Makgadikgadi Pans National Park is located in the heart of the arid Savannah in northeastern Botswana. The park spans an area of 3,900 km² and features a salt pan that consists of the remnants of the once expansive Lake Makgadikgadi. The park ranks among the largest salt pans globally. In technical terms, Makgadi comprises multiple pans rather than a single one, featuring a sandy desert landscape. The largest of these is the Sua (Sowa), along with the Nwetwas and the Nxai Pan, which are situated to the southeast of the Okavango Delta and encircled by the Kalahari Desert. The area spans approximately 1900 m2 (4,921.0 km2), making it the largest individual pan.
The pans are characterized by a sandy desert, featuring merely a thin layer of blue-green algae and exhibiting very limited biodiversity during the extreme dry season marked by intense hot winds and solely salt water. However, following a storm, the pan transforms into a vital refuge for migratory animals, including wildebeest and one of Africa’s largest zebra populations. During the wet season, migrating birds such as ducks, goats, and white pelicans are included in the journey. This casserole hosts one of just two breeding colonies of Greater flamingos, located within the Makgadikgadi Pans in southern Africa.
What to do in Makgadikgadi National Park
Discover the Salt Pans
Discover the salt pans, recognized as the largest in the world, spanning both the Nxai National Park and the Makgadikgadi National Park. The salt pans can be observed in both the dry and wet seasons, but the optimal time for viewing is during the dry season, as this is when you can get a truly close look at them. While they may not be overly dry, the view they provide, particularly at sunset, is remarkable.
Mororo Ride
Mokoro rides through the Makgadikgadi are primarily provided by various camps and local individuals seeking to earn a livelihood. A Mokoro is a handcrafted canoe designed to accommodate two passengers: the tourist and the operator, who navigates the vessel using a pole. The allure of a Mokoro ride lies in its serene silence, free from engine noise, allowing you to immerse yourself in the wilderness without disturbances. This experience enables you to navigate the flooded areas of the salt pan, where you can observe a variety of swamp birds, including the black bustard, the Egyptian goose, and the yellow-billed duck, among others.
Birdwatching in Makgadikgadi
The Makgadikgadi hosts a remarkable variety of bird species that migrate from neighboring countries, particularly during the dry season. Among these are the African darter, the blacksmith lapwing, the pink lesser flamingo, and numerous other species.
Makgadikgadi Safari in Botswana
Game drives through the Makgadikgadi National Park occur during the dry season, showcasing animals that are adapted to the semi-desert conditions of the area. Visitors can expect to see a variety of wildlife, including hyenas, lions, baboons, giraffes, meerkats, warthogs, jackals, elephants, springboks, bushbucks, hartebeests, and bush pigs. The game drives can be conducted either during the day or at night, with the night drives allowing you to observe all the nocturnal animals and birds within the park.
Wildlife watching
Animal viewing in the Makgadikgadi is most effective during the dry season; however, the park teems with wildlife during the rainy season, also referred to as the green season. The variety and number of animals visible during this period significantly surpass those observed in the dry season. During this same season, the Park witnesses numerous wildlife migrations, including the Zebra migration, recognized as the second largest annual animal migration on the African continent.
The Makgadikgadi National Park is an excellent destination to explore, and your safari experience would be incomplete without a visit to the Makgadikgadi, given its remarkable offerings. Simply pack your bag and head to the Pans, but be prepared for the hot weather typical of the region.
Quad Biking
Quad biking through the Makgadikgadi pans offers an exceptional experience, as this destination showcases a vast landscape that truly highlights the beauty of the Makgadikgadi. Quad bikes will be available at the camps, and they can generally be driven during the cooler parts of the day, specifically in the morning or evening. It is advisable to steer clear of the hours between midday and three, as the heat can be quite intense. Exploring the Makgadikgadi National Park on a quad bike offers a fantastic opportunity to navigate the entire park effortlessly.
Track Animals with The Bushmen
Tracking animals with the Bushmen while trekking through the salt pans offers a deeper understanding of their way of life and their enduring existence in challenging weather conditions. They demonstrate their hunting techniques, showcasing their unique skills, and teach you how to survive in the wild. Additionally, you will gain insights into their culture and traditions as you track animals alongside them.
Photography Expeditions
Photo safaris in the park offer an exceptional opportunity to capture the essence of the Makgadikgadi region through the lens. The camera has a unique ability to capture moments that might otherwise go unnoticed, and the ideal time for photography is in the morning when the lighting is perfect. For anyone uncertain about using a camera, there are knowledgeable tour guides available to guide you through the fundamentals of photography. You can capture a variety of subjects, including the salt pans, wildlife, diverse bird species, the local San Bushmen (with their permission), and many other attractions during your visit.
Boat cruises
Boat cruises in the Makgadikgadi are among the activities available in the park during the wet season, often referred to as the green season. A boat cruise offers a unique opportunity to explore the entire park, including areas that are flooded, while also allowing you to observe a variety of bird species near the water bodies. While enjoying your boat rides, you have the opportunity to fish alongside the locals, who navigate the waters in their Mokoro canoes. This experience allows you to learn about their traditional fishing techniques and the ways they preserve these practices.
Nature Guided Walks
Trekking through the National Park, particularly in the Makgadikgadi, is typically undertaken during the dry season. This is due to the fact that the wet season brings flooding to the park, rendering the trekking routes quite challenging. The trek through the park requires the presence of a tour guide, and it is primarily undertaken in the mornings and evenings, as the afternoons can become excessively hot for trekking. A journey through the Makgadikgadi Park offers a chance to witness the diverse wildlife, avian species, and the expansive flora that blankets the entire area.
Cycling through Makgadikgadi National Park
Cycling through the Makgadikgadi National Park is best undertaken during the dry season, allowing you to fully explore the wonders of the salt pans. In the dry season, the pans nearly dry up, revealing their vast expanse, allowing for a clear view of the animals that traverse the salt pans. It is beneficial for anyone looking to exercise, but be prepared for the uneven terrain. Before heading out for cycling, ensure you are fully equipped with protective gear, including knee pads, a helmet, and elbow pads.
