Makgadikgadi Pans National Park: Botswana's Salt Heart

Explore Botswana's vast salt pans: witness dramatic scenery, unique wildlife, and stunning night skies in this otherworldly landscape.

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Makgadikgadi Pans National Park

The Makgadikgadi Pans National Park protects a vast, otherworldly landscape of salt flats in northeastern Botswana. Once a super-lake larger than Switzerland, it's now a dramatic expanse of shimmering plains, offering unique wildlife encounters and stunning scenery. The park is a haven for those seeking solitude and an unusual safari experience.

A brief summary to Makgadikgadi Pans National Park

Local tips

A 4x4 vehicle is highly recommended, especially if visiting during the rainy season, due to the challenging road conditions.
Pack for extreme temperature variations; days can be hot, but nights can be very cold, especially during the dry season.
Bring binoculars for enhanced wildlife viewing and birdwatching, especially during the wet season.
Consider visiting both the Makgadikgadi Pans and the adjacent Nxai Pan National Park for distinctly different experiences.
Book accommodations and campsites well in advance, particularly during peak season (July to October).

Getting There

Self-Drive

The main entrance to Makgadikgadi Pans National Park is located off the A3 highway, approximately 160 km east of Maun and 45 km west of Gweta. From Maun, follow the A3 towards Nata. The turnoff to the park is well-marked. A 4x4 vehicle is essential for navigating the park's sandy tracks, especially during the rainy season. Entrance fees are approximately BWP 190 per person per day for international visitors, plus BWP 75 per vehicle per day. These fees are payable in cash at the gate.
Chartered Flight

Many lodges within or near Makgadikgadi Pans National Park have their own airstrips or share one with other lodges. You can book a chartered flight from Maun Airport (MUB) or Kasane Airport (BBK) directly to these airstrips. This is a convenient but more expensive option. Charter flights are typically arranged through tour operators as part of a safari package. The flight from Maun to a lodge airstrip takes approximately 30-60 minutes.

Discover more about Makgadikgadi Pans National Park

Makgadikgadi Pans National Park, located in northeastern Botswana, encompasses approximately 4,900 square kilometers of the Makgadikgadi Pans, one of the largest salt flat systems in the world. These pans are the remnants of the ancient Lake Makgadikgadi, which began drying up millennia ago due to tectonic shifts and climatic changes. What remains is a striking, seemingly lifeless landscape that transforms dramatically with the seasons. During the dry season (May to October), the pans appear as vast, glaring white plains, creating a surreal, lunar-like environment. This is the ideal time for exploring the pans themselves, offering activities like quad biking and guided walks. The dry season also concentrates wildlife around remaining water sources, making game viewing easier. When the rains arrive (November to April), the pans undergo a remarkable transformation. The landscape becomes lush and vibrant, attracting massive migrations of zebra and wildebeest, creating the second-largest mammal migration in Africa. The wet season is also a paradise for birdwatchers, as tens of thousands of flamingos and other migratory birds flock to the flooded pans. The park offers diverse activities, including game drives to see adapted wildlife like springbok and gemsbok, cultural experiences with the San people, and stargazing under incredibly dark skies. Unique experiences include sleeping out on the pans under the stars and visiting meerkat colonies. The park's western boundary is formed by the Boteti River, which provides essential water for wildlife. The river's fluctuating water levels have significantly impacted the ecosystem, with periods of dryness followed by renewed flows, shaping the distribution of animals and vegetation.

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.

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