Makgadikgadi Pans National Park

Overview

Makgadikgadi Pans National Park is one of the most otherworldly landscapes in Africa—a shimmering expanse of ancient salt flats stretching across northeastern Botswana. Once a vast prehistoric lake, this dry-season desert transforms with the rains, drawing one of Africa’s largest zebra and wildebeest migrations. Visitors can explore open pans, fossil riverbeds, and palm islands teeming with wildlife. It’s a surreal setting for off-grid exploration, cultural encounters, and night skies unlike anywhere else on Earth.

Fun Facts

  • The pans are remnants of an ancient lake bigger than Lake Victoria.
  • Home to Africa’s second-largest zebra migration, after the Serengeti.
  • The park includes part of the Boteti River, where wildlife concentrates in the dry season.
  • Famous baobabs like Chapman’s Baobab once served as a navigation marker.

Things to Do

  • Watch the zebra and wildebeest migration during the rainy season.
  • Explore the salt flats by 4x4 or quad bike in the dry season.
  • Visit local San communities to learn about traditional desert survival.
  • Stargaze in one of the darkest night skies in southern Africa.
Desert landscape with orange sand dunes, sparse trees, and blue sky.
Desert landscape with sand dunes, sparse trees, and a mountain under a clear blue sky.
Barren trees in a desert landscape with red sand dunes and clear blue sky.
Desert landscape with orange sand dunes, blue sky, and a few scattered clouds.
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Where It’s Located

  • Region: Northeastern Botswana, southeast of the Okavango Delta
  • Distance: ~3–4 hours by road from Maun
  • Nearest Entry Point: Khumaga or Xhumaga Gate (near Boteti River)
  • Access: By 4WD from Maun or Nata; charter flights available to nearby airstrips

Wildlife Highlights

  • Burchell’s zebras (massive herds)
  • Wildebeest
  • Lions and brown hyenas
  • Meerkats
  • Ostriches
  • Flamingos (seasonal in wet pans)

FAQs

  • What’s the best time to see the zebra migration?

    The migration typically peaks between December and March, depending on rainfall.

  • Can I self-drive in the park?

    Yes, but a 4x4 vehicle is required, especially during or after rains when tracks can be flooded.

  • Is there accommodation in or near the park?

    Yes—lodges and camps are located near Khumaga, and some mobile camps operate inside the park.

  • What makes Makgadikgadi different from other parks?

    Its vast open space, extreme seasonal contrast, and salt pan ecosystem make it unlike any traditional safari destination.

At a Glance

  • Country: Botswana
  • Location: Northeastern Botswana
  • Established: 1992
  • Size: ~3,900 km²
  • Known For: Salt pans, zebra migration, desert-adapted wildlife
  • Best Time to Visit:  Dry Season (May–Oct) for salt flats & Boteti wildlife & Wet Season (Nov–Apr) for migration & birdlife
Chase the Zebra Migration