Makgadikgadi Pans National Park: Botswana's Salt Pan Paradise

Explore Botswana's Makgadikgadi Pans National Park: witness the great zebra migration and surreal salt landscapes in this unique safari destination.

4.5

Looking to book tours, experiences or hotels? Let me help you...

Home
Botswana
Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park
Makgadikgadi Pans National Park

The Makgadikgadi Pans National Park in Botswana protects a vast and surreal landscape of salt flats, grasslands, and unique wildlife. Once a super-lake larger than Switzerland, it's now a dramatic expanse offering stark beauty and a chance to witness the second-largest zebra migration in Africa.

A brief summary to Makgadikgadi Pans National Park

Local tips

A 4x4 vehicle is essential for exploring the park, especially during the rainy season.
Carry spare fuel and water, as there are no fuel or shops within the park.
Visit during the dry season (May to October) for the best wildlife viewing opportunities.
Book campsites in advance, as there are limited options available.
Be prepared for extreme temperatures, with hot days and freezing nights, especially in winter.

Getting There

Self-Drive

The main entrance to Makgadikgadi Pans National Park is located off the A3 highway, approximately 160km east of Maun and 45km west of Gweta. From Maun, allow approximately 3 hours of driving time. A 4x4 vehicle is essential due to sandy tracks within the park. Entrance fees for international visitors are approximately BWP 190 per person per day, plus BWP 75 per vehicle per day. Payment can be made in cash at the gate or in advance at the Department of Wildlife and National Parks (DWNP). Ensure you have sufficient fuel, as there are no refueling facilities within the park.
Chartered Flight

Most visitors arrive via Maun Airport (MUB), where you can connect to a chartered flight to one of the airstrips located near the lodges on the western boundary of the park. This is the most convenient option, though it is also the most expensive. Chartered flights are typically booked as part of a safari package. Prices vary depending on the operator and the length of the flight.

Discover more about Makgadikgadi Pans National Park

Makgadikgadi Pans National Park, located in northeastern Botswana, offers a safari experience unlike any other. The park protects 4,900 square kilometers of the Makgadikgadi Pans, which are the remains of an ancient super-lake that was once larger than Switzerland. Today, the pans form one of the largest salt flat systems in the world. The landscape is characterized by vast, shimmering white plains that stretch to the horizon, creating a surreal and otherworldly experience. During the dry season (May to October), the pans appear as an endless expanse of salt, offering stunning views and a sense of complete isolation. The sense of space is so immense that you can even see the curvature of the Earth. When the rains arrive (November to March), the pans transform into lush grasslands, attracting massive herds of zebra and wildebeest in what is considered the second-largest migration of large mammals in Africa. The zebra migrate from the Okavango Delta to the pans in search of fresh grazing. The wet season also brings an influx of migratory birds, including flamingos, pelicans, ducks, and geese, turning the pans into a birdwatcher's paradise. The park is also home to unique desert-adapted species such as meerkats, bat-eared foxes, and brown hyenas. Visitors can enjoy game drives, guided walks, and cultural experiences with the San people, who have a deep connection to the land. Stargazing is another popular activity, as the clear, unpolluted skies offer incredible views of the night sky. The Makgadikgadi Pans National Park offers a chance to experience the raw beauty and solitude of the African wilderness, with its dramatic landscapes and unique wildlife encounters. It's a destination that will leave a lasting impression on any traveler seeking adventure and natural wonder.

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.

Joy Pan Tours

53.9 km

Discover Botswana's stunning landscapes and rich culture with Joy Pan Tours in Gweta, your gateway to unforgettable adventures.

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.

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.

Veracity