Makgadikgadi Pans National Park: A Surreal Botswana Landscape

Discover Botswana's Makgadikgadi Pans National Park: vast salt flats, unique wildlife, and stunning desert landscapes. A photographer's dream!

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Moremi Game Reserve
Makgadikgadi Pans National Park

Explore the vast, shimmering salt flats of Makgadikgadi Pans National Park in Botswana, a landscape shaped by an ancient super-lake. Witness dramatic scenery, abundant birdlife, and unique wildlife adapted to this seemingly hostile environment. A year-round destination offering stark beauty and solitude.

A brief summary to Makgadikgadi Pans National Park

Local tips

A 4x4 vehicle is highly recommended for exploring the park, especially during the rainy season.
Visit during the wet season (November-April) for birdwatching and the zebra migration, or the dry season (May-October) for game viewing along the Boteti River.
Carry sufficient water, food, and fuel, as facilities within the park are basic.
Book accommodations and campsites in advance, especially during peak season (July-October).
Be aware of the potential for extreme temperatures and bring appropriate clothing.

Getting There

Driving

The primary access to Makgadikgadi Pans National Park is by 4x4 vehicle. From Maun, drive approximately 160 km east along the A3 highway towards Nata. The main entrance, Phuduhudu Gate, is located about 45 km west of Gweta. From Nata, travel approximately 100 km west on the A3 highway. Look for well-marked access points along the road. Note that a 4x4 is necessary to navigate the park's interior, especially during the rainy season. Entrance fees are payable at the gate. For international visitors, the fee is BWP 190 per person per day, plus BWP 75 per vehicle per day.

Discover more about Makgadikgadi Pans National Park

Makgadikgadi Pans National Park, situated in the heart of northeastern Botswana, encompasses 3,900 square kilometers of a truly unique landscape. The park protects a portion of the Makgadikgadi Pans, one of the largest salt flat systems in the world, remnants of a prehistoric lake that once dwarfed Lake Victoria. The name Makgadikgadi means "vast, lifeless land" in the San language, a fitting description for the seemingly endless expanse of shimmering white. While appearing desolate, the pans support a surprising array of life. During the rainy season (November to March), the pans transform into lush grasslands and seasonal wetlands, attracting massive flocks of flamingos, pelicans, ducks, and geese. This period also sees the arrival of migrating zebra and wildebeest, creating the second-largest migration of large mammals in Africa, a spectacle often called the "secret migration". The dry season (April to October) reveals the stark, otherworldly beauty of the salt flats. Wildlife congregates along the Boteti River on the park's western boundary, offering excellent game-viewing opportunities. Species include lions, cheetahs, elephants, gemsbok, springbok, and the uniquely adapted meerkats. Beyond its natural wonders, Makgadikgadi holds cultural significance for the San people, who have inhabited the region for thousands of years. The park also presents archaeological features and unusual landmarks like Kubu Island with its ancient baobab trees. Declared a game reserve in 1970 and later a national park in 1992, Makgadikgadi offers a chance to experience solitude and silence amidst a surreal landscape.

Iconic landmarks you can’t miss

Leroo La Tau

30.1 km

Experience the beauty of Botswana at Leroo La Tau, a stunning lodge offering luxury accommodations and unforgettable wildlife adventures along the Boteti River.

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 luxury of San Camp nestled in the mesmerizing Makgadikgadi Pans, where adventure and tranquility meet under the African sky.

Kudiakam Pan

36.0 km

Explore Kudiakam Pan, Botswana's serene lake, perfect for nature lovers, birdwatchers, and those seeking peaceful retreats amidst stunning landscapes.

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 the serene beauty of Botswana's wilderness at South Camp Nxai Pan, your perfect getaway for adventure and relaxation.

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

Discover the beauty of Nxai Pan National Park at Nxai Pan North Camp, your perfect lodge for adventure and tranquility in Botswana's wilderness.

Kwando Nxai Pan Lodge

64.6 km

Experience the untamed beauty of Botswana at Kwando Nxai Pan Lodge, where luxury meets adventure in the heart of nature.

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

Experience the breathtaking landscapes and diverse wildlife of Nxai Pan National Park, a hidden treasure in the heart of Botswana's wilderness.

Green’s Baobab

44.0 km

Discover Green’s Baobab, Botswana's iconic natural wonder, a majestic tree that embodies the spirit of resilience and the beauty of nature.

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.

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