Makgadikgadi National Park

A Land of Endless Horizons & Ancient Mysteries

The Makgadikgadi Pans are one of Botswana’s most extraordinary landscapes – a vast expanse of shimmering salt flats, rolling grasslands, and scattered palm islands that stretch as far as the eye can see. Once a prehistoric super-lake, today, Makgadikgadi is an otherworldly wilderness teeming with life, dramatic seasonal transformations, and a rich cultural history.

SIZE

16,057 km²

ESTABLISHED

1970

WILDLIFE AREAS

OUR CAMPS IN THE AREA:

MARULA CAMP

A Place of Contrasts: Dry Season vs. Green Season

Makgadikgadi is a land of extremes, shifting between a stark, moon-like desert in the dry season and a lush, wildlife-rich haven during the rains.

Dry Season (May – October): The vast salt pans become a surreal, glistening expanse where the horizon seems to stretch into infinity. The arid landscape attracts desert-adapted species like brown hyenas, bat-eared foxes, and meerkats, while the isolation of the pans offers some of the most breathtaking star-gazing in Africa.
Green Season (November – April): With the arrival of the rains, Makgadikgadi undergoes a stunning transformation. The pans fill with water, attracting thousands of flamingos, pelicans, and other migratory birds. This is also when the great zebra and wildebeest migration moves through the region – the second-largest migration in Africa, followed closely by predators such as lions, cheetahs, and wild dogs.

Nxai Pans National Park: A Hidden Gem

On our safaris to Makgadikgadi, we also visit the neighboring Nxai Pans National Park, a stunning extension of this unique ecosystem. Nxai Pans is best known for:

The iconic Baines’ Baobabs, a cluster of ancient trees that have stood for over a millennium.
Seasonal wildlife migrations, including large herds of elephants, zebras, and springboks.
Incredible predator action, with lions, cheetahs, and spotted hyenas taking advantage of the abundant prey.

Why Visit Makgadikgadi & Nxai Pans?

For those seeking a safari beyond the ordinary, Makgadikgadi and Nxai Pans offer a spectacular blend of adventure, culture, and wildlife in one of Africa’s most striking landscapes. Whether witnessing the thunder of migrating zebras, walking with the San Bushmen, or gazing at the endless horizon of the salt flats, this region is a must-visit for travelers looking to experience the true magic of Botswana.

A SAFARI LIKE NO OTHER

Our Makgadikgadi safaris offer a diverse and immersive experience, including:

Game Drives – Explore the grasslands and pans in search of wildlife.
Bush Walks with the San Bushmen – Learn about ancient survival techniques, traditional hunting methods, and the rich culture of Botswana’s first people.
Quad Biking (Seasonal) – Experience the thrill of racing across the salt flats, available during the dry season.
Meerkat Encounters – Visit habituated meerkat families for an up-close and personal wildlife experience.
Stargazing in One of the Darkest Skies on Earth – With no light pollution, the Makgadikgadi sky offers a mesmerising view of the Milky Way.

VISIT MAKGADIKGADI

Get in touch to plan your Botswana Safari Experience.