About Makgadikgadi Pans National Park
Makgadikgadi Pans National Park Flora & Fauna
Even though Makgadikgadi Pans are known as dead lands, it has a diverse ecosystem comprising Baobab trees and palm groves. Most of the park is composed of grassland, riverine woodland, and scrubland. The native species of the park are the Umbrella Thorn (Acacia tortillas) and Camelthorn (Acacia erioloba), which are covered by thorns to protect their leaves from animals. The flora of the park varies greatly depending on the different seasons. The region does not support many varieties of plants during the dry season due to the excessive mineral depositions and arid conditions, but during the rainy season, the landscape is transformed, and you can see a wide variety of annual plants. The park gets covered with wildflowers and Tsamma melon during the rainy season.
Makgadikgadi National Park boasts a wide variety of wildlife like caracal, lion, impala, genet, zebra, wildebeest, jackal, leopard, brown and spotted hyena, bushbuck, cheetah, kudu, and porcupine. If you're lucky, you can even spot the rare white rhinoceros that are present in a small number within the park. You can also spot tortoises, lizards, rock monitors, snakes, and spiny agamas. The meerkats are the permanent residents of the park, and in the wetter season, flamingos migrate to the park. Larger mammal sightings are rare within the park due to the uncompromising climate and excessive mineral depositions. Smaller predators like the Black-Backed Jackal and Brown Hyena and smaller mammals like Spring Hares, rodents, and carrions can be easily spotted in the park.
Makgadikgadi Pans National Park Tour Packages
This 10 days tour package unveils the best that Johannesburg, South Africa, and seven other destinations in Africa have to offer. Marvel at the stunning landscapes of Makgadikgadi Salt Pans, appreciate the mystical beauty of Victoria Falls, and enjoy a sunset cruise in Chobe. You can also have spectacular sightings of animals on the waterways of the Okavango, witness black and white rhinos at Khama Rhino sanctuary and visit the cultural hotspots of Braamfontein, Newtown, or Maboneng.
- Inclusions
- Accommodation
- Meals (Breakfast, lunch, dinner)
- Open safari vehicle
- Professional guide
- Sunset cruise on Chobe
- Price: USD 1000-1500
Also Checkout: Botswana Safari Packages
Sign up for this 21-day package and discover Namibia and Botswana varied landscapes, breathtaking attractions, and lush flora and fauna. Visit the sublime Victoria Falls, look for animals in the Okavango Delta, and enjoy a safari in Chobe and Etosha national parks. Witness the zebra migration from December to March at Makgadikgadi Pans National Park and see the shimmering red sands of the Namib & Kalahari Deserts. Also get a chance to explore the living museum of Damara in your Namibia & Botswana trip along with getting a chance to enjoy day as well as night drives.
- Inclusions
Shared accommodation
Meals (Breakfast, lunch, dinner)
Transport by safari truck/minibus
Caprivi boat cruise and game drives
Bush walks with San Bushmen
- Price: USD 10000-140000
This package will take you through the diverse landscapes of Africa, ranging from national parks to waterfalls and deltas. Witness the sheer power of Victoria Falls, explore the Makgadikgadi Pans on a 4x4 safari, and search for rare black rhinos at Khama Rhino sanctuary. You can also traverse the wildlife-rich islands and waterways of the Okavango and enjoy a guided walk in the Taswana village.
- Inclusions
Entry fees for all parks
Gweta Village Walk
Okavango Delta Excursion
Meals (Breakfast, lunch, dinner)
Optional 4x4 safari
Service of tour leader
- Price: USD 1100-1500
This 31 day tour package gives you a chance to explore the wildlife, natural beauty and hidden attractions of Africa. Spot wildlife in the Greater Kruger region, witness the breathtaking beauty of Victoria Falls, marvel at the majestic desert landscapes of Sossusvlei and Swakopmund. You can also enjoy a 4x4 excursion of Makgadikgadi Pans National Park and indulge in a nature walk at Windhoek.
- Inclusions
Shared accommodation
Meals
Game drives
4x4 safari
Nature drive
Cruise on the Chobe River
Service of tour leader
- Price: USD 19350- 22400
Get ready for the wilderness experience of a lifetime by booking this 9 day package that will unfold the best that Africa has to offer. This tour will take you through Makgadikgadi Pans, Okavango Delta, Moremi and Chobe. Meet with the baby elephants at Elephant Heaven Adventure and enjoy a bush walk at Elephant Sands.
- Inclusions
Accommodation
Meals
Bush walk
Game drives
Nature drive
Full day tour of Mokoro
Service of tour leader
- Price: USD 2963.33- 3500
Explore the best wildlife destinations of Botswana and have magical animal sightings experience by booking this 13 day tour package. Experience the beauty and grandeur of Victoria Falls, witness the unique diversity of wildlife and unique geological features of Makgadikgadi Pans and enjoy a game drive through Moremi. Enjoy a boat cruise on the Chobe River and get up close to the animals at Hwange National Park.
- Inclusions
Accommodation
Meals
4x4 game drive
Boat cruise on Chobe River
White water rafting at Victoria Falls
- Price: USD 2820-3200
Things to Do at Makgadikgadi Pans National Park
During the rainy season(December-March), you can witness Africa's second-largest Zebra migration at Makgadikgadi Pans National Park. Stay in awe as you see thousands of zebras thundering down the savannah and their black and white stripes shimmering in the heat. The herd of zebras leaves the Chobe River in Namibia and heads to the Makgadikgadi Pans National Park in search of fresh grazing.
Also Read: Things to Do in Botswana
Discover the natural wonders of Makgadikgadi Pans National Park and learn about the bushman way of life by enjoying a nature walk with the Zu/’hoasi Bushmen. The bushmen will teach you how they have survived in uncompromising environments using their ancient knowledge of animal and plant behavior and survival skills. They will also show you unique animal and bird species and tell you extraordinary uses for ordinary-looking plants.
Suggested Read: Places to Visit in Botswana
Pack your binoculars and get ready to make new feathered friends at Makgadikgadi Pans National Park. The national park is home to a diverse population of birds, such as the Egyptian goose, knob-billed duck, great white pelican, and whistling duck. Most of these birds can be found near the delta of the Nata River between November to April. Thousands of flamingos and pelicans flock here in the wet summer months.
Your trip to Makgadikgadi Pans National Park won't be complete if you don't enjoy an exhilarating quad-biking adventure across the salt pans. Feel the wind whistling through your hair as you race across the pale white-grey sands at an incredible speed. Before you set off on the 4x4 quad bike, you'll be briefed by your guide so that you can have a safe quad biking expedition. Since parts of the salt pan flood during the rainy season, quad biking is not possible during this time of the year.
One of the best things to do in Makgadikgadi Pans National Park is to have an up close and personal interaction with meerkats, who are one of the habituated groups in the area. Spend time with these friendly creatures and watch them hunt, play, and gather food. They might even come close to you and sit on your shoulder and leap onto your lap.
One of the best ways to discover flora and fauna of Makgadikgadi Pans National Park is by opting for a helicopter ride. As you fly in a helicopter, you can take in the picturesque views of the endless stretches of white sand and unspoiled landscapes. See the flamingos and millions of tiny shrimps lying dormant below the white salt crust.
Lodges and Camps in Makgadikgadi Pans National Park
Elephant Sands is situated on a twenty-three thousand hectares private game reserve and offers the real African wilderness stay experience. It offers safari tents, family safari tents, chalets, and family chalets with en-suite bathrooms. The luxurious tents have comfortable beds, private verandas, and charging stations. You can take a dip in the swimming pool, enjoy a hot-stone massage in the spa and savor a bush breakfast.
- Location: 53 km north of Nata on the Nata – Kasane road
- Amenities: swimming pool, campsite, hot and cold water, fridge, bedding.
- Price: US $ 70-150
Must Checkout: Botswana Safari Lodges
Jack's Camp is situated in the heart of Botswana's Kalahari Desert and is considered the epitome of luxury and comfort. It is a 1940's style safari camp with a private museum, drinks tent, shop, and a pool pavilion. It features three double and seven twin tents with en-suite bathrooms and outdoor and indoor showers. There's no electricity or wifi in the tents, but there are tons of opportunities to connect with nature. Some of the activities that you can enjoy here include horse riding, quad biking, night drives and nature walk.
Location: Botswana's Kalahari Desert
Amenities: pool pavilions, en suite bathrooms, fridge, hot and cold water, restaurant.
Price: US $ 1200-2900 per person
Gweta Lodge is located a short distance from the Makgadikgadi Salt Pans and is a great choice for undiluted wildlife viewing. It offers a variety of accommodations ranging from luxury tents to chalets and family rooms. Cool off and refresh your senses by taking a dip in the pool and have a memorable dining experience at the restaurant. You can also enjoy village walks, sundowners, and overnight and day trips to the Makgadikgadi Salt Pans.
Location: Botswana, Makgadikgadi Pans
Amenities: swimming pool, bar, seating areas, restaurant, bathroom, viewing deck.
Price: US $ 1050-1500 per person
Leroo La Tau lies above the dry Boteti Riverbed and is a luxurious haven amidst the wilderness. It features twelve glass-fronted and luxurious thatched suites on a wooden platform overlooking the Boteti River Valley with a 270° view. You can enjoy refreshing drinks at the bar, cool off in the swimming pool, and enjoy the panoramic views from the game viewing hide.
Location: Western bank of the Boteti River
Amenities: swimming pool, bar, laundry service, fridge, hot and cold water.
Price: US $ 600-700 per person
Set amongst the lush green acacia and palm trees of Brown Hyena Island, Camp Kalahari is an ideal base for experiencing the beauty of the Makgadikgadi Salt Pans. It has twelve luxurious tents with en suite bathrooms and sit-out areas. There's also a thatched swimming pool where you can enjoy a refreshing dip on a hot afternoon. If you're looking for adventure, you can enjoy quad biking across the salt pans and learn about the local culture by opting for a walk with the Zu’/hoasi bushmen.
Location: Makgadikgadi Pans National Park Botswana
Amenities: living and dining area, library, bar, laundry service, indoor showers.
Price: US $ 550-950 per person
Plan Your Visit to Makgadikgadi Pans National Park
How to Reach
- By Air
Fly into Victoria Falls Airport in Zimbabwe, which is around 550 km from Makgadikgadi Pans National Park. Outside the airport, you can hire a taxi/cab to reach Makgadikgadi Pans, National Park. There are several entrances to the park that are open from 6 am-6.30 pm Apr-Sep and 5.30 am-7 pm Oct-Mar. The main entrance is opposite Nxai Pans from Phuduhudu Gate. The easiest way to reach the national park is to get to any of the nearby lodges on the western boundary of the park by a chartered plane and then reach the national park by private transfers.
Best Time to Visit
Wet summer months (December to May) are the best time to visit Makgadikgadi Pans National Park, as herds of Zebra and Wildebeest head to the Makgadikgadi Pans National Park in search of fresh grazing. The dry winter season (May to October) is the best time to visit salty Makgadikgadi Pans for quad biking as the saltpans start to dry out.
Carry insect repellent and a first aid kit.
Carry a water bottle to stay hydrated throughout the tour.
Wear comfortable shoes or hiking boots so that you can walk with ease.
Carry sunglasses and a hat to protect yourself from the sun's rays.
Even in summer, it can be extremely cold late evening and early morning, so it is best to carry layers and fleece on your trip.
Carry a backpack to put all your clothing, equipment, snacks, and water.
Don't feed, touch, frighten, tease or intentionally disturb the wildlife animals.
Stay on the marked paths as they are well-maintained and safe for walking.
If you're traveling as a group, don't wander too far rather stay together.
Visit your local clinic and get the required vaccinations before heading to the park.
Follow the instructions of your guide and stick to your intended route.
FAQ's of Makgadikgadi Pans National Park
What activities can we do at Makgadikgadi Pans National Park camps?
You can enjoy some of the most enthralling activities at Makgadikgadi Pans National Park camps, including guided bush walks, zebra and wildebeest migration, and quad biking. You can also have close interaction with the meerkats and enjoy morning and evening game drives.
How many days do you need in Makgadikgadi Pans National Park?
You would require a minimum of two days to explore Makgadikgadi Pans National Park.
On the first day, you can enjoy a nature walk with the Ju/'hoansi Bushmen and enjoy bird watching.
Dedicate your second day to quad biking and game drives.
What is the best time of year to visit the Makgadikgadi Pans National Park?
Wet summer months (December to May) are the best time to visit Makgadikgadi Pans National Park, as the entire park is teeming with wildlife and lush greenery. You can also see Zebra and Wildebeest migration during these months. You can also visit the national park between June and December which is the best time for viewing wildlife at the river
What facilities will I get in Makgadikgadi Pans National Park camps?
Some of the facilities that you'll get in Makgadikgadi Pans National Park camps include a solar-powered fridge, cooktop, hot and cold water, laundry service, bar, restaurant, swimming pool, and sit-outs.
Is Makgadikgadi Pans National Park worth visiting?
Yes, Makgadikgadi Pans National Park is absolutely worth visiting as it has endless stretches of white salt, vast uninhabited spaces, and is home to meerkats and desert-adapted wildlife. In the wet months, it attracts large numbers of wildebeest, zebra, springbok, and breeding flamingos. You can also enjoy various activities here like bushwalking, camping, quad biking, and bird watching.