Makgadikgadi Pans
Botswana
The remnant of an ancient mega-lake larger than Switzerland, two vast salt pans at the Kalahari's heart. In the dry season: meerkats and brown hyena. In January: a quarter-million zebra on the world's second-largest migration.
Explore on the interactive map →Stops along the route
- Maun
Gateway to the Okavango Delta and jumping-off point for the pans. A frontier town of bush planes, 4WD hire, and Motswana hospitality.
- Gweta
Last fuel before the pans. A habituated meerkat colony nearby is extraordinary, sentinels on termite mounds, pups learning to forage at dawn.
- Nxai Pan
A grassland pan ringed by ancient baobabs including Baines' Baobabs, painted by the explorer in 1862 and visually unchanged since. Wildebeest calve here in summer.
- Makgadikgadi Pan
A disorientating white void where compass navigation becomes unreliable. In January, a quarter-million zebra flood the pan on one of the world's great migrations.
- Nata Bird Sanctuary
The northern rim of Sua Pan hosts a flamingo breeding colony of up to a million birds, the largest and most spectacular flamingo gathering in Africa.
- Francistown
Botswana's second city. Zimbabwe lies 90km east; Chobe National Park with its famous elephant herds is three hours north.
Where to Eat
- Gweta Lodge RestaurantLocal and International
Offers a variety of local and international dishes in a relaxed setting, perfect for travelers exploring the Makgadikgadi area.
- Nata Lodge RestaurantContinental
Serves continental cuisine with views of the surrounding wilderness, ideal for a meal after visiting the Nata Bird Sanctuary.
- Pelican Lodge RestaurantAfrican and International
Features African and international dishes, providing a comfortable dining experience near the Makgadikgadi Pans.
- Planet Baobab RestaurantTraditional African
Specializes in traditional African cuisine amidst iconic baobab trees, offering a unique dining atmosphere.
Things to Do
- Visit Baines' BaobabsLandmark
Explore the famous cluster of baobab trees painted by Thomas Baines, located within Nxai Pan National Park.
- Meerkat Experience at Gweta LodgeWildlife Experience
Observe habituated meerkats up close in their natural habitat on guided tours from Gweta Lodge.
- Sunset Drive in Nata Bird SanctuaryWildlife Experience
Enjoy a guided sunset drive to witness diverse bird species and wildlife in the sanctuary's unique ecosystem.
- Overnight Camp on Ntwetwe PanAdventure
Experience the vastness of the salt pans by camping under the stars on Ntwetwe Pan, accessible from Gweta.
Travel advisory
Driving on the pans themselves demands low-range 4WD, navigation experience, and knowledge of salt-crust conditions, which can conceal soft or flooded sections. A local guide is strongly recommended as tracks are unmarked and GPS coverage is unreliable. Travel with at least two vehicles and carry full recovery equipment.