikgadi Pans.

Nxai Pan North Camp

63.7 km

Experience the Kalahari's raw beauty at Nxai Pan North Camp, a remote campsite in Botswana's wildlife-rich Nxai Pan National Park.

Kwando Nxai Pan Lodge

64.6 km

Experience the magic of Nxai Pan at this exclusive lodge, offering unparalleled access to Botswana's dramatic landscapes and wildlife.

Unmissable attractions to see

Kumaga Entrance to Makgadikgadi Pans National Park

30.5 km

Discover Botswana's wild heart: Explore the Makgadikgadi Pans through the Kumaga Entrance for unmatched landscapes and wildlife encounters.

Kumaga Entrance to Makgadikgadi Pans National Park

Boteti River Camp

30.8 km

Explore Botswana's salt pans and wildlife from Boteti River Camp, your comfortable gateway to Makgadikgadi, Nxai Pan, and the Kalahari.

Baines Baobabs

37.9 km

Discover the enchanting beauty of Baines Baobabs, home to ancient trees and breathtaking landscapes in Botswana's wilderness.

Nxai Pan National Park

39.5 km

Explore Botswana's Nxai Pan National Park: Witness massive migrations, ancient baobabs, and stunning Kalahari landscapes. A unique safari adventure awaits!

Green’s Baobab

44.0 km

Discover Green's Baobab in Botswana: A historical landmark where explorers left their mark on an ancient African icon.

Baobab Chapmana

46.1 km

Explore Baobab Chapmana in Tutume, Botswana - a historical landmark featuring majestic baobab trees and rich local culture.

Meno-A-Kwena Tented Camp

53.0 km

Experience Botswana's wildlife at Meno-A-Kwena Tented Camp: stunning views, diverse activities, and a commitment to sustainable tourism on the Boteti River.

Aardvark

59.2 km

Discover Aardvark in Tutume, Botswana: A blend of culture, nature, and adventure in a welcoming village setting.

Nwetwe Pan

60.1 km

Discover Botswana's Nwetwe Pan: a seasonal spectacle of wildlife, stunning landscapes, and serene solitude in the heart of the Makgadikgadi.

Nxai Pan

62.3 km

Explore Botswana's Nxai Pan: Witness dramatic wildlife migrations, iconic baobabs, and vast landscapes in this unique national park.

Flughafen

72.4 km

Your starting point for exploring the stunning landscapes and wildlife of Nxai Pan National Park in Botswana.

NG/47 Concessionaire

74.0 km

Discover Botswana's hidden gem: NG/47 Concessionaire, a state park offering tranquility, diverse wildlife, and stunning natural beauty.

Makadikadi Basin

78.8 km

Explore the Makgadikgadi Pans: Botswana's ancient salt flats, a landscape of stark beauty, unique wildlife, and profound historical significance.

Nata Bird Sanctuary

78.8 km

Discover Botswana's avian paradise: A community-run sanctuary teeming with flamingos, pelicans, and diverse wildlife on the Makgadikgadi Pans.

Makgadikgadi Pans

82.6 km

Explore the surreal beauty and vast landscapes of Makgadikgadi Pans, Botswana: wildlife migrations, ancient baobabs, and stark, stunning scenery.

Markets, malls and hidden boutiques

TauTswana

31.5 km

Experience the authentic taste of Botswana at TauTswana, a premier butcher shop in Xhumaga, specializing in locally sourced meats and culinary treasures.

Wings

53.1 km

Explore the vibrant local flavors and artisanal products at Wings in Gweta, a must-visit grocery store for every traveler.

Saverite Gweta

54.1 km

Discover the essence of Botswana with local products at Saverite Gweta - your grocery haven in the heart of Gweta.

China Shop

54.4 km

Discover local flavors at China Shop in Gweta, a vibrant grocery destination offering a taste of Botswana's culinary delights.

TOP BAR, HARDWARE, BUTCHERY, SALON AND BOTTLE STORE

77.5 km

Explore the vibrant community hub of Rakops with shopping, dining, and local culture all in one place.

TOP BAR, HARDWARE, BUTCHERY, SALON AND BOTTLE STORE

Essential bars & hidden hideouts

Center Bar

31.2 km

Experience the vibrant nightlife at Center Bar in Xhumaga, where great drinks and an inviting atmosphere await every visitor.

Bludot Liquor Store

53.5 km

Discover Bludot Liquor Store in Gweta, Botswana – a serene bar offering excellent service and a perfect retreat for travelers seeking relaxation.

Kwa Ga Xhubus Bar and Grill

54.2 km

Savor the vibrant taste of Botswana at Kwa Ga Xhubus Bar and Grill, the perfect dining destination for tourists in Gweta.

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