Makgadikgadi Pans & the Central Kalahari
Why holiday in Makgadikgadi Pans & the Central Kalahari?
Surrounded by the Kalahari Desert, the Makgadikgadi Pans National Park has one of the largest salt flats in the world. The landscape here is strikingly beautiful with uninterrupted views as far as the eye can see. The harsh desert environment is home to meerkats, brown hyenas and bat-eared foxes who have adapted to the arid conditions. A morning spent observing a meerkat colony is an entertaining and rewarding experience.
The Pans themselves are only accessible when they are dry, generally between June and October. Visit during this time and you can enjoy unique experiences, from exploring the pans on quad bikes to sleeping out under the stars with nothing between you and the vastness that surrounds you. A once-in-a-lifetime experience.
When the rains arrive, typically from December, they bring wildlife and thousands of flamingos to the pans and the desert is transformed. It’s too wet to access the pans, but the draw card at this time of year is one of Africa’s lesser-known migrations, as large herds of zebra and wildebeest arrive.
The Central Kalahari Game Reserve is a vast area of wild, untamed beauty, home to the San people. On the periphery of the reserve are camps offering a taste of the Kalahari experience through game drives, guided nature walks and an educational walk with the San Bushmen who share insights into their traditional way of life.
Wondering what to expect on safari? Read our guide.
Discover Makgadikgadi Pans & the Central Kalahari
Sleepout on the Pans
Walking in the Central Kalahari
Kalahari Oryx
Flamingos at the Makgadikgadi Pans
Meeting meerkats at San Camp
Nxai Pan waterhole
Horse riding at the Mak Pans
Where to stay in Makgadikgadi Pans & the Central Kalahari
"The holiday was absolutely fantastic. Saw all the big 5 except rhinos.The accommodation was top class (lovely big beds), the people who staffed it were so friendly, guides were so knowledgeable, you really felt they wanted you to visit their country. We did a helicopter tour over Victoria falls, which were awe inspiring - another highlight of the holiday. All the transfers were smooth and efficient and this reduced any stress in the holiday, loved the small plane hops between camps in Botswana. We had an unforgettable holiday and will be boring our friends and family with it for months. Thanks for your help in organising this wonderful holiday. "
Mr & Mrs S via Spear Travels
"Back home after another fabulous holiday. The lodges were all of the same high standard of cleanliness, food quality and presentation with all members of staff helpful, friendly and as immaculately turned out as we remember from 4 years ago. The guides were all brilliant with their knowledge, enthusiasm and great sense of humour. We did a 4 hour game walk-brilliant! Again a great holiday - may well return in a few years!!"
Mr & Mrs H via Butterfly Travel
We had a fabulous trip staying at 3 lodges in Botswana. My late husband and I were keen bird watchers and I donated his binoculars to one of the lodges there, for which they were very appreciative. Thank you for everything you did.
Mrs G via Courtney World Travel
" We were blown away by the trip. From start to finish, the service was impeccable with every aspect, so thank you African Pride. You are brilliant! "
Mr & Mrs C, via Hays Travel
" Just want to say a huge thank you for organising this honeymoon for us! It’s been even better than we ever imagined it could be. I couldn’t even tell you a highlight because I felt like we had one every day! "
Mr & Mrs R
When to travel to Makgadikgadi Pans & the Central Kalahari
The Pans may be visited throughout the year, though some activities may be seasonal. With migratory wildlife, different camps are best placed for sightings at different times of the year, so speak to your African Pride consultant about what will work best for your holiday and what you wish to see and do.
The Central Kalahari is best visited during Botswana's Green Season from December to March, as animals gather at the pans for water. The Central Kalahari offers some of Botswana's best game viewing at this time of year.
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Makgadikgadi Pans & the Central Kalahari
The Makgadikgadi Pans lie to the east of Maun, and south of Chobe National Park. The Central Kalahari Game Reserve lies south west of the Pans, right in the heart of Botswana and the vast Kalahari desert.
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