Exploring the Makgadikgadi Pans in Botswana

The pans are the remnants of a vast lake that vanished thousands of years ago.

What makes the pans a must-see compared to other locations in Botswana?

The typical travel plans for a first look at Botswana often take a familiar path – arriving in the Okavango Delta, exploring the waterways of this renowned wetland, and enjoying a unique perspective on game-viewing from the water, whether by boat or traditional dug-out canoe. Venture into the Okavango’s expansive plains or lush woodlands and immerse yourself in the renowned game-viewing experiences of the region, concluding your journey along the Chobe River, where you can witness the majestic herds of grazers that blanket the flood plains as the river recedes.

At times, we might envision the vast Kalahari skies and dream of exploring the grassy plains of the desert, yet Makgadikgadi stands out as an enigmatic, hidden gem that deserves a spot on every traveler’s list – whether they are discovering Botswana for the first time or revisiting its wonders.

Makgadikgadi Pans in Botswana

The Makgadikgadi Pans National Park is an intriguing and off-the-beaten-path destination in Botswana.
The pans – a beloved feature for those of us fortunate to reside in the vicinity – present a striking contrast to the typical image one conjures when envisioning Botswana. The striking blend of wildlife, vast landscapes, and the array of experiences available makes the Makgadikgadi incredibly enticing. The wonder of the Okavango Delta’s life-giving floods becomes clearer after exploring the pans, which are the remnants of the lake that the Okavango once nourished. The Delta feels more vibrant and alive after traversing this parched terrain.

The sweeping vistas, adorned with palms, welcome you to the vast landscape of Northern Botswana, a contrast to the hidden waterways of the Delta. The Makgadikgadi presents a bold and striking contrast to the wildlife encounters, scenery, and experiences found in other regions of Botswana’s safaris.

Makgadikgadi National Park, Botswana, is a place brimming with excitement and exploration. Baobabs basking in the glow of sunset.
Baobabs illuminated by the setting sun

What is the experience of pans like?

This is a destination that redefines the essence of exploration and emphasizes unforgettable experiences. The expanse of Botswana is strikingly evident in the Makgadikgadi – immense and unconfined, it features a salt crust reminiscent of a poppadum that produces a delightful crunch with every step taken. It is exhilarating and a bit daunting to stand on a pan and gaze at the endless horizon surrounding you.

There is nothing quite like the exhilarating stillness in the Makgadikgadi, a stillness so profound that it resonates with its own melody. The local guides invite you to immerse yourself in the experience, and it’s quite common to feel a sense of unease while sitting in silence, surrounded only by the soft breeze, the shifting hues of the sky, and the rhythm of your own breath.

Botswana’s Makgadikgadi San Camp Activities: Thrilling Quad Biking

Exploring the vast landscapes of Makgadikgadi on a quad bike

The pans boast a rich geological and archaeological history that feels almost alive. The immense expanse of space evokes a sense of connection to the timeless journey of humanity. It reflects a deep understanding of our place in the grand scheme of things and the duty we owe to those who came before us.

The vibrant culture of the Makgadikgadi beckons travelers to explore its wonders. The echoes of its history resonate through the stone tools scattered across the landscape; in the gnarled branches of an ancient baobab, once immortalized by early colonial artists, now gracefully returning to the earth; in the effortless way the San guides navigate the sandy terrain, unearthing poisonous grubs, digging up scorpions, and following the elusive paths of wildlife. A journey through this landscape is an eye-opening experience that inspires awe. It quickly becomes clear how exposed we would feel in this demanding setting without the nurturing support and wisdom of those who thrive in this wild landscape.

Makgadikgadi, Botswana is a place brimming with excitement and exploration.

The immense expanse of the Makgadikgadi Pans is truly a breathtaking spectacle.
The expansive skies diminish your sense of self and invite you to explore the wonders of the world around you. While stunning at any moment thanks to the lack of light pollution, it is when you recline beneath a moonless sky, just after the rains and before the dust begins to dull the atmosphere, that it becomes truly extraordinary – to rest under a canopy of brilliantly shining stars is nothing short of enchanting. When the moon is out, the stars take on a new importance, and the shadows cast on the moonlike surface of the pans create an extraordinary experience. With the expansive surroundings and stillness, you find there’s no escape from your own thoughts. It is here, beneath a canopy of twinkling stars, that you truly grasp the vastness of our galaxy and our place in the universe.

Elephant at Makgadikgadi Pans, a place brimming with excitement and exploration.
A majestic elephant at a waterhole in the Makgadikgadi Pans

What wildlife can be spotted in the Makgadikgadi region?

A journey to the Makgadikgadi is filled with exhilarating experiences and thrilling encounters, not just moments of deep thought and reflection. The pans are a treasure trove of unique species that are hard to find in other parts of Botswana. In the vast expanse of the desert, a variety of species thrive, and this might just be your best chance to catch a glimpse of a springbok during your adventure in Botswana. On night drives, you might encounter elusive and timid nocturnal species, while early risers can spot fascinating creatures like bat-eared foxes, brown hyenas, aardwolves, and aardvarks.

While there are certainly rare and unusual species, the summer months bring a thrilling spectacle as predators are drawn to the area by the migration of zebra and wildebeest. Both lion and cheetah are often encountered in their natural habitats. Elephants have increasingly graced the landscape with their presence since the introduction of pumped pans in the area.

The highlight of animal sightings in the area undoubtedly belongs to the meerkats. These lively beings are social and thrive in groups. A local gang is thoughtfully accustomed to human presence, enabling you to trail them as they embark on their daily routines in search of their next meal. Engaging with these beings allows you to immerse yourself in their realm, witnessing their remarkable senses at work—spotting eagles, tuning into alarm calls, and sniffing out a scorpion treat—while also observing their connections with each other and their surroundings.

Botswana Makgadikgadi Pans San Camp Clan of Meerkats

Meerkats are the shining stars of the region

This captivating and delightful experience stands out during a visit to the area, especially because of their engaging interaction with you. Meerkats instinctively seek out the highest vantage points in their surroundings to serve as lookout posts. Those who remain patient and still may find themselves amusingly climbed upon by a meerkat sentry, creating delightful and Instagram-worthy moments.

The area is alive with vibrant birdlife, and among its most captivating residents are the flamingos – both lesser and greater – that gather here for their breeding season. While the creation and nurturing of their mud nests is a rare sight on the main Makgadikgadi pans that can be reached by road, the presence of birds in the area during the breeding season is a delightful experience. The kori bustard, Botswana’s national bird, can often be spotted alongside the ostrich and the boisterous northern black korhaan. Expert birdwatchers are bound to encounter both desert-adapted and grassland birds as they explore the wild.

Flamingos at Makgadikgadi Pans, Botswana, beckon with their vibrant presence and the promise of exploration.

Flamingos and a variety of birds thrive at Makgadikgadi Pans National Park

What are my accommodation options?

Birding, game-viewing, pan excursions, and starry night skies create an irresistible allure to explore this remarkable area. Unchartered Africa, with its three immaculate camps, elevates the experiences available, inviting you to delve deeper into the wonders that await. These camps – Jack’s Camp, San Camp, and Camp Kalahari – are all available for booking through us.

As the sole permanent camps in the area, they provide unmatched access to the pans, and Unchartered Africa excels in creating immersive travel experiences. The camps were crafted with unique details, having previously depended on creativity to attract visitors before the wildlife made a remarkable comeback due to their dedicated conservation efforts in the region. A captivating and vibrant family history, along with strong connections to the area, ensures that your visit will be distinctive and meaningful to all those you encounter. Although certain activities are tied to the seasons and the pan is inaccessible during the rainy months (December to April), an extraordinary experience awaits at any time of the year.

Jacks Camp Suite Aerial View

Jack’s Camp stands out as one of the three enduring camps in the region.
If you seek a variety of experiences where every moment offers something new, then this is the perfect destination for you. With options like quad biking across the vast crust, horseback safaris among zebra herds, helicopter flights over the expansive landscape, guided walks with bushmen through the grasslands, dining under the stars, sleepouts, and private sundowners, there is no shortage of excitement to fill your days.

If you choose to take in the views of the smaller pans that encircle the camps or relax by the pool, you will be treated like royalty by a team that excels in providing exceptional care and service.

Botswana’s Makgadikgadi San Camp Wildlife Zebra Journey

The journey of zebras across Makgadikgadi

Though the three camps have their unique characteristics, each one presents a thrilling selection of activities and wildlife encounters, ensuring that any choice you make will lead to an unforgettable experience. Everyone is dedicated to bringing the Makgadikgadi to life and discovering the enchanting spirit of the location.

Contact us to include this essential destination in your Botswana itinerary and to find out which of these distinctive camps suits you best.