Makgadikgadi Pans National Park

Although the Makgadikgadi National Park was only given its current status in 1992, it has been a conservation area since the 70s. It Borders the Boteti River, the main source of water on the western side. In the south eastern side are the Makgadikgadi salt pans. This area of 4900km2 was once part of Lake Makgadikgadi that covered a better half of northern part of northern Botswana. The fossil remains of the Great Lake being the Makgadikgadi Pans to the south east.

Best time to visit

April to November: The seasonal migration of Zebra and Elephants from Nxai Pan National Park comes to Makgadikgadi National Park during the dry months of April to November, to wait out the dry season. On a good afternoons drive, one goes through herd after herd of Zebra and Elephant. The River is wide and provides sweet grasses for different types of antelope as well. Hippopotamus are occasionally seen grazing on the edges of the river during the day.

Wildlife

The harsh scrubby, thorny, Sickle bush away from the Boteti River makes it difficult for one to enjoy the rest of the Park away from the river. The activities are thus centered along the river limiting game viewing to Zebra and Elephant. Small variety of antelope comes along to the river in the afternoons. Predators are shyer here because of their vicinity to cattle farming activity across the river. 

Our Safaris to Makgadikgadi

We don’t run any scheduled trips to Makgadikgadi, but include the area in tailor made safaris only.