National Park
Makgadikgadi Pans National Park
Botswana 3,900 km² (1,505 mi²) Est. 1992
About Makgadikgadi Pans National Park
Makgadikgadi Pans National Park encompasses part of the largest salt pans in the world, a surreal landscape of blinding white salt flats that stretch to the horizon. During the wet season, the pans flood and attract one of Africa's largest zebra migrations, along with vast numbers of flamingos and wildebeest. The park is also famous for its habituated meerkat colonies.
0
Safari Tours
3.8
Avg Rating
1/5
Big Five
34
Years Protected
Highlights
- Surreal salt pan landscapes unlike anywhere else on Earth
- Habituated meerkat colonies for close encounters
- Spectacular zebra and wildebeest migration in wet season
- Excellent quad biking and sleep-out on the pans experiences
Considerations
- Dry season landscape is stark and wildlife is scarce
- Extreme temperatures in summer months
- Remote location with limited facilities
- Best wildlife viewing restricted to wet season only
Wildlife
Big Five Status
🦁
Lion
occasional
🐆
Leopard
Not present
🐘
Elephant
Not present
🦬
Buffalo
Not present
🦏
Rhino
Not present
Notable Species
Lion
Occasional
Zebra
Common
Wildebeest
Common
Springbok
Common
Gemsbok
Occasional
Hyena
Occasional
Jackal
Common
Bat-eared Fox
Occasional
Common Occasional Rare
Best Time to Visit
Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec
Peak Season Good Time Less Ideal
Climate Overview
Getting There
Drive approximately 3 hours east from Maun, or 3 hours west from Nata. The main entrance is near the Boteti River on the western edge. Charter flights are available to local airstrips.
Nearest Airport
Maun Airport (MUB)
Nearest City
Nata
Drive Time
3 hours