Makgadikgadi Pan

Botswana, Africa

Makgadikgadi Pan, once part of a massive prehistoric lake, is a stunning salt flat that captivates with its surreal landscapes, unique wildlife interactions, and rich cultural experiences. Known for the breathtaking seasonal migrations of zebras, it offers exhilarating quad biking adventures, stargazing under pristine dark skies, and the chance to visit ancient baobab trees. Its stark beauty and tranquil environment provide an unforgettable escape into one of Botswana’s most extraordinary natural wonders.

Quick facts

Target stay

3-5 days

Type

Desert

Vibe

Other

Airport

Orapa

Known for

Beach

Hiking

Leisure

Wildlife

Best time to visit
Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec

8 Best Things to Do in Makgadikgadi Pan

1

Est. 2 hrs

Year round

Family-friendly

Explore the Makgadikgadi Salt Pans

Witness the vast, shimmering salt flats at sunset.

No booking required
2

Est. 4 hrs

Seasonal

Family-friendly

Visit the Nxai Pan National Park

Home to diverse wildlife and stunning landscapes.

Booking required
3

Est. 6 hrs

Year round

Family-friendly

Go on a guided safari

Spot elephants, lions, and more in their habitat.

Booking required
4

Est. 3 hrs

Year round

Family-friendly

Experience a meerkat tour

Watch playful meerkats in their natural environment.

Booking required
5

Est. 5 hrs

Year round

Family-friendly

Visit Kubu Island

Explore ancient baobabs and archaeological sites.

Booking required
6

Est. 1.5 hrs

Year round

Family-friendly

Stargazing in the pans

Experience breathtaking night skies and starlit views.

No booking required
7

Est. 3 hrs

Year round

Family-friendly

Cultural visit to a San village

Learn about the indigenous San people's traditions.

Booking required
8

Est. 3 hrs

Year round

Family-friendly

Visit the Ntwetwe Pan

Discover unique landscapes and wildlife around the pan.

No booking required

Need to know, before you go

Country info

Tipping

Expected (~10%)

Tapwater

Not safe to drink

Safety

1 2 3 4 5

High

LGBTQ+ safety score

-4 (#84 globally)

Cost

Expensive

Currency

Pula

Majority religion

Christian

Language

Tswana

(50-80% speak English)

Best dishes to try

Seswaa

Shredded beef dish, slow-cooked. (National dish)

Pap

VE

Maize porridge, staple food in Botswana.

Morogo

VE

Wild spinach, often cooked with onions.

Vetkoek

Fried bread, often filled with meat or jam.

Ditloo

Traditional dish made from cow's intestines.

Phrases to learn

English

Tswana

Hello

Dumela

(Doo-meh-lah)

Yes/No

Ee / Nnyaa

(Eh / Nyaah)

Thank you

Ke a leboga

(Ke ah leh-boh-ha)

Excuse me

Ntshwarele

(N-tswah-reh-leh)

How much?

Ke bokae?

(Keh boh-kah-eh)