Makgadikgadi Pans
This panorama of white sand and salt supports one of Africa’s largest zebra populations
Discover the iconic Makgadikgadi Pans
The largest salt pans in the world, spanning over 16,000 km² (9,942 m²), the Makgadikgadi Pans are an awe-inspiring sight; a vast sea of white that was once the centre of a huge lake that evaporated more than 2,000 years ago. Remnants of an ancient lake, the pans are interspersed with sandy desert and occasional vegetation, and is home to one of Africa’s largest zebra populations. When the rains fall during the wet season, the pans fill with water and attract large numbers of zebra, springbok and wildebeest, followed closely by predators, making for fantastic game viewing.
Shimmering miles of white are made up of surreal landscapes where flocks of swallows soar in ragged formation and elephant tracks appear seemingly out of nowhere, blend into a sense of endless space. In the midst of this nothingness lies Kubu Island, a granite outcrop walled with companies of baobab reaching stubby branches towards the sky.
In this extraordinary and almost lunar landscape guests can stand on the spot where the mighty Zambezi River once flowed into a gigantic lake that covered these pans, leaving behind a beach full of smooth pebbles. At the world’s biggest breeding site of greater flamingos, unusual mud nests wait for their inhabitants’ annual return.
Why we love it
Visible from the moon
The Makgadikgadi Pans, visible from the moon, form the bed of an ancient super-lake which once covered an area larger than Switzerland and dried up many millions of years ago. These pans are a vast and complex network of shimmering white flats during the dry season, morphing into a system of bountiful watering holes for wildlife during the wet season.
In absolute isolation
In addition to its abundance of game, the Makgadikgadi National Park offers adventurers the true and raw beauty of remoteness. Mile upon mile of shimmering white salt stretches to the horizon; an awe-inspiring sight. Not to mention, the lack of light pollution provides some incredible stargazing opportunities, showcasing Africa’s vast night sky filled with billions of stars.
The great zebra migration
During the wetter months, between December and March, the rains are known to completely change the habitat. During this period, lush grasses absorb the nutrients around the pans inviting Africa’s second largest zebra migration to head west from the Boteti River in search of the sumptuous green grass, closely followed by predators.
Pretty pink flamingos
From an avid birders point-of-view, the winter, wetter months are also a great time to see flamingos, with both the greater and lesser migrating to the pans to feed, mate and lay their eggs. The brilliant, bright pink flamingos provide a stunning contrast to the salt water lake and this area is recognised as one of the most important flamingo breeding grounds on the continent.
Where to stay
Accommodation that enthuses authenticity
From charming under-canvas extravagance to elegant safari tents to magnificent nature-inspired lodges, Botswana offers travellers, from all corners of the globe, a wide variety of accommodation options well-suited to the unique safari experience they are after.
Tented Camps
Entrenched in solitude and comfort, with the lightest of footprints, stay at one of these remote tented camps, with only the walls of your tent separating you from the unrefined marvels of Botswana.
Safari Lodge
The epitome of safari luxury, enjoy an immersive African bush adventure while staying at this exclusive lodge designed to provide you with an unmatched opportunity to experience Botswana at its best.
Choose your immersive Botswana experience
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