Makgadikgadi Pans

The Makgadikgadi Pans are the remnants of Lake Makgadikgadi, a massive inland sea that dried up thousands of years ago. Today, it is a surreal, flat landscape that stretches beyond the horizon, offering a profound sense of space. The area is actually made up of several large pans, including Sua, Nwetwe, and Nxai Pan, interspersed with sandy desert and occasional rocky outcrops like the famous Kubu Island, which is crowned with ancient, gnarled baobab trees.

Beyond the landscapes, the region is famous for its unique wildlife adaptations. It is one of the best places in Africa to see habituated meerkats, who might even use your head as a lookout post if you sit still enough. The elusive brown hyena and the magnificent black-maned Kalahari lion also roam these harsh environments. Whether you are tearing across the dry crust on a quad bike or watching thousands of zebras splash through shallow waters, Makgadikgadi is a destination of extremes and extraordinary beauty.

Reasons to Visit

• Experience the profound silence and isolation of one of the largest salt flats on Earth.
• Witness the second largest zebra and wildebeest migration in Africa during the wet season.
• Interact with habituated meerkats in their natural desert environment.
• Sleep under some of the clearest, darkest skies in the world, perfect for astrotourism.
• Explore the mystical Kubu Island, an ancient rock formation covered in massive baobab trees.

Things to Avoid

• Avoid attempting to drive on the pans during or immediately after the rainy season, as the mud is treacherous and recovery is nearly impossible.
• Do not travel without sufficient water; the dry heat can cause rapid dehydration.
• Avoid approaching wild animals on foot unless accompanied by a certified walking safari guide.
• Do not rely on cell phone coverage, as the vast majority of the pans have zero signal.

Local Transportation Tips

Public transportation does not exist within the Makgadikgadi Pans. Navigation relies entirely on specialized 4x4 safari vehicles or light aircraft. Most travelers book all-inclusive packages where lodges provide all necessary transfers and game drive vehicles. For those self-driving, a fully equipped 4x4, satellite phone, and advanced off-road driving skills are mandatory.

Travel Etiquette

• Always listen to your safari guide; their rules are in place for your safety and the protection of the wildlife.
• Maintain silence during game drives and wildlife sightings to avoid stressing the animals.
• Never leave your tent or room at night without a guide, as wild animals often roam through unfenced camps.
• Practice 'Leave No Trace' principles, especially when wild camping on the pans.

Recommended Age Group

The Makgadikgadi Pans offer an incredible adventure, but the harsh environment requires careful consideration for different age groups.

• Babies (0-2 years): Not Recommended. The extreme heat, intense sun, long travel times, and lack of nearby medical facilities make this an unsuitable destination for infants.
• Kids (3-12 years): Neutral. While older children will love the meerkats and quad biking, the long game drives and extreme temperatures can be challenging for younger kids.
• Teens (13-19 years): Recommended. Teens will be thrilled by the adventure activities, such as quad biking across the pans and sleeping out under the stars.
• Adults (20-64 years): Recommended. Perfect for adults seeking off-grid luxury, photography opportunities, and unique wildlife encounters.
• Seniors (65+ years): Recommended. Luxury lodges provide excellent comfort and specialized service, though travelers should be prepared for bumpy 4x4 rides and extreme heat.

Accessibility Level: Medium

• Accessibility in the Makgadikgadi Pans is limited due to the remote, sandy, and rugged terrain.
• Some high-end luxury lodges have adapted specific tents and main areas to be wheelchair accessible, but this must be confirmed prior to booking.
• Getting into and out of high 4x4 safari vehicles can be challenging for those with limited mobility.
• Travelers requiring accessible facilities should work with specialized safari operators who can arrange appropriate transport and accommodation.

Did You Know?

The Makgadikgadi Pans are so vast and flat that you can actually see the curvature of the Earth on the horizon. Additionally, the crust of the pan is so devoid of landmarks that it can completely disorient your sense of perspective and distance.

Cool Statistics

• The Makgadikgadi Pans cover an area of over 16,000 square kilometers (6,200 square miles).
• The ancient Lake Makgadikgadi, which formed the pans, was once larger than the country of Switzerland.
• During the wet season, up to 30,000 zebras and wildebeests migrate to the pans.
• Some of the baobab trees on Kubu Island are estimated to be over 3,000 years old.