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Driving, Makgadikgadi Pans, Botswana
Home Destinations Africa Botswana Makgadikgadi Pans

Makgadikgadi Pans

A place of extremes – from a lush watery expanse in summer to a golden wilderness in winter.

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Measuring almost 40-metres deep, over an area of eight million hectares, Lake Makgadikgadi, was once one of the world’s super lakes. Formed millions of years ago, this covered the Kalahari before drying up and creating what is now part of one of the world’s largest salt pans – and one of Africa’s most unusual travel experiences.

Flamingos, Makgadikgadi Pans, Botswana
Flamingos, Makgadikgadi Pans, Botswana

The pans in the summer

This landscape here changes dramatically with the seasons. With the summer rains (November to April), the pans are transformed creating shallow lakes which attract thousands of flamingos and extraordinary birdlife.

Down on the western boundary, the game-rich Boteti River area sees the migration of thousands of zebra and wildebeest, and the predators who hunt them – second only the great migration in the Serengeti.

Quadbiking,Makgadikgadi, Botswana
Botswana

The pans in the winter

During winter (May to October), the pans dry out again and the famous black-maned Kalahari lion stalks this empty expanse for prey. With the change in landscape, activities turn from traditional game viewing to quad bikes expeditions onto the lunar-like pans, Bushmen walks, horse riding and meerkat visits.

Experiences

What do you really love doing? We curate your itinerary especially for you.

Kubu Island, Makgadikgadi Pans, Botswana
 

Explore the Pans

Visit remote archaeological sites, walk with Bushmen trackers and meet some friendly meerkats.

Suggested camp

Zebra migration, Boteti River, Makgadkgadi Pans, Botswana
 

Botswana’s Migration

Witness southern Africa’s largest zebra and wildebeest migration on the Boteti River.

Suggested camp

boy with meerkats, Makgadikgadi Pans, Botswana
 

Watch the local Meerkats

Spend time watching the antics of a habituated group of meerkats at Jack’s Camp.

Suggested camp

Flamingos, Makgadikgadi Pans, Botswana
 

Birdwatching in Makgadikgadi

Discover the excellent birding, with flocks of flamingos in their thousands.

Quadbiking,Makgadikgadi, Botswana
 

Quad biking on the Pans

Race across the endless pans on quad bikes, heading deep into this wilderness. At night, sleep on a bedroll, beneath a sky filled with stars.

Suggested camp

Where to stay

Some of the wonderful places to stay that we frequently recommended.

Jack’s Camp £££££

  • Botswana
  • Safari and Wildlife Lodge

Jack’s Camp is located deep in the Kalahari Desert on the edge of the Makgadikgadi Pans, the largest saltpans in the world. This classic desert safari camp has ten large walk-in tents (romantically lit by paraffin in the evenings).

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Camp Kalahari £££££

  • Botswana
  • Safari and Wildlife Lodge

Located on Hyena Island at the edge of an ancient super lake and adjacent to the Makgadikgadi National Park, is the classically quaint, Camp Kalahari. Accommodation consists of ten classic safari tents of which one is a family unit. Main camp facilities include a thatched library, lounge, dining area and a swimming pool which has a deck with thatched shady comfortable seating.

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Meet our experts

A passion for travel runs right through every one of our experts - meaning they're always ready with first-hand insight about their specialist countries.

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Illona Cross

Before joining Steppes Travel over 25 years ago, I spent a decade working as a ranger, guide and lodge manager across Southern and East Africa. It’s also a deeply personal place for me: I got married in Africa, honeymooned in Africa and still return every year with my family – proof that my love for the continent runs far deeper than just professional experience.

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Chris Johnston
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Chris Johnston

Chris is the Conde Nast Traveller chosen Specialist for Madagascar, Democratic Republic of Congo and Rwanda.

Almost three decades ago, I set off for a three-month trip to Africa – and ended up staying for two years. Since then, I’ve led groups through Rwanda, Uganda and Malawi, and have been named a Specialist for Madagascar, Democratic Republic of Congo and Rwanda by Condé Nast Traveller. This depth of knowledge and on-the-ground experience is something I bring to each tailor made itinerary I create.

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