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Lip Kee from Singapore, Republic of Singapore CC BY-SA 4.0 Wikimedia Commons

Makgadikgadi Pans National Park

National Park

Makgadikgadi Pans National Park centres on vast salt flats in northeastern Botswana; visitors come for seasonal zebra and wildebeest movements, clear-night stargazing, quad biking and meerkat tours.

Makgadikgadi Pans National Park GaboroneOkavango DeltaChobe National ParkMakgadikgadi Pans National Park
In this guide

Makgadikgadi Pans National Park essentials

Address: Makgadikgadi Pans National Park, Central District, Botswana
Website: botswanatourism.co.bw
Hours: Park access generally daytime; lodges operate year-round
Admission: Park fees vary; guided safari and vehicle fees apply-check local operators for package pricing
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About Makgadikgadi Pans National Park

The Makgadikgadi Pans are an extensive series of salt flats and seasonal wetlands in central-eastern Botswana, forming one of the largest salt pan complexes on Earth. They are remnants of a vast prehistoric lake and form a distinctive, open landscape.

Major visitor highlights include the stark, reflective surface of the pans, the sculpted granite and baobab landmark Kubu Island, and seasonal wildlife events when rains bring migrating herds and large concentrations of waterbirds including flamingos. Activities include guided 4x4 drives, night sky viewing and short walking excursions around rock outcrops.

Geologically the pans are the desiccated remains of Lake Makgadikgadi, left behind after climatic shifts in the late Pleistocene and Holocene. Over time the landscape has alternated between wet and dry phases, producing the salt-crusted flats and isolated rocky islands seen today.

The pans lie in central-eastern Botswana, east of the Okavango Delta and within the broader Makgadikgadi-Nxai conservation region. The area is remote and typically accessed from regional towns by road and organised tours.

  • Seasonal wetlands: The pans are the exposed floor of a much larger prehistoric lake; seasonal rains transform parts of the salt flats into shallow wetlands that attract birds and migrating mammals.
  • Kubu Island: Kubu Island is a prominent granite outcrop with distinctive baobab trees and is a common destination for short excursions and overnight camping.
  • Access and travel: Access and travel within the pans are heavily dependent on seasonal conditions; 4x4 vehicles and guided drives are the usual way to explore the area safely.

What to See#

  • Sua and Ntwetwe Pans: A flat salt-pan surface that becomes a seasonal wetland after rains and is one of the defining features of the Makgadikgadi system.
  • Kubu Island: A granite island with striking boulders and several ancient baobab trees that stands within the pans and is a popular photographic landmark.
  • Nxai Pan (adjacent): A neighbouring grassy area and parkland that links to the pans and is known for baobabs and seasonal wildlife viewing during the rains.
When to Go

Best Time to Visit Makgadikgadi Pans National Park

Makgadikgadi Pans is dramatic both after the rains (December-March) when the pans flood and attract birds, and in the dry season (June-October) when animals concentrate at scarce water sources.

Wet season (December-March)
Dec-Mar · 20-30°C (68-86°F)
Pans fill, birds migrate in, and wide-open salt flats become temporary lakes-best for flamingos and migratory wildlife.
Dry season (June-October)
Jun-Oct · 10-25°C (50-77°F)
Dusty, cooler days with concentrated wildlife around remaining waterholes; predator sightings can be easier when animals cluster.

Weather & Climate near Makgadikgadi Pans National Park

Climate

Makgadikgadi Pans National Park's climate is classified as Hot Semi-Arid - Hot Semi-Arid climate with hot summers (peaking in November) and mild winters (coldest in July). Temperatures range from 8°C to 36°C. Semi-arid with limited rainfall with a pronounced dry season.

Air Quality: AQI 57 Moderate
Best Time to Visit
SeptemberMayJune
Temperature & Rainfall
Temperature Range
43°
Warmest Month
2°
Coldest Month
Monthly Conditions
Month Comfort Temp Feels Rain Sky Humidity Wind UV Daylight
January Excellent 20° - 34° 27° 94 mm partly cloudy 51% 2.5 m/s 3.0 extreme 13.1h
February Excellent 20° - 34° 27° 70 mm partly cloudy 53% 2.5 m/s 2.8 extreme 12.7h
March Excellent 19° - 33° 26° 46 mm some cloud 51% 2.4 m/s 2.5 extreme 12.1h
April Ideal 16° - 32° 24° 18 mm mostly sunny 46% 2.5 m/s 2.0 extreme 11.5h
May Ideal 12° - 30° 21° 3 mm clear 38% 2.3 m/s 1.6 very high 11.0h
June Ideal 9° - 27° 18° 0 mm clear 41% 2.4 m/s 1.2 high 10.8h
July Ideal 8° - 27° 18° 0 mm clear 38% 2.5 m/s 1.3 high 10.9h
August Ideal 11° - 30° 21° 1 mm clear 31% 2.8 m/s 1.6 very high 11.3h
September Ideal 15° - 34° 25° 4 mm clear 26% 3.2 m/s 1.9 very high 11.9h
October Ideal 20° - 36° 28° 18 mm mostly sunny 29% 3.3 m/s 2.3 extreme 12.4h
November Excellent 21° - 36° 28° 40 mm partly cloudy 39% 3.1 m/s 2.6 extreme 13.0h
December Excellent 20° - 34° 27° 55 mm partly cloudy 49% 2.7 m/s 2.8 extreme 13.2h
Getting There & Around

How to Get to Makgadikgadi Pans National Park

Most visitors travel by road from Maun or Nata, Botswana, or arrive via charter flights to regional airstrips near the pans. Guided safaris and tour operators based in Maun offer package access including 4x4 transport and lodging.

Tips for Visiting Makgadikgadi Pans National Park

  • Book a guided safari during the post-rain months (Jan-Mar) to see massive zebra and wildebeest congregation.
  • If photographing flamingos, carry a telephoto lens-birds are often at the pans' far edges and move quickly with changing water levels.
  • Bring cash for remote lodges and fuel-services are sparse and card payments may not be accepted in all camps.