Makgadikgadi Pans National Park

Makgadikgadi is part of the Kalahari basin and has some of the largest saltpans in the world. The shimmering, cracked crust doesn’t look as if it could support any form of life. After good rains, however, this desolate landscape transforms when new grass attracts thousands of animals. As the pans fill up, flocks of pelican and flamingo settle in as well.

Pros & Cons

Amazing geological feature of the salt pans
Off-the-beaten-track and little visited
Open plains make wildlife viewing better
Good concentrations of animals at the Boteti river in the dry months
Animal migration to the pans in the wet months
Less wildlife than in Chobe or Moremi
Little accommodation in and outside the park
It is very hot and dry

Big, migrating herds of Burchell's zebra and blue wildebeest move through the park. Other herbivores following the migration are oryx, eland and red hartebeest. There are good numbers of predators as well. Both spotted and brown hyena can be seen. Leopard are quite common in the riverine forest and lion can often be seen hunting zebra.

Wildlife Highlights

Springbok and oryx are particularly well adapted to the arid environment of the pans, and they can often be spotted here, even when there isn't much else around. Some predators that lurk around the fringes of the pan and can be found at dusk are aardwolf, bat-eared fox and striped polecat.

Best Time for Wildlife Viewing

Makgadikgadi Pans NP has very seasonal wildlife viewing. The actual pans attract wildlife in the wet summer months, from December to about May. However, most of the park and the lodges are concentrated around the Boteti River area, which is best for wildlife viewing in the Dry season, from June to December. The Dry season is best for seeing the pans as you can actually drive on them.

Wildlife Viewing

Visitors should always be extremely cautious around wild animals as they are unpredictable.

When on an organized safari, you should always listen to the instructions of your guide. When on a self-drive safari, it is essential to remain in your car, aside from designated areas where it’s safe to get out of the vehicle.

For more information, please read the 'wildlife viewing safety precautions' below.

Further advice on limiting dangers and annoyances when traveling:

• Wildlife Viewing Safety Precautions

• General Travel Safety Precautions

• Cities & Urban Areas: Safety Precautions

• Safety & Security – Botswana

• Malaria & Vaccinations – Botswana

Makgadikgadi Pans is more a birding destination than a general wildlife destination. Birding is phenomenal in the wet summer months, especially if the pans fill up and flocks of lesser and greater flamingo, accompanied by pelican, come feeding in the shallows. The flamingo breed on the pans when the water is high enough to protect their nests from predators.

Birding Specials–Treats for Avid Birders

Best Time for Bird Watching

Makgadikgadi Pans is a great park for bird watching throughout the year, but the thousands of flamingo that flock here in the wet summer months are the real highlight. The timing depends on the rain and algae levels and is highly variable, but the best months are in the Wet season, from November to April. This is the best time for migrants in general, and when a lot of birds are breeding and show their breeding plumage.

The Makgadikgadi Pans can be visited throughout the year. It’s a seasonal park and wildlife migrates through it. The actual pans attract wildlife in the wet summer months, from December to May. However, most of the park and lodges are concentrated around the Boteti river area, which is best visited for wildlife viewing in the Dry season from June to December

Best Time June to December (Best wildlife viewing at the river) and December to May (Best wildlife viewing and birding at the pans)

High Season July to October (The park never gets crowded, but high season rates may apply in lodges)

Low Season November to June (Low-season rates may apply)

Best Weather May to August (Less hot during the day with dry conditions)

Worst Weather January to March (It is hot, and it can rain a lot)

April to October –Dry Season

June to December are the best wildlife viewing months at the river area
Roads are in good condition, and it is easier to drive in the park
It is possible to drive, onto the pans
It is cooler in the middle of the day, from April to August
July to October is high season, and some lodges might have higher rates
It gets very dry and dusty

November to March –Wet Season

The pans fill up, and animals congregate to drink
Best birding time as migrants are present, and many birds are breeding
Big flocks of flamingos come to feed on the algae and might breed if conditions are right
It is very hot
Roads become boggy, and it isn’t possible to drive on the pans
Afternoon thundershowers can interfere with activities

The Makgadikgadi Pans’ climate is hot and desert-like. As with the rest of the country, the park experiences a distinct Dry and Wet season. In the Dry season, temperatures tumble at night, making it advisable to bring warm clothing for early morning game drives.

Dry season–April to October

The last rains typically fall in April. The park begins to look parched as the Dry season progresses. June and July represent the most pleasant daytime temperatures, but the mercury starts rising in August, and peaks in October and November.

April & May – The beginning of the Dry season is mostly dry, sunny and enjoyable. The middle of the day has an average temperature of about 29°C/84°F.
June, July & August – It is cooler during the heart of the Dry season, with temperatures rising to around 26°C/79°F in the afternoon. Rainfall is very limited. Be prepared for chilly conditions in the early morning (temperatures are about 7°C/45°F).
September & October – Conditions at night, and in the morning, are agreeable at the end of the Dry season. However, the days get sweltering before the rains finally break. By October, temperatures of 34°C/93°F make the park extremely hot.

Wet season–November to March

There is great relief when the first rains fall. It immediately cools down a bit, and it’s less dusty. It seldom rains the whole day but short showers are commonplace. It continues to be very warm throughout the season.

November & December – The end of the year is hot and frequently sunny and only rains sporadically. Early mornings have average temperatures of around 19°C/65°F, making them very comfortable.
January & February – These months receive the most rainfall. It can rain in the afternoon, but generally not for too long. This time of year is associated with heavy storms.
March – This month sees a decrease in rainfall, but it can still rain every couple of days, and thunderstorms are still around. Mornings have pleasant conditions with temperatures of about 17°C/63°F.

Most visitors on safari will enter Botswana through either Maun Airport (MUB) or Kasane Airport (BBK).

Makgadikgadi Pans National Park is located 162km/100mi east of Maun. The park can be reached on a self-drive safari, an organized mobile safari, or a fly-in safari.

The easiest way to get to the park is to fly by chartered plane to the airstrip at one of the lodges on the western boundary of the park. All lodges are quite far from the actual pans, but there are some campsites for mobile safaris closer to the pans.

It is also possible to fly into Victoria Falls Airport (VFA) in Zimbabwe and begin the journey from there. The distance from Victoria Falls is 550km/340mi.

Domestic Flights

Charter flights between parks, and from Maun or Kasana, are normally booked for you by the tour operator, as part of the safari package you have organized. There are no scheduled flights to Makgadikgadi Pans.

Safety

In our opinion, Botswana, is a very safe destination. So is Makgadikgadi Pans, especially for people on an organized safari.

Botswana is a popular self-drive destination. Makgadikgadi Pans National Park is, however, very remote and independent exploration of the park is only recommended for people with a lot of 4x4 bush driving experience. Venturing outside the park should only be done as part of a serious expedition with several vehicles. There are several campsites without facilities, so you need to be fully equipped.

Be sure that you receive the appropriate vaccinations before visiting Botswana. Though there are no major health concerns, Makgadikgadi Pans does lie in a high-risk malaria zone. It is advisable to take antimalarial medication. Safety measures to reduce the risk include using insect repellent (containing a minimum 30% DEET) and covering up in the evening. Malaria risk in the rainy season is particularly bad.

Botswana is in our opinion a very safe and politically stable country. If you are traveling on an organized trip and staying at lodges and camps, safety problems are very rare. As is the case all over the world, most crime occurs in the cities, and basic safety precautions (such as locking away your valuables at your accommodation) is advisable.

Below are tips on staying safe in Botswana.

Staying Safe on Wildlife Viewing Activities

To stay safe on safari, just follow your safari guide’s instructions. When on a self-drive safari, get familiar with the rules of the parks and reserves, never approach animals too close and don’t leave your car outside designated safe areas. For additional tips:

• Wildlife Viewing Safety Precautions

Staying Safe in Cities and Towns

Although crime is rare in Botswana, there are incidents of petty theft and pickpocketing in the cities. You are mostly sheltered from any risk on guided activities. When going out in the city unguided, you can easily avoid problems by following simple safety precautions: seek advice from your hotel before heading out; only take the money you need with you and never wear any valuables; take a taxi after dark. For more safety tips that apply to African cities in general:

• Cities & Urban Areas: Safety Precautions

Other Tips on Staying Safe

Please read the pages below regarding malaria and vaccination information for Botswana and general travel safety precautions.

• Botswana: Malaria & Vaccinations

• General Travel Safety Precautions

Malaria & Vaccinations – Botswana

The information on this page is just a brief guide and should not be used to replace a consultation with your travel doctor. The government organizations and travel clinics below are trusted resources for complete and up-to-date info regarding travelers' health in Botswana.

Malaria Risk

High risk in central and northern Botswana and low risk in the rest of the country. The highest risk of transition is in the rainy season, from November to June.

Wildlife viewing is generally very safe in our opinion. A professional guide will ensure your safety on a guided safari. Self-drive safaris are safe as well, as long as you treat animals with respect and follow all park rules. It is extremely rare for incidents to occur. Below are some general safety guidelines and tips.

Always follow your guide’s instructions and guidelines
Always keep your voice down when close to animals
Stay in the car during game drives except at designated areas where you are allowed to get out
Don't stand up in the car, hang out of the window or sit on the roof
Don’t drive too close to animals if you are on a self-drive safari and back off if the animals seem disturbed
Don’t drive between elephants in a herd, especially females and their young
Stay together as a group close to your guide on a walking safari and always walk in single file
Never run or jog in a wildlife area as it entices predators to attack
Never walk between a hippo and water; it may panic and charge because its safety route to the water is blocked
Never leave food in your tent; it will attract wildlife
Cover your arms and legs in the evening and use insect repellent to protect against mosquitoes
Wear a hat, use sunscreen and drink plenty of water
Don't wear bright and colorful clothes or too much perfume – especially on walking safaris
In tsetse-fly areas it is recommended not to wear dark-colored clothing – such as black or dark blue – since it attracts these stinging flies
Bring warm clothes for morning game drives in open vehicles

African safaris are generally safe in our opinion. Especially if your visit is primarily an organized tour. Your tour operator and guide will ensure your safety at all times. Self-drive safaris are generally safe as well, but it is recommended to seek advice about the safety of the areas you intend to visit. Below are some general safety tips:

Buy good travel and health insurance
Check the passport and visa requirements for your destination
Get all the required vaccinations, antimalarial medication and insect repellent (those containing DEET are most effective)
Lock all your travel bags and keep all valuables in your hand luggage
Make duplicates of important travel documents or keep copies online
Bring appropriate clothing to protect against the sun, mosquitoes and to stay warm on open vehicle game drives
Check luggage restrictions on all your flights (including domestic flights)
Don't drive at night
Put your valuables in the safety deposit box of the hotel
Always be polite and respectful to police officers and military personnel. In the rare instance that you might get asked for a bribe (on a self-drive safari only), a light attitude and a joke might well get you off the hook.

Travel in Africa is generally safe in our opinion. Especially if on an organized tour or safari. However, as is the case all over the world, there is an increased risk of crime in large cities and urban areas. Visitors on guided activities are mostly shielded from these risks and their guide will ensure their safety. When unguided, normal safety precautions and common sense should keep you safe. Below are some general tips:

Ask at your hotel if it is safe to walk around the local area; when new in a place it’s always good to seek local advice on safety issues
Don’t wear jewelry when walking in cities and leave all valuables in a safety deposit box at your hotel
Avoid walking alone in a large, unfamiliar city
Don’t walk around at night; take a taxi
Avoid getting engaged with people approaching you in the street
Be careful when drawing money from an ATM; go elsewhere if you suspect people hanging around
Always lock your car doors and close windows when driving in busy towns
Never leave a car unattended with valuables or luggage visible