RoadAtlas
Makgadikgadi Pans — Botswana — Wildlife
Africa

Makgadikgadi Pans

Botswana

Point-to-point
Maun Francistown

In short: Makgadikgadi Pans is a 600 km wildlife road trip in Botswana, typically driven over 5–6 days, best in May–Oct (dry), Jan–Mar (migration). Highlights: Maun, Nxai Pan, Gweta.

Distance
600 km
Duration
5–6 days
Best Season
May–Oct (dry), Jan–Mar (migration)
NotableHard4WD onlyWildlifeOff-road sectionsPermit requiredGuide recommended

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: roughly 20,000-30,000 zebra on the world's second-largest migration.

~1 refuel
~2 charges
Practical notes
Driving on Nxai Pan and Ntwetwe tracks demands low-range 4WD, a prebooked local guide for the salt-pan portion, and knowledge of salt-crust conditions. Tracks shift, mobile signal is absent, and wet pans may close, so carry offline GPS, satellite communication, full recovery equipment, food, water, and reserve fuel; travel with a second vehicle where the operator requires it. The route runs Maun–Nxai Pan–Gweta–Ntwetwe–Nata–Francistown without returning west from Gweta. Prebook Nxai Pan camping, the guided meerkat/Ntwetwe package, and Nata sanctuary access; park and community fees apply. Do not drive after the Nata sunset activity—overnight in Nata and leave in daylight.

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Day-by-day itinerary

Day 1Maun to Nxai Pan National Park

Nxai Pan arrival game drive · Prearranged Nxai Pan camp meal

Day 2Nxai Pan and Baines’ Baobabs

Visit Baines' Baobabs · Nxai Pan Game Drive · Prearranged Nxai Pan camp meals

Day 3Nxai Pan to Gweta and Planet Baobab

Baobab Village Walk · Planet Baobab Restaurant

Day 4Dawn meerkats and guided Ntwetwe Pan sleep-out

Meerkat Experience at Gweta Lodge · Overnight Camp on Ntwetwe Pan · Operator-provided Ntwetwe meals

Day 5Ntwetwe to Nata; sanctuary sunset and Nata overnight

Sunset Drive in Nata Bird Sanctuary · Nata Lodge Restaurant

Day 6Nata to Francistown in daylight

Daylight A3 transfer to Francistown · Barbara's Bistro

Stops along the route

Maun — Departure — Makgadikgadi Pans — Botswana
Departure
Maun
Gateway to the Okavango Delta and jumping-off point for the pans. A frontier town of bush planes, 4WD hire, and Motswana hospitality.
Hotels
Gweta — City — Makgadikgadi Pans — Botswana
City
Gweta
The practical base for a prebooked dawn meerkat experience and guided Ntwetwe Pan sleep-out after visiting Nxai Pan.
Hotels
Francistown — Arrival — Makgadikgadi Pans — Botswana
Arrival
Francistown
Botswana's second city. Zimbabwe lies 90km east; Chobe National Park with its famous elephant herds is three hours north.
Hotels

Things to Do

Nxai Pan — Nature — Makgadikgadi Pans — Botswana
Nature
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.
Ntwetwe Pan — Nature — Makgadikgadi Pans — Botswana
Nature
Ntwetwe Pan
The guided salt-pan experience reached from Gweta; it is distinct from Makgadikgadi Pans National Park on the Boteti side.
Nata Bird Sanctuary — Nature — Makgadikgadi Pans — Botswana
Nature
Nata Bird Sanctuary
The northern rim of Sua Pan hosts one of southern Africa's largest flamingo breeding colonies. Flocks are largest in the wet season when the pan holds water; expect a thinner gathering in the recommended dry-season window.
Visit Baines' Baobabs — Landmark — Makgadikgadi Pans — Botswana
Landmark
Visit Baines' Baobabs
Explore the famous cluster of baobab trees painted by Thomas Baines, located within Nxai Pan National Park.
Meerkat Experience at Gweta Lodge — Wildlife Experience — Makgadikgadi Pans — Botswana
Wildlife Experience
Meerkat Experience at Gweta Lodge
Observe habituated meerkats up close in their natural habitat on guided tours from Gweta Lodge.
Sunset Drive in Nata Bird Sanctuary — Wildlife Experience — Makgadikgadi Pans — Botswana
Wildlife Experience
Sunset Drive in Nata Bird Sanctuary
Enjoy a guided sunset drive to witness diverse bird species and wildlife in the sanctuary's unique ecosystem.
Show 1 more
Overnight Camp on Ntwetwe Pan — Adventure — Makgadikgadi Pans — Botswana
Adventure
Overnight Camp on Ntwetwe Pan
Experience the vastness of the salt pans by camping under the stars on Ntwetwe Pan, accessible from Gweta.

Where to Eat

Gweta Lodge Restaurant — Local and International — Makgadikgadi Pans — Botswana
Local and International
Gweta Lodge Restaurant
Offers a variety of local and international dishes in a relaxed setting, perfect for travelers exploring the Makgadikgadi area.
Nata Lodge Restaurant — Continental — Makgadikgadi Pans — Botswana
Continental
Nata Lodge Restaurant
Serves continental cuisine with views of the surrounding wilderness, ideal for a meal after visiting the Nata Bird Sanctuary.
Pelican Lodge Restaurant — African and International — Makgadikgadi Pans — Botswana
African and International
Pelican Lodge Restaurant
Features African and international dishes, providing a comfortable dining experience near the Makgadikgadi Pans.
Planet Baobab Restaurant — Traditional African — Makgadikgadi Pans — Botswana
Traditional African
Planet Baobab Restaurant
Specializes in traditional African cuisine amidst iconic baobab trees, offering a unique dining atmosphere.

Nearby and similar drives

Frequently asked questions

How long is the Makgadikgadi Pans drive?

The Makgadikgadi Pans covers 600 km from start to finish.

How long does the Makgadikgadi Pans take to drive?

Most travellers spend 5–6 days on the Makgadikgadi Pans, depending on stops and pace.

When is the best time to drive the Makgadikgadi Pans?

The recommended season for the Makgadikgadi Pans is May–Oct (dry), Jan–Mar (migration).

Where does the Makgadikgadi Pans start and end?

The Makgadikgadi Pans runs from Maun to Francistown.

What are the main stops on the Makgadikgadi Pans?

The Makgadikgadi Pans passes through Maun, Nxai Pan, Gweta.

How difficult is the Makgadikgadi Pans to drive?

The Makgadikgadi Pans is rated hard and is best handled with 4wd only.

Do I need a 4WD for the Makgadikgadi Pans?

Yes — the Makgadikgadi Pans includes off-road or rough sections that require 4wd only.

Do I need a permit or border paperwork for the Makgadikgadi Pans?

Yes — the Makgadikgadi Pans requires permits, fees, or border paperwork. Plan ahead: Driving on Nxai Pan and Ntwetwe tracks demands low-range 4WD, a prebooked local guide for the salt-pan portion, and knowledge of salt-crust conditions. Tracks shift, mobile signal is absent, and wet pans may close, so carry offline GPS, satellite communication, full recovery equipment, food, water, and reserve fuel; travel with a second vehicle where the operator requires it. The route runs Maun–Nxai Pan–Gweta–Ntwetwe–Nata–Francistown without returning west from Gweta. Prebook Nxai Pan camping, the guided meerkat/Ntwetwe package, and Nata sanctuary access; park and community fees apply. Do not drive after the Nata sunset activity—overnight in Nata and leave in daylight.

How many fuel stops are needed on the Makgadikgadi Pans?

Plan around 1 refuels (or about 2 EV charges) along the Makgadikgadi Pans, based on its 600 km length.

Is the Makgadikgadi Pans safe to drive?

Driving on Nxai Pan and Ntwetwe tracks demands low-range 4WD, a prebooked local guide for the salt-pan portion, and knowledge of salt-crust conditions. Tracks shift, mobile signal is absent, and wet pans may close, so carry offline GPS, satellite communication, full recovery equipment, food, water, and reserve fuel; travel with a second vehicle where the operator requires it. The route runs Maun–Nxai Pan–Gweta–Ntwetwe–Nata–Francistown without returning west from Gweta. Prebook Nxai Pan camping, the guided meerkat/Ntwetwe package, and Nata sanctuary access; park and community fees apply. Do not drive after the Nata sunset activity—overnight in Nata and leave in daylight.

What scenic tier is the Makgadikgadi Pans?

The Makgadikgadi Pans is a notable drive — Notable scenic drives — strong character routes that locals know well and that reward travellers willing to step beyond the most-photographed roads.