RegionMakgadikgadi
Desert-adapted wildlife roam the chalk-white landscape of the world's largest salt pan
In Botswana’s northeast, Makgadikgadi National Park covers part of an ancient dried lake that is now the Makgadikgadi Pan, the world’s largest salt pan covering an area of over 30.000 km2. A place of surprising biodiversity, this park is home to one of Africa’s largest herds of migrating zebras, and the predators that hunt them. It is also a haven for rare species like the brown hyena and the desert-adapted oryx. Stark and beautiful, the area is dotted with grassland and acacia trees, with the occasional sturdy Baobab growing on the pan’s edges. A visit here is not complete without experiencing fascinating sites like the mysterious Kubu Island or the community-managed Nata Bird Sanctuary.
In Botswana’s northeast, Makgadikgadi National Park covers part of an ancient dried lake that is ...
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Suggested Trip Templates
12 nights- •
0.453t CO₂
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The Complete Off-Grid Luxury Safari: Victoria Falls, Salt Pans & Okavango Delta
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Fly-in Botswana Discovery: Okavango Bliss to Makgadikgadi Magic
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Botswana Family Safari: Wildlife, Salt Pans and Okavango Delta Adventure
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Best time to go
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Best time to go to
The Makgadikgadi Pans has something exceptional to offer all year round. During the dry season, from April to October, animals congregate around water sources, providing the opportunity for terrific wildlife viewing. The start of the rainy season, which extends from November to March, is when the magnificent zebra migration takes place. Although the road conditions become difficult to deal with, the pans retain water up until around April or May and allow for fantastic birding experiences.
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Featured Stays
Discover the extraordinary
Botswana- •
Camp Kalahari
A private wildlife reserve stay offering the best of the Makgadikgadi and Kalahari
From $975 /person
- Botswana
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Jack's Camp
An iconic 1940s campaign-style camp in the Makgadikgadi Salt Pans
From $2,645 /person
- Botswana
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Leopard Plains
A tranquil tented camp tucked away in the wilderness of northern Botswana
From $225 /person
- Botswana
- •
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Meno a Kwena Tented Camp
A classically-inspired safari camp boasting excellent wilderness views from a rocky clifftop
From $835 /person
- Botswana
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Planet Baobab
Eco-friendly oasis in Botswana's Makgadikgadi region, offering adventure, relaxation, and cultural immersion.
From $135 /person
- Botswana
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San Camp
An oasis camp set amongst the shimmering white Makgadikgadi Salt Pans
From $2,105 /person
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Because of the easy way we communicated with our Viatu expert, it felt like planning our holidays with a friend. It made it really flexible and perfectly suitable for our needs. The accommodations that he suggested were just wonderful and a perfect mix of everything we needed.
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With super short notice, they organised a trip that was just perfect. Loved everything about it! Will definitely recommend Viatu to all my friends!
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What can I say? We've had an absolute blast traveling through Namibia. Soooo many good new memories! We booked our trip a bit last minute but had amazing support from Viatu to get all the information in time.
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Our Viatu experience was just amazing, starting with the first discussions and the planning of our trip to Namibia. The Viatu team did a great job planning the trip according to our wishes and preferences.
Stefano
Verified Traveller
We had the most wonderful experience with Viatu and the trip of a lifetime. My sister and I travelled for 3,5 weeks through Namibia and South Africa, and everything was perfectly planned and just amazing.
Valerie
Verified Traveller
Our South Africa vacation managed by Viatu based on our request turned out perfect. All logistics and transfers worked seamlessly with local professional personnel.
Svein
Verified Traveller
I spent one of my most exciting and beautiful holidays with Viatu in Namibia. From unforgettable game drives, lodges with stunning locations, delicious food and an adventurous cycling trip through the desert, we got the full package.
Manuel
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We booked our 3.5-week honeymoon with Viatu, and it was simply wonderful! We had the most amazing time in South Africa and will book holidays with Viatu again!
Linda
Verified Traveller
We had an incredible journey with Viatu and many unforgettable memories in South Africa. The journey was tailor-made to our wishes and the communication with Alex really easy, friendly and helpful. All the information was accessible online at any time, nicely presented and structured in an overview.
Michèle
Verified Traveller
I had a once in a lifetime trip with Viatu. It was extremely exciting, adventurous and diverse! As my first trip, I found it to be very enjoyable. Everything was totally planned out from A to Z.
Irina
Verified TravellerBecause of the easy way we communicated with our Viatu expert, it felt like planning our holidays with a friend. It made it really flexible and perfectly suitable for our needs. The accommodations that he suggested were just wonderful and a perfect mix of everything we needed.
Nicole
Verified TravellerWith super short notice, they organised a trip that was just perfect. Loved everything about it! Will definitely recommend Viatu to all my friends!
Margherita
Verified TravellerWhat can I say? We've had an absolute blast traveling through Namibia. Soooo many good new memories! We booked our trip a bit last minute but had amazing support from Viatu to get all the information in time.
Anna
Verified TravellerOur Viatu experience was just amazing, starting with the first discussions and the planning of our trip to Namibia. The Viatu team did a great job planning the trip according to our wishes and preferences.
Stefano
Verified TravellerWe had the most wonderful experience with Viatu and the trip of a lifetime. My sister and I travelled for 3,5 weeks through Namibia and South Africa, and everything was perfectly planned and just amazing.
Valerie
Verified TravellerOur South Africa vacation managed by Viatu based on our request turned out perfect. All logistics and transfers worked seamlessly with local professional personnel.
Svein
Verified TravellerI spent one of my most exciting and beautiful holidays with Viatu in Namibia. From unforgettable game drives, lodges with stunning locations, delicious food and an adventurous cycling trip through the desert, we got the full package.
Manuel
Verified TravellerWe booked our 3.5-week honeymoon with Viatu, and it was simply wonderful! We had the most amazing time in South Africa and will book holidays with Viatu again!
Linda
Verified TravellerWe had an incredible journey with Viatu and many unforgettable memories in South Africa. The journey was tailor-made to our wishes and the communication with Alex really easy, friendly and helpful. All the information was accessible online at any time, nicely presented and structured in an overview.
Michèle
Verified TravellerI had a once in a lifetime trip with Viatu. It was extremely exciting, adventurous and diverse! As my first trip, I found it to be very enjoyable. Everything was totally planned out from A to Z.
Irina
Verified Traveller