Makgadikgadi Pans

Makgadikgadi Pans

Tailor-made safaris that include Makgadikgadi Pans

Botswana: The Ancient Wilderness brochure preview

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Botswana Guide

Botswana's signature regions and what to expect in each: the Okavango Delta, Chobe, the Makgadikgadi salt pans and the Central Kalahari.

The basics

Why, when, and where.

Why

Stay in stylish lodges which guarantees an unforgettable safari experience. Leroo La Tau, Camp Kalahari, San Camp & Jack's Camp promises spectacular vista's & sightings of desert wildlife.

Need some advice? Our friendly safari experts are on standby to find you a place that suits your every need and will assist you with every step of your journey.

When

March - October: Dry Winter Season

Sunny & warm daylight hours with extremely cold nights. With October being the hottest month the Zebra and Wildebeest herds migrate in their thousands to the Boteti river to access the water. The Makgadikgadi is a harsh, dry environment, suited to Oryx and Kudu, but the river provides a life-giving source of water for the Zebra and Wildebeest utilising the eastern grass plains.

November - March: Wet Summer Season

Witness the desert area teem with wildlife as herds of Zebra and Wildebeest graze to their hearts’ content on the wide-open green grassland plains of the Makgadikgadi. This is the only time to witness the second largest migration in Africa.

Where

Makgadikgadi Pans Game Reserve

With an area of 3 900 sq kms the Makgadikgadi Pans Game Reserve incorporates the western end of Ntwetwe, extensive grasslands and acacia woodland. At its northern boundary, it meets the Nxai Pan National Park, separated only by the Nata- Maun Road.

During the wet season (November to March), wildlife viewing is excellent, particularly when large herds of zebra and wildebeest begin their westward migration to the Boteti region. Species include gemsbok, eland and red hartebeest, as well as kudu, bushbuck, duiker, giraffe, springbok, steenbok, and even elephant, with all the accompanying predators, as well as the rare brown hyena.

Imagery

Makgadikgadi Pans , in pictures.

Recent travellers

Word from people who have just been to Makgadikgadi Pans .

Quotes pulled directly from Trustpilot. Where we have specific reviews mentioning Makgadikgadi Pans , those come up first. Otherwise these are recent five-star notes from across the trips we have planned.

"Cearl has been so helpful in offering options and advice. Really appreciated her diligence and attentiveness throughout the booking process."
June 2026 · United Arab Emirates · Verified on Trustpilot ↗
"Absolutely seamless from start to finish. I had to change my travel options several times, and the team was incredibly patient, understanding, and accommodating throughout the process. We're so happy we found them. They took the time to tailor our trip perfectly to our family's needs, making everything stress-free and enjoyable. I highly recommend their ser…"
June 2026 · Verified on Trustpilot ↗
"Our travel agent Monica could not have been more helpful, we are very grateful for the effort she made to secure us a Safari at short notice. We are looking forward to travelling to Africa in September. Karen & Clive"
June 2026 · Verified on Trustpilot ↗
"i will have to say i had a pleasant time on my trip, full of fun experiences, that is something that i can say that i can knock out of my bucket list"
June 2026 · France · Verified on Trustpilot ↗

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