"The salt pans for which this park gets its name lie at the northern fringes of the Kalahari. They comprise vast, shallow depressions that fill up after the rains, and to which flamingos and other water birds flock in their thousands. Fresh growth on the surrounding grasslands also lure large herds of zebra, wildebeest, springbok and other grazers, which continue west towards the Boteti waterfront, where elephant, lion and other big game also occur. Resident wildlife year-round includes brown hyenas, meerkats and other more unusual arid-country fare. Meanwhile, the hauntingly evocative pans offer other attractions and activities, including prehistoric relics, islands of baobabs and game tracking with the San bushmen”
- Mike Unwin
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PLAN MY JOURNEYMakgadikgadi Pans and Nxai Pan National Park
Makgadikgadi Pans National Park, together with neighbouring Nxai Pans just to the north, protects a unique environment, where the acacia savanna at the northern fringes of the Kalahari surrounds several huge salt pans that flood seasonally to form shallow lakes. At times, fresh growth brings large herds into the area. At other times, it can appear a desolate region – but there are always subtle and fascinating attractions to discover.
The pans themselves offer a haunting landscape of empty horizons and huge skies. Resident wildlife includes many species adapted to arid regions, from brown hyenas and meerkats to ostrich and sandgrouse. Fresh growth peaks in March/April, when large herds of zebra and wildebeest gather for the grazing, along with springbok, hartebeest and oryx – the signature Kalahari antelope. At this time, large flocks of lesser flamingos join a host of breeding water birds at the pans. With luck, you might also encounter lions and other predators that pass through. Game viewing is not the only focus, however, and the few permanent lodges that operate in this region offer numerous other ways to explore the region’s unique attractions, from visiting the baobab islands that punctuate the pans’ fragile soda crust, to game tracking with traditional San guides, searching for prehistoric relics and simply star-gazing.
The western fringes of the park lie in a transition zone between the Kalahari and Okavango delta, and protect a sweep of the Boteti river – part of the Okavango’s overspill. The game viewing here can be spectacular in season, with elephant joining the zebra herds that mass along the river, while lion, leopard and cheetah are among the predators that arrive to take their chances.
When to go
Find out when is best to visit
- Excellent
- Good
- Poor
WET SEASON
This is the peak of the wet season, yet days with rainfall are very spread-out. A season of change as the landscape totally transforms to a green flowering ‘desert’, a beautiful time to visit. Great birding with migratory species present and the chance of spotting flamingos on the pans. The migration of thousands of animals takes place during this period, ultimately offering some great game viewing potential.
Midday temperatures high during this period, averaging 31°C/88°F. Mornings are more comfortable, though can occasionally be cool, so do pack a light fleece.
Like the rest of Botswana, the Makgadikgadi and Nxai Silt Pans area has very distinct wet and dry seasons; rain occurs sporadically usually in the form of sharp thunderstorms from November through to April, the rest of the year clear skies dominate. Although the region offers great game viewing throughout the year we would generally recommend visiting the area at the back end of the rains, when wildlife is drawn to the flooded plans. This period also corresponds to the second largest migration of African ungulates, as approximately 30,000 animals (Burchell’s zebra and blue wildebeest) move from the Boteti River to the Makgadikgadi salt pans to take advantage of fresh lush grasses. It can also be possible to see flamingos on the pans over this period.
Outside the summer/ wet season the pans are a truly spectacular sight to behold. Game viewing can still be good, the best of which can be found along the banks of the Boteti river area.
WET SEASON
This is the peak of the wet season, yet days with rainfall are very spread-out. A season of change as the landscape totally transforms to a green flowering ‘desert’, a beautiful time to visit. Great birding with migratory species present and the chance of spotting flamingos on the pans. The migration of thousands of animals takes place during this period, ultimately offering some great game viewing potential.
Midday temperatures high during this period, averaging 31°C/88°F. Mornings are more comfortable, though can occasionally be cool, so do pack a light fleece.
Like the rest of Botswana, the Makgadikgadi and Nxai Silt Pans area has very distinct wet and dry seasons; rain occurs sporadically usually in the form of sharp thunderstorms from November through to April, the rest of the year clear skies dominate. Although the region offers great game viewing throughout the year we would generally recommend visiting the area at the back end of the rains, when wildlife is drawn to the flooded plans. This period also corresponds to the second largest migration of African ungulates, as approximately 30,000 animals (Burchell’s zebra and blue wildebeest) move from the Boteti River to the Makgadikgadi salt pans to take advantage of fresh lush grasses. It can also be possible to see flamingos on the pans over this period.
Outside the summer/ wet season the pans are a truly spectacular sight to behold. Game viewing can still be good, the best of which can be found along the banks of the Boteti river area.
WET SEASON
This is the peak of the wet season, yet days with rainfall are very spread-out. A season of change as the landscape totally transforms to a green flowering ‘desert’, a beautiful time to visit. Great birding with migratory species present and the chance of spotting flamingos on the pans. The migration of thousands of animals takes place during this period, ultimately offering some great game viewing potential.
Midday temperatures high during this period, averaging 31°C/88°F. Mornings are more comfortable, though can occasionally be cool, so do pack a light fleece.
Like the rest of Botswana, the Makgadikgadi and Nxai Silt Pans area has very distinct wet and dry seasons; rain occurs sporadically usually in the form of sharp thunderstorms from November through to April, the rest of the year clear skies dominate. Although the region offers great game viewing throughout the year we would generally recommend visiting the area at the back end of the rains, when wildlife is drawn to the flooded plans. This period also corresponds to the second largest migration of African ungulates, as approximately 30,000 animals (Burchell’s zebra and blue wildebeest) move from the Boteti River to the Makgadikgadi salt pans to take advantage of fresh lush grasses. It can also be possible to see flamingos on the pans over this period.
Outside the summer/ wet season the pans are a truly spectacular sight to behold. Game viewing can still be good, the best of which can be found along the banks of the Boteti river area.
WET SEASON
This is the peak of the wet season, yet days with rainfall are very spread-out. A season of change as the landscape totally transforms to a green flowering ‘desert’, a beautiful time to visit. Great birding with migratory species present and the chance of spotting flamingos on the pans. The migration of thousands of animals takes place during this period, ultimately offering some great game viewing potential.
Midday temperatures high during this period, averaging 31°C/88°F. Mornings are more comfortable, though can occasionally be cool, so do pack a light fleece.
Like the rest of Botswana, the Makgadikgadi and Nxai Silt Pans area has very distinct wet and dry seasons; rain occurs sporadically usually in the form of sharp thunderstorms from November through to April, the rest of the year clear skies dominate. Although the region offers great game viewing throughout the year we would generally recommend visiting the area at the back end of the rains, when wildlife is drawn to the flooded plans. This period also corresponds to the second largest migration of African ungulates, as approximately 30,000 animals (Burchell’s zebra and blue wildebeest) move from the Boteti River to the Makgadikgadi salt pans to take advantage of fresh lush grasses. It can also be possible to see flamingos on the pans over this period.
Outside the summer/ wet season the pans are a truly spectacular sight to behold. Game viewing can still be good, the best of which can be found along the banks of the Boteti river area.
DRY SEASON
Whist the occasional shower is still possible, May is the beginning of the dry season. The landscape will still be many shades of green following the rains, with great game viewing opportunities. Midday temperatures are pleasant, but the mornings are cold, with an average minimum low of 9°C/48°F, so do pack a light fleece.
Like the rest of Botswana, the Makgadikgadi and Nxai Silt Pans area has very distinct wet and dry seasons; rain occurs sporadically usually in the form of sharp thunderstorms from November through to April, the rest of the year clear skies dominate. Although the region offers great game viewing throughout the year we would generally recommend visiting the area at the back end of the rains, when wildlife is drawn to the flooded plans. This period also corresponds to the second largest migration of African ungulates, as approximately 30,000 animals (Burchell’s zebra and blue wildebeest) move from the Boteti River to the Makgadikgadi salt pans to take advantage of fresh lush grasses. It can also be possible to see flamingos on the pans over this period.
Outside the summer/ wet season the pans are a truly spectacular sight to behold. Game viewing can still be good, the best of which can be found along the banks of the Boteti river area.
DRY SEASON
Clear skies still dominate, the landscape is rapidly returning to a semi-arid desert. Game viewing opportunities remain strong, especially around the Boteti river area. Access onto the Pans also improves throughout the dry season.
Midday temperatures are pleasant, averaging around 26°C/79°F. The mornings are very cold, with an average minimum low of 6°C/43°F. Sub-zero mornings very possible, so do pack appropriately for those early game drives!
Like the rest of Botswana, the Makgadikgadi and Nxai Silt Pans area has very distinct wet and dry seasons; rain occurs sporadically usually in the form of sharp thunderstorms from November through to April, the rest of the year clear skies dominate. Although the region offers great game viewing throughout the year we would generally recommend visiting the area at the back end of the rains, when wildlife is drawn to the flooded plans. This period also corresponds to the second largest migration of African ungulates, as approximately 30,000 animals (Burchell’s zebra and blue wildebeest) move from the Boteti River to the Makgadikgadi salt pans to take advantage of fresh lush grasses. It can also be possible to see flamingos on the pans over this period.
Outside the summer/ wet season the pans are a truly spectacular sight to behold. Game viewing can still be good, the best of which can be found along the banks of the Boteti river area.
DRY SEASON
Clear skies still dominate, the landscape is rapidly returning to a semi-arid desert. Game viewing opportunities remain strong, especially around the Boteti river area. Access onto the Pans also improves throughout the dry season.
Midday temperatures are pleasant, averaging around 26°C/79°F. The mornings are very cold, with an average minimum low of 6°C/43°F. Sub-zero mornings very possible, so do pack appropriately for those early game drives!
Like the rest of Botswana, the Makgadikgadi and Nxai Silt Pans area has very distinct wet and dry seasons; rain occurs sporadically usually in the form of sharp thunderstorms from November through to April, the rest of the year clear skies dominate. Although the region offers great game viewing throughout the year we would generally recommend visiting the area at the back end of the rains, when wildlife is drawn to the flooded plans. This period also corresponds to the second largest migration of African ungulates, as approximately 30,000 animals (Burchell’s zebra and blue wildebeest) move from the Boteti River to the Makgadikgadi salt pans to take advantage of fresh lush grasses. It can also be possible to see flamingos on the pans over this period.
Outside the summer/ wet season the pans are a truly spectacular sight to behold. Game viewing can still be good, the best of which can be found along the banks of the Boteti river area.
DRY SEASON
Clear skies still dominate, the landscape is rapidly returning to a semi-arid desert. Game viewing opportunities remain strong, especially around the Boteti river area. Access onto the Pans also improves throughout the dry season.
Midday temperatures are pleasant, averaging around 26°C/79°F. The mornings are very cold, with an average minimum low of 6°C/43°F. Sub-zero mornings very possible, so do pack appropriately for those early game drives!
Like the rest of Botswana, the Makgadikgadi and Nxai Silt Pans area has very distinct wet and dry seasons; rain occurs sporadically usually in the form of sharp thunderstorms from November through to April, the rest of the year clear skies dominate. Although the region offers great game viewing throughout the year we would generally recommend visiting the area at the back end of the rains, when wildlife is drawn to the flooded plans. This period also corresponds to the second largest migration of African ungulates, as approximately 30,000 animals (Burchell’s zebra and blue wildebeest) move from the Boteti River to the Makgadikgadi salt pans to take advantage of fresh lush grasses. It can also be possible to see flamingos on the pans over this period.
Outside the summer/ wet season the pans are a truly spectacular sight to behold. Game viewing can still be good, the best of which can be found along the banks of the Boteti river area.
DRY SEASON
Clear skies still dominate, the landscape is rapidly returning to a semi-arid desert. Game viewing opportunities remain strong, especially around the Boteti river area. Access onto the Pans also improves throughout the dry season.
Midday temperatures rising, averaging around 32°C/90°F midday. The mornings are cool, with a minimum low of 15°C/59°F.
Like the rest of Botswana, the Makgadikgadi and Nxai Silt Pans area has very distinct wet and dry seasons; rain occurs sporadically usually in the form of sharp thunderstorms from November through to April, the rest of the year clear skies dominate. Although the region offers great game viewing throughout the year we would generally recommend visiting the area at the back end of the rains, when wildlife is drawn to the flooded plans. This period also corresponds to the second largest migration of African ungulates, as approximately 30,000 animals (Burchell’s zebra and blue wildebeest) move from the Boteti River to the Makgadikgadi salt pans to take advantage of fresh lush grasses. It can also be possible to see flamingos on the pans over this period.
Outside the summer/ wet season the pans are a truly spectacular sight to behold. Game viewing can still be good, the best of which can be found along the banks of the Boteti river area.
DRY SEASON
Clear skies still dominate, though as the heat builds towards the end of the month so does the likelihood of thunderstorm. Game viewing opportunities remain strong around the Boteti river area.
Temperatures are the highest of the year, averaging 34°C/93°F midday, but occasionally temperatures can climb over 40°C/104°F. Mornings are more pleasant with an average minimum of 19°C/66°F.
Like the rest of Botswana, the Makgadikgadi and Nxai Silt Pans area has very distinct wet and dry seasons; rain occurs sporadically usually in the form of sharp thunderstorms from November through to April, the rest of the year clear skies dominate. Although the region offers great game viewing throughout the year we would generally recommend visiting the area at the back end of the rains, when wildlife is drawn to the flooded plans. This period also corresponds to the second largest migration of African ungulates, as approximately 30,000 animals (Burchell’s zebra and blue wildebeest) move from the Boteti River to the Makgadikgadi salt pans to take advantage of fresh lush grasses. It can also be possible to see flamingos on the pans over this period.
Outside the summer/ wet season the pans are a truly spectacular sight to behold. Game viewing can still be good, the best of which can be found along the banks of the Boteti river area.
WET SEASON
A season of change as the landscape totally transforms to a green flowering ‘desert’, a beautiful time to visit. This great birding with migratory species present and fantastic wildlife viewing opportunities.
Temperatures are the highest of the year, averaging 34°C/93°F midday, but occasionally temperatures can climb over 40°C/104°F. Mornings are more pleasant with an average minimum of 19°C/66°F.
Like the rest of Botswana, the Makgadikgadi and Nxai Silt Pans area has very distinct wet and dry seasons; rain occurs sporadically usually in the form of sharp thunderstorms from November through to April, the rest of the year clear skies dominate. Although the region offers great game viewing throughout the year we would generally recommend visiting the area at the back end of the rains, when wildlife is drawn to the flooded plans. This period also corresponds to the second largest migration of African ungulates, as approximately 30,000 animals (Burchell’s zebra and blue wildebeest) move from the Boteti River to the Makgadikgadi salt pans to take advantage of fresh lush grasses. It can also be possible to see flamingos on the pans over this period.
Outside the summer/ wet season the pans are a truly spectacular sight to behold. Game viewing can still be good, the best of which can be found along the banks of the Boteti river area.
WET SEASON
A season of change as the landscape totally transforms to a green flowering ‘desert’, a beautiful time to visit. This great birding with migratory species present and fantastic wildlife viewing opportunities.
Temperatures are the highest of the year, averaging 34°C/93°F midday, but occasionally temperatures can climb over 40°C/104°F. Mornings are more pleasant with an average minimum of 19°C/66°F.
Like the rest of Botswana, the Makgadikgadi and Nxai Silt Pans area has very distinct wet and dry seasons; rain occurs sporadically usually in the form of sharp thunderstorms from November through to April, the rest of the year clear skies dominate. Although the region offers great game viewing throughout the year we would generally recommend visiting the area at the back end of the rains, when wildlife is drawn to the flooded plans. This period also corresponds to the second largest migration of African ungulates, as approximately 30,000 animals (Burchell’s zebra and blue wildebeest) move from the Boteti River to the Makgadikgadi salt pans to take advantage of fresh lush grasses. It can also be possible to see flamingos on the pans over this period.
Outside the summer/ wet season the pans are a truly spectacular sight to behold. Game viewing can still be good, the best of which can be found along the banks of the Boteti river area.
Experiences
Explore Makgadikgadi Pans and Nxai Pan National Park Properties
Jacks Camp
Jacks Camp
This charming camp is one of only two situated permanently in the whole of the Makgadikgadi region, and was set up by legendary adventurer Jack Bousfield. With just ten tents, it is small and intimate, and fitted with a unique ..
Leroo La Tau
Leroo La Tau
Located 10 meters above the Boteti River, Leroo La Tau offers a unique vantage point within Botswana's Makgadikgadi Pans National Park. With 12 chalets aligned along the river's edge, guests can witness firsthand the seasonal ..
San Camp
San Camp
Sitting on the edge of the vast and pristine Makgadikgadi Pans is San Camp, an oasis within its dramatic and beautiful location. With views that run towards the horizon, Morrocan-style tents and a dreamy atmosphere, San Camp is a ..
What People Say
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The personalised service provided was far beyond my expectations. A three week trip visiting four countries in Africa, multiple game reserves, wineries and much, much more was flawless. While a close encounter with a leopard and her cubs…
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We got in touch after hearing about Hide & Seek from a friend. Have to say hats off to Jamie, he was so patient throughout, even through our indecisiveness! Ultimately we ended up with the most incredible holiday of our lives. Thank you again, we will be back!!
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Thank you for arranging our Safari holiday in Kenya and Tanzania for us. It was to celebrate our 40th. Wedding anniversary which was on July 1st. 2018, and through your arrangements, we have had a holiday that we will never forget...
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Thanks so much for a truly unforgettable once in a life time holiday. Hopefully we will be in touch again soon!
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Spot on in terms of itinerary . We not disappointed by any of the suggestions and had the best holiday ever! Thank you!
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Jamie was very helpful throughout the booking process and recommended the perfect holiday. There was nothing we would change having now been out to Tanzania. I would highly recommend Hide & Seek to friends and relatives.
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We spoke to numerous travel agents over the period we looked at booking our honeymoon and only hide and seek gave me the confidence I was looking for. Really pleased with our decision.
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Hide and seek dealt with our last minute travel plans extremely well. Obviously, our accommodations shifted as availability diminished but ultimately they came up with a vacation that we will never forget.
