Chobe National Park
Country : Botswana
09 Days Botswana Safari Vacations
Duration: 8N / 9D
On Request
Makgadikgadi Pans Travel Guide
Situated in the middle of the dry savanna of the north-eastern Botswana, the Makgadikgadi Pans covers approximate 12 000 sq km and is the largest salt pans on the planet. The park comprises of nutritious grasslands, attracting thousands of animals. It is one of the unique sights in Africa which has now become a common tourist attraction in Botswana. The Makgadikgadi pans are the remains of a once ancient lake and now form part of the route of Southern Africa's largest remaining migration. The rainy season in the national park is a sight to behold as you can see the pans come to life with water birds and great herds of game. Travelling to Botswana would be incomplete without your visit to the Makgadikadi Pans national park. A tour to this mystic land and across the desolate pans, will allow you to experience the ancient glamour. With surreal landscape and breathtaking view, Makgadikadi Pans national park in Botswana is a true delight and worth experiencing. Travellers can expect something unusual from this part of Botswana and get to know more about the African wilderness and scenic view of the park. Guests can stand on the spot of the mighty Zambezi River that stands on the extraordinary and lunar landscape.
Places To visit In Makgadikgadi Pans
Chapman’s Baobab
Chapman’s Baobab lies with its roots deeply planted a short distance south-east of the rural village of Gweta and is a well known landmark in Botswana. The massive tree is considered as one of the oldest Baobab's in Africa and a famous attraction in Makgadikgdai Pans.
Nxai Pans National Park
Situated just north of the Maun Nata main road, Nxai Pans National park is an ideal spot in Botswana to spend your day. The pans are the largest salt pans in the world - offering a unique safari experience, with great game viewing.
Nata Bird Sanctuary
The Nata Bird Sanctuary was developed at the mouth of the Nata River in the extreme northeast of Sua Pan. It is home to any species of African mammal wildlife and most importantly the African birds. From flamingoes, Pelicans, Ducks, Geese, Ostriches to Kingfisher Eagles, Spoon Bills, this bird sanctuary in Botswana has everything to offer to its visitors.
Gabatsadi Island
Gabatsadi Island lies west of the Gweta-Orapa track, 54 km south of Gweta. This enormous island doesn’t attract many visitors but have garnered attention from Prince Charles who went to capture the indescribably lovely scene in watercolor.
Baines' Baobabs
Baines Baobabs are seven immense baobab trees on an island that overlooks the white, crusted Kudiakam Pan. These Baobabs wee named after the 19th Century explorer, Thomas Baines whose accounts, drawings and maps of most of Africa were in appreciation of the beauty of the continent.
Kubu Island
Tour around Kubu Island can be fun as it allows you to explore more about the history of the island. This rocky island Sowa pan is full of prehistoric evidence of a lake as well as human inhabitation. You can see uniquely shaped baobabs on the crescent island that is surrounded by the white surface of the pan.
Best Time To Visit Makgadikgadi Pans
The Makgadikgadi Pans in Botswana is a year round destination and can be visited anytime of the year. The national park in the pans is open for the visitors all throughout the year. The best time to visit the Makgadikgadi Pans is during rainy season that is from November to March. During this time, the pans fill up the area with water attracting wildlife of that area. Thousands of flamingos also crowd the pans as they are filled with water making the scenic view breathtaking.
Things To Do In Makgadikgadi Pans
Let the experts guide you to the best of this mesmerizing destination
Bird Watching
Makgadikgadi Pans is famous for birding destination and travelers choose to visit this famous attraction in Botswana throughout the year. The greatest number of birds can be seen during the months of October to march as it is their migration period.
Game Drives
Featuring wild open plains and mesmerizing view of the pan, game drive is one of the exciting things to do in Makgadikgadi Pans. Experience the view of large herds of antelope converging on the great lakes to drink and play.
Historic Trails
During your visit to Makgadikgadi Pans, one of the most knowledgeable things you can achieve is the historic trails. Experienced Bushmen guide will take you on historic trails and you will learn about their ancient culture and natural environment.
Quad Bike Excursion
Quad biking excursion in Makgadikgadi Pans should not be missed as it is one of the top things to do in Botswana. Enjoy an afternoon tea session and get ready to explore the fun side of you. Mount on the quad bike to discover the vast and endless plains of the Makgadikgadi Pans.
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How to Reach Makgadikgadi Pans
Makgadikgadi Pans is located 162km/100mi east of Maun so it can be easily accessed by self-drive safari, an organized mobile safari, or a fly-in safari. The nearest international airport in Makgadikgadi Pans is Maune airport or Kasane airport. The easiest way to get to the park is to go by a chartered plane to the airstrip where they will drop you at one of the lodges on the western boundary of the park. Outside the park, Motopi airstrip is 20 km from the western boundary of the reserve, or Gweta airstrip is 16 km from the eastern boundary. Both may be used for access.
