Makgadikgadi Pans National Park

All About Makgadikgadi Pans National Park

Discover Makgadikgadi Pans National Park

This National Park is Located in

Botswana

Makgadikgadi Pans National Park, located in Botswana, is a vast and unique landscape comprising one of the largest salt flats in the world. It is characterized by sprawling salt pans, grasslands, and seasonal wetlands. The park is famous for its dramatic scenery, abundant birdlife, and unique wildlife such as meerkats, wildebeest, and zebra. During the rainy season, the pans transform into a lush haven for migratory birds, including flamingos, while the dry season highlights the surreal, otherworldly beauty of the salt flats. The park also offers cultural insights through interactions with the San people.

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Makgadikgadi Pans National Park Park Entry Fee

Category	Fee (BWP)
International Visitors	120 BWP per person per day
Regional Visitors (SADC)	60 BWP per person per day
Botswana Citizens	20 BWP per person per day
Vehicle Entry	50 BWP per vehicle

Fees are subject to change, and additional charges may apply for camping or guided activities.

Best Time to Visit Makgadikgadi Pans National Park

The best time to visit depends on what you want to experience:

Dry Season (May to October): Perfect for exploring the salt pans, quad biking, and seeing meerkats. Wildlife gathers around water sources, making game viewing easier. The dry and cool weather is ideal for outdoor activities.

Wet Season (November to April): Best for birdwatching, as flamingos and other migratory species arrive, and for witnessing the zebra and wildebeest migration. The pans are lush and vibrant, though some areas may be inaccessible due to rain.

Low Season

November to March

The wet season sees fewer tourists, lower accommodation rates, and some roads becoming difficult to navigate. However, it’s the best time for birdwatching and the zebra migration.

High Season

April to June

As the rains recede, the landscape transitions to drier conditions, and wildlife becomes more visible. Visitor numbers increase moderately, and the park is accessible.

Peak Season

July to October

The dry season is the most popular time to visit, with excellent wildlife viewing and accessibility. Lodges and campsites are often fully booked, and rates are at their highest.

How to get to Makgadikgadi Pans National Park

By Air

Domestic Flights

Fly from Maun or Kasane to the nearby Gweta Airstrip or private airstrips serving lodges in the area. Flights take about 30 to 60 minutes.

International Connections

Arrive in Maun or Kasane from regional hubs like Johannesburg or Gaborone, then connect with a domestic flight.

By Road

From Maun

The park is approximately 160 km east of Maun (a 2–3 hour drive). The main entrance is accessible via a tarred road to Gweta, followed by dirt tracks into the park.

From Nata

The park is 100 km west of Nata, with well-marked access points along the A3 road.

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