RoadAtlas
Makgadikgadi Pans — Botswana — Wildlife
Africa

Makgadikgadi Pans

Botswana

In short: Makgadikgadi Pans is a 600 km wildlife road trip in Botswana, typically driven over 4–5 days, best in May–Oct (dry), Jan–Mar (migration). Highlights: Maun, Gweta, Nxai Pan.

Distance
600 km
Duration
4–5 days
Best Season
May–Oct (dry), Jan–Mar (migration)
NotableHard4WD onlyWildlifeOff-road sectionsGuide 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: a quarter-million zebra on the world's second-largest migration.

~1 refuel
~2 charges
Practical notes
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.
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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
Last fuel before the pans. A habituated meerkat colony nearby is extraordinary, sentinels on termite mounds, pups learning to forage at dawn.
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.
Makgadikgadi Pan — Nature — Makgadikgadi Pans — Botswana
Nature
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 — Nature — Makgadikgadi Pans — Botswana
Nature
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.
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.
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.

Explore related routes

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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 4–5 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, Gweta, Nxai Pan.

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.

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 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.

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.