Makgadikgadi PansThe Makgadikgadi Pans are the remains of an ancient super lake that is believed to have covered a vast percentage of Southern Africa. The area is a dramatic, desolate, lunar expanse where you can literally see the curvature of the earth. Made up of miles of shimmering white salt, the Makgadikgadi Pans evoke a sense of complete wilderness in an area seemingly untouched by humankind. It’s one of Africa's truly unique destinations.
The Makgadikgadi Pans are one of the last remaining domains of the San Bushmen, some of the last hunter gatherers in Africa today. The San are exceptional trackers, and many of the camps here have San bushmen as their guides. Other camps arrange visits to their villages or go out on walks with San bushmen from their own camps. Either way, we highly recommend visiting the San whilst staying in the area.
The Pans themselves only make up about of 20% of the National Park, the remainder consisting of rolling grasslands. These grasslands are the focal point of a vast zebra migration, second only to the Serengeti’s Migration herds. To coincide with the largest herds, you will need to travel at the beginning of the year. The later months see the herds move north away from the Makgadikgadi, as the region becomes progressively drier. Herds can still be found in the area, specifically around the Boteti River area, and unique species such as brown hyena and meerkats can be found in the grasslands throughout the year. The Makgadikgadi: Accommodation choices
Uncharted Africa have been running camps and explorations in the Makgadikgadi for years, attempting to give their clients 'what they never knew they wanted'! Their flagship property, Jacks Camp, is very high end and is one of Africa's most unique camps. Sister Camp San Camp is less luxurious, whereas Planet Baobab is a great place for good value family safaris. The guiding at all these lodges is set high, especially at Jacks, and the companies authentic relationship with the San bushmen results in one of the continent's most authentic cultural interactions. The Boteti River area is home to Meno A Kwena, a lovely small, very good value camp that looks over the riverbed. Concentrations of zebra here are phenomenal, the river being the focuas for a good diversity of game when the remainder of the region becomes dry.
The Makgadikgadi: Time of year to travel
Working in the complete opposite season to Botswana’s big game areas, the Makgadikgadi is in peak game viewing season throughout the early months of the year. January, February and March sees herds coming down from Northern Botswana for the nutritious grazing to be found around the Pans and the Kalahari. This is a peak time for the zebra migration. When the region dries out however, from the 1st June onwards, there are still pockets of game to be found and the famous resident meerkats and brown hyena are easily located. And since much of the appeal of the Makgadikgadi is its desolation, as opposed to its big game viewing, it’s really a year round destination.
Recommended lodges in this area:
Makgadikgadi Pans
Jacks Camp... if only there were more places in Africa that had this kind of atmosphere, dedication and professionalism! To say Jacks is amazing is underselling it, this place is absolutely outstanding but the product is unique and it has to be sold correctly.
Makgadikgadi Pans
San Camp is not sold as a game destination, although there is quite good game a full days game drive away. The guiding, walking and quad biking are superb.
Makgadikgadi Pans
Meno a Kwena is a small and intimate lodge that has long been home of the famous David Dugmore! Consisting of 8 simple, yet effective tents the lodge is located on the traditionally dry Boteti River.
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