Makgadikgadi Pans (incl Nxai Pans)
Botswana
Getting to know Makgadikgadi Pans (incl Nxai Pans)
Botswana’s Makgadikgadi and Nxai Pans offer a unique and unforgettable safari experience, showcasing the stark beauty and rich biodiversity of this incredible region. Whether you’re drawn to the surreal salt flats of Makgadikgadi or the diverse wildlife of Nxai Pans, both destinations promise an adventure like no other.
Makgadikgadi Pans
The Makgadikgadi Pans, located in northeastern Botswana, are among the largest salt flats in the world. These pans are remnants of the ancient Lake Makgadikgadi, which once covered a vast area larger than Switzerland but dried up thousands of years ago. The pans are not a single entity but a collection of many pans, with the largest being Sua (Sowa), Ntwetwe, and Nxai Pans.
- Wildlife: During the wet season, the pans transform into a haven for wildlife, attracting large herds of zebras and wildebeest, as well as flamingos and other water birds.
- Landscape: The dry season reveals a stark, otherworldly landscape of salt-crusted earth, offering a unique and surreal experience.
- Activities: Visitors can enjoy game drives, bird watching, and cultural tours with the local San people.
Nxai Pans
Nxai Pan National Park lies just north of the Makgadikgadi Pans and is known for its large salt pans and diverse wildlife. The park is particularly famous for the Baines Baobabs, a group of ancient baobab trees named after the explorer Thomas Baines.
- Wildlife: The park is home to elephants, lions, giraffes, zebras, and many antelope species. During the rainy season, it attracts large herds of migratory animals, including thousands of zebras.
- Baines Baobabs: These iconic trees are a must-see and offer a picturesque spot for photography.
- Activities: Visitors can engage in game drives, bird watching, and exploring the unique landscapes.
Which animals and/or activities can be found at Makgadikgadi Pans (incl Nxai Pans)?
The Makgadikgadi Pans & Nxai Pans in Botswana are a unique and fascinating destination for wildlife enthusiasts. Whether you’re drawn to the dramatic migrations or the chance to see rare predators, Makgadikgadi Pans offers a unique and unforgettable wildlife experience.
Wildlife
The best time for wildlife viewing in Makgadikgadi & Nxai Pans is during the wet summer months from December to May, when the pans are teeming with life. However, the Boteti River area offers excellent wildlife viewing opportunities during the drier months from June to December.
Here are some of the notable animals you can encounter:
- Zebras and Wildebeest: The pans are famous for one of Africa’s most impressive migrations, where large herds of Burchell’s zebra and wildebeest move seasonally through the area.
- Lions: These majestic predators are occasionally seen across the park.
- Leopards and Cheetahs: While leopards are rare and elusive, cheetahs can sometimes be spotted near the pans.
- Elephants: These giants are occasionally seen, especially along the dry riverbed of the Boteti River.
- Giraffes: Commonly seen browsing among the trees, giraffes add to the park’s diverse wildlife.
- Hyenas: Both spotted and brown hyenas are present, with brown hyena dens located near the northern end of the pans.
- Antelopes: Species such as springbok, gemsbok, and eland are well-adapted to the arid conditions and are often spotted here.
- Birdlife: During the wet season, the pans attract a variety of water birds, including flamingos.
Activities
Both Makgadikgadi and Nxai Pans offer unique and unforgettable experiences for visitors. Whether you’re seeking adventure, wildlife encounters, or cultural insights, these destinations have something for everyone. Here are some highlights:
- Game Drives: Explore the vast salt flats and surrounding grasslands on guided game drives. Spot wildlife such as zebras, wildebeest, and predators like lions and cheetahs.
- Bird Watching: During the wet season, the pans attract a variety of water birds, including flamingos and pelicans.
- Cultural Tours: Engage with the local San people and learn about their traditional way of life and survival skills in this harsh environment.
- Quad Biking: Experience the thrill of quad biking across the expansive salt flats, especially during the dry season when the pans are dry and firm.
- Baines Baobabs: Visit these iconic ancient trees, which are a must-see and offer fantastic photo opportunities.
- Bird Watching: The park is home to a variety of bird species, making it a great destination for bird enthusiasts.
- Walking Safaris: Join a guided walking safari to get up close and personal with the flora and fauna of the park.
- Mobile Camping: Spend a night under the stars at one of the park’s campsites, enjoying the tranquility and beauty of the African wilderness.
Weather and Rain Patterns
No matter when you choose to visit, the Makgadikgadi Pans offer unique and unforgettable experiences year-round. Whether you prefer the lush, green landscapes of the wet season or the prime wildlife viewing of the dry season, there’s always something magical to discover.
Dry Season (April to October)
April to May: The beginning of the dry season is pleasant, with mostly dry and sunny days. Daytime temperatures are around 32°C (90°F), making it a great time for outdoor activities.
June to August: These are the coolest months. Daytime temperatures are comfortable, averaging around 27°C (81°F), but nights can get chilly, dropping to about 10°C (50°F). Be sure to pack some warm clothing for early morning game drives.
September to October: As the dry season progresses, temperatures start to rise. By October, daytime temperatures can reach up to 36°C (97°F). This is an excellent time for wildlife viewing as animals gather around the remaining water sources.
Wet Season (November to March)
November: The wet season begins with the first rains, bringing relief from the heat and settling the dust. Daytime temperatures remain high, around 36°C (97°F).
December to February: These are the wettest months, with frequent afternoon showers and occasional thunderstorms. Daytime temperatures hover around 35°C (95°F), while nights are cooler at about 20°C (68°F). The landscape transforms into a lush, green paradise, attracting large herds of zebras and wildebeest.
March: The rains start to taper off, with temperatures ranging between 36°C (97°F) during the day and 16°C (61°F) at night. It’s a beautiful time to visit as the park transitions back to the dry season.
Malaria and Other Important Health Advice
The Makgadikgadi Pans & Nxai Pans region is a high-risk malaria area, with peak risk times during the warmer months (October to April). While we may not give direct recommendations on malaria prophylaxis, we urge you to speak to your doctor or medical professional for authorized medical advice on the matter.
Proper precautions and measures can however go a very long way, including:
- A proper mosquito repellant – the easiest is in a spray form (e.g. Peaceful Sleep or Tabard)
- A room mosquito spray (e.g. Peaceful Sleep or Doom) to keep the room mosquito free
- Wearing light trousers and long sleeve shirts in the early morning or evening
- Keeping your room / tent door closed to keep bugs outside.
- We also recommend an “after bite” lotion or spray if you get bitten by a mosquito (not a malaria cure, but it takes away the itch!)
What should you pack for your trip?
Pack for comfort and the specific season
Your packing list will be heavily influenced by the time of your / season you are visiting the Makgadikgadi Pans & Nxai Pans area. For the summer months (late-Oct to Feb) please note that temperatures can be soaring 35°C or even the low 40°C, meaning that light and breathable clothing is essential. Then for the winter months, while the days are mild and pleasant, the mornings can be quite chilly. We advise to pack clothing that is versatile and can easily be added or removed as layers as the temperature changes during time of day.
Since you will be out in nature, the aim will be to “blend in” as far as possible, so we discourage clothing with bright colours if possible. This also applies with smell – while we all enjoy wearing perfumes, please refrain from strong smells. Remember, in the wild, animals rely heavily on smell and their sense of smell is very sensitive.
Suggested clothing would be breathable materials such as cotton, which is comfortable to wear and keep you feeling cool. The last thing one wants to experience on safari is to be in uncomfortable clothing or feeling hot in it. The focus should be to enjoy your experience.
All bedding and towels are provided at our lodges, so no need to bring this along (other than maybe a swimming towel for summer visits).
A suggested packing list:
- Light, breathable and comfortable clothing, including long sleeved shirts and trousers (please avoid bright colours).
- A hat and sunglasses. IF you can bring a wide-brimmed have also protecting your neck area, that would be recommended.
- Sunblock (recommended 50 SPF that is water-resistant)
- Don’t forget your personal items – most times the lodges are not close to towns, so shops are not always within reach!
- A good mosquito repellant – the spray kind is more convenient to apply
- A warm jacket and “beanie” will be very welcome for winter mornings – morning drives are cold!
- Swimming costumes for the summer months. Most lodges have pools. Note that on mobile safaris, swimming will not be possible unless a pool is present at a dedicated camping area.
- Binoculars to spot animals (optional)
- A good camera! Most smart phones take excellent photos as well but cannot zoom in that much.
- If your tour package includes a bush walk, please ensure you have proper closed shoes / sneakers to walk in.
- Remember: Luggage limitations for your transfer would be one larger suitcase up to 20kg, and one piece of hand luggage / small backpack.
Suggested Tours
4-Day Boteti, Okavango Delta, Nxai & Makgadikgadi Pans Safari
- 4 Days
- Starts at Maun. BW
- Ends at Maun, BW
From USD 1660.00 pp sharing
