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  • Okavango Delta
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  • Linyanti Savuti
  • Nxai Pan National Park
  • Central Kalahari
  • Makgadikgadi Pans
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Expert Botswana
Home
Camps
  • Xigera Safari Lodge
  • Jao Camp
  • Sandibe Safari Lodge
  • Xudum Okavango Delta
  • Baines Camp
  • Chitabe Lediba Camp
  • Chitabe Camp
  • Belmond Eagle Island Camp
  • Duba Plains
  • Kwetsani Camp
  • Little Tubu Camp
  • Nxabega Okavango Camp
  • Xaranna Okavango Camp
  • Abu Camp
  • Vumbura Plains Camp
  • Little Vumbura Camp
  • Stanley's Camp
  • Machaba Camp
  • Chiefs Camp
  • Khwai River Lodge
  • Mombo Camp
  • Little Mombo Camp
  • Selinda Camp
  • Dumatau Camp
  • Kings Pool Camp
  • Zarafa Camp
  • Deception Valley Lodge
  • Jacks Camp
  • San Camp
  • Chobe Chilwero Camp
  • Belmond Savute Lodge
  • Ngoma Safari Lodge
  • Kiri Camp
  • Gomoti Plains
  • Duke's Camp
  • Okavango Explorers Camp
  • Sable Alley
  • Tuludi Camp
Destinations
  • Okavango Delta
  • Chobe National Park
  • Moremi Game Reserve
  • Linyanti Savuti
  • Nxai Pan National Park
  • Central Kalahari
  • Makgadikgadi Pans
Enquire
More
  • Home
  • Camps
    • Xigera Safari Lodge
    • Jao Camp
    • Sandibe Safari Lodge
    • Xudum Okavango Delta
    • Baines Camp
    • Chitabe Lediba Camp
    • Chitabe Camp
    • Belmond Eagle Island Camp
    • Duba Plains
    • Kwetsani Camp
    • Little Tubu Camp
    • Nxabega Okavango Camp
    • Xaranna Okavango Camp
    • Abu Camp
    • Vumbura Plains Camp
    • Little Vumbura Camp
    • Stanley's Camp
    • Machaba Camp
    • Chiefs Camp
    • Khwai River Lodge
    • Mombo Camp
    • Little Mombo Camp
    • Selinda Camp
    • Dumatau Camp
    • Kings Pool Camp
    • Zarafa Camp
    • Deception Valley Lodge
    • Jacks Camp
    • San Camp
    • Chobe Chilwero Camp
    • Belmond Savute Lodge
    • Ngoma Safari Lodge
    • Kiri Camp
    • Gomoti Plains
    • Duke's Camp
    • Okavango Explorers Camp
    • Sable Alley
    • Tuludi Camp
  • Destinations
    • Okavango Delta
    • Chobe National Park
    • Moremi Game Reserve
    • Linyanti Savuti
    • Nxai Pan National Park
    • Central Kalahari
    • Makgadikgadi Pans
  • Enquire
  • Home
  • Camps
    • Xigera Safari Lodge
    • Jao Camp
    • Sandibe Safari Lodge
    • Xudum Okavango Delta
    • Baines Camp
    • Chitabe Lediba Camp
    • Chitabe Camp
    • Belmond Eagle Island Camp
    • Duba Plains
    • Kwetsani Camp
    • Little Tubu Camp
    • Nxabega Okavango Camp
    • Xaranna Okavango Camp
    • Abu Camp
    • Vumbura Plains Camp
    • Little Vumbura Camp
    • Stanley's Camp
    • Machaba Camp
    • Chiefs Camp
    • Khwai River Lodge
    • Mombo Camp
    • Little Mombo Camp
    • Selinda Camp
    • Dumatau Camp
    • Kings Pool Camp
    • Zarafa Camp
    • Deception Valley Lodge
    • Jacks Camp
    • San Camp
    • Chobe Chilwero Camp
    • Belmond Savute Lodge
    • Ngoma Safari Lodge
    • Kiri Camp
    • Gomoti Plains
    • Duke's Camp
    • Okavango Explorers Camp
    • Sable Alley
    • Tuludi Camp
  • Destinations
    • Okavango Delta
    • Chobe National Park
    • Moremi Game Reserve
    • Linyanti Savuti
    • Nxai Pan National Park
    • Central Kalahari
    • Makgadikgadi Pans
  • Enquire

Makgadikgadi Pans

Introduction

The Makgadikgadi Pans are a vast salt pan complex located in northeastern Botswana. They are one of the largest salt flats in the world and are remnants of an ancient lake that covered a significant portion of the region thousands of years ago. The pans are part of the Makgadikgadi Pans National Park, which also includes grasslands, wetlands, and other unique ecosystems. When visiting the Makgadikgadi Pans, it's important to remember that the area can be inhospitable during the dry season, with extreme heat and limited resources. It's advisable to travel with experienced guides, adhere to park regulations, and ensure responsible and sustainable practices to preserve the delicate ecosystem and respect the local communities.

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San Camp Makgadikgadi Pans

Breath taking scenery

The Makgadikgadi Pans in Botswana offer breathtaking scenery that is truly unique and captivating. Exploring the breathtaking scenery of the Makgadikgadi Pans offers a sense of solitude, vastness, and natural wonder. It is a place where you can truly appreciate the magnificence of the earth's landscapes and immerse yourself in the beauty of the African wilderness.

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Highlights

Diverse Wildlife

Water based activities

Water based activities

While the Makgadikgadi Pans in Botswana may appear desolate and barren at first glance, they are home to a surprising array of wildlife that has adapted to the challenging conditions. It's important to note that wildlife sightings in the Makgadikgadi Pans can vary depending on the time of year, weather conditions, and the availability of water and vegetation.

San Camp

Water based activities

Water based activities

Water based activities

While boating or water-based activities are not typically offered in Makgadikgadi Pans, there are other nearby areas where you can enjoy water-based experiences. The Makgadikgadi Pans, which encompass the larger region, include areas such as Ntwetwe Pan and Sua Pan. These pans can sometimes hold water during the rainy season and provide opportunities for water based activities. 


Cultural Significance

Cultural Significance

Cultural Significance

The Makgadikgadi Pans hold cultural significance for the indigenous communities of Botswana, particularly the San people (also known as the Bushmen or Basarwa).It's important for visitors to approach cultural interactions with respect and sensitivity, understanding the historical and cultural context of the San people. 

Jack's Camp

Sustainable Tourism

Cultural Significance

Cultural Significance

Sustainable tourism in the Makgadikgadi Pans focuses on minimizing negative environmental impacts, supporting local communities, and preserving the cultural and natural heritage of the region. By embracing sustainable tourism principles, the Makgadikgadi Pans can be enjoyed by visitors while preserving  cultural heritage.

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Photo Gallery

Meercats Makgadikgadi Pans

Inquisitive Meercats

Quad Biking Jack's Camp

Quad Biking across the Pans

Game Drive San Camp

Up close with Predators

Horseback Safari Jack's Camp

Explore on Horseback

Need To Know

How to get there

Most safaris in Botswana start and end at either Maun Airport or Kasane Airport. Daily scheduled flights operate between Cape Town/Johannesburg and Maun and on certain days there are flights between Johannesburg and Kasane. 

Best time to visit

The Dry Season is between (April to October) and this is generally considered the best time to visit the Makgadikgadi Pans. During this time, the pans dry up, and large herds of zebra and wildebeest migrate to the area. Predators such as lions and cheetahs are also more easily spotted. The weather is cooler, and there are fewer mosquitoes, making it a comfortable time to explore the region. The wet season, from November to March, brings occasional rainfall to the area, transforming the pans into a vast expanse of grasslands and shallow lakes. The landscape becomes lush, and migratory bird species arrive, including flamingos and pelicans. Whatever time of the year you visit the Makgadikgadi Pans, it is a truly special place that offers something for everyone. Whether you're interested in wildlife, adventure, or simply soaking up the breathtaking beauty of the landscape, the Makgadikgadi Pans is a must-visit destination in Botswana.

Makgadikgadi Pans Photo Gallery

San Camp
Zebras Makgadikgadi Pans
Game Drives Makgadikgadi Pans
Quad Biking Makgadikgadi Pans
Horseback Safari Makgadikgadi Pans
Walking Safari Makgadikgadi Pans
San Camp Makgadikgadi Pans

Activities in the Makgadikgadi Pans

The Makgadikgadi Pans in Botswana offer a range of unique activities and experiences. Here are some of the best ways to experience activities in the Makgadikgadi Pans:


  1. Quad Biking and Off-Roading: The vast expanse of the salt pans provides an ideal playground for quad biking and off-roading adventures. You can explore the surreal landscapes, race across the salt flats, and experience the exhilaration of riding through this remote and otherworldly environment.
  2. Guided Nature Walks: Take a guided nature walk with experienced guides who will introduce you to the fascinating flora and fauna of the Makgadikgadi Pans. Learn about the desert-adapted plants, spot smaller wildlife species, and gain insights into the unique adaptations required for survival in this harsh environment.
  3. Wildlife Viewing: Embark on guided game drives or join a guided safari to spot wildlife in the surrounding areas. Keep an eye out for the abundant birdlife, large herds of zebra and wildebeest during the migration season, as well as predators like lions, cheetahs, and jackals.
  4. Salt Pans Camping: Experience the unique thrill of camping on the salt pans. Set up camp under the starry sky and immerse yourself in the solitude and vastness of the surroundings. It's an opportunity to disconnect from the modern world and appreciate the raw beauty of nature.


Regardless of how you choose to experience activities in the Makgadikgadi Pans, you're sure to be enchanted by this pristine and beautiful wilderness.

Our Accommodation in the Makgadikgadi Pans

San Camp Pool

San Camp

Jack's Camp

Jack's Camp

San Camp is a seasonal camp located close to the Makgadikgadi Pans National Park. Visits to the local meerkat colony as well as San bushmen walks are highlights.

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Jack's Camp

Jack's Camp

Jack's Camp

Jack's Camp

Jack's Camp is located nearby the Makgadikgadi Pans and offers a truly unique safari experience in Botswana's Kalahari Desert. 

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Other Areas

Moremi Game Reserve

Moremi Game Reserve

Moremi Game Reserve

Moremi Game Reserve

The Moremi Game Reserve falls within the tribal land of the Batswana and rates as one of the leading wildlife areas of the world. 

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Linyanti Savuti

Linyanti Savuti

Moremi Game Reserve

Moremi Game Reserve

This prime Big 5 safari area is on the southern banks of the Linyanti River, where the Savute marsh subsides into lagoons and steadily flowing rivers.

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Centrl Kalahari

Central Kalahari

Moremi Game Reserve

Central Kalahari

The Central Kalahari Game Reserve is the second largest in the world. It is Africa at its untamed best and offers some of the best game viewing in Botswana.

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Explore

Excursions

Explorations

Explorations

Our Excursions are short two to three night safaris based at our Permanent Camps with transfers starting and ending either in Maun or Kasane.

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Explorations

Explorations

Explorations

To explore is to discover and our Explorations visit a combination of our Permanent Camps in different wildlife areas for four nights or more with transfers.

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Expeditions

Explorations

Expeditions

Expeditions are longer safaris  that visit our Expedition Camps or combine them & our Permanent Camps on a voyage of discovery with all transfers.

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Our Camps

Duke's Camp

Kwetsani Camp

Kwetsani Camp

Dukes Camp

This unadulterated African wilderness is mixed with an unmistakable safari style, and it is pitched in a remote wilderness.

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Kwetsani Camp

Kwetsani Camp

Kwetsani Camp

Kwetsani Camp

Kwetsani Camp is a luxury safari camp located in the Jao Concession of the Okavango Delta. 

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Baines Camp

Kwetsani Camp

Baines Camp

Baines Camp

Baine's Camp is a luxury safari lodge located under shady trees of the Okavango. The camp is small and intimate.

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Jao Camp

Machaba Camp

Baines Camp

Jao Camp

 This luxury camp offers a superb combination of premier accommodation and excellent all year round safari experience.

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Chiefs Camp

Machaba Camp

Machaba Camp

Chiefs Camp

Located on the game rich Chief's Island is an excellent option for guests seeking a true big game experience. 

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Machaba Camp

Machaba Camp

Machaba Camp

Machaba Camp

Machaba Camp is located in the Khwai Concession, adjacent to the Okavango Delta's Moremi Game Reserve. 

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Trade Enquiry

If you have a trade related enquiry about the Stars of Botswana, please fill in the form that  will open in a new window by clicking on the Enquire Now button below.

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Our Values

Locally owned

Commitment to service

Commitment to service

All our camps and expedition operations are owned and managed by local men and woman of Botswana. Most started their safari careers as guides in the industry. 

Commitment to service

Commitment to service

Commitment to service

We are dedicated to arranging a memorable safari and welcoming you to Botswana. You can expect personalised service from your initial enquiry through to the end of your safari.

Expert travel advice

Commitment to service

Expert travel advice

We have many years of experience in arranging a safari in Botswana and are specialists in the wildlife areas that we operate. You can expect honest and expert travel advice of the highest calibre from our team.

Knowledge like wisdom is like water in the sand


African Proverb

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