Filter Tours
1 Available Tour Excursions in Makgadikgadi Pans National Park
Wild Camping with no fences or other boundaries in the middle of the desert in Deception Valley. A real and authentic nature experience. We try to make the camping experience as comfortable and enjoyable as possible. Let our experienced team let you take on an adventure in the wild of Botswana.
Price: $1,346.16
Duration: 72 hours
Key Info for Visitors
- Currency: BWP
- Languages: English, Setswana
- Climate: Semi-arid
- Timezone: Africa/Gaborone
- Population: The park itself does not have a permanent population; it is a protected natural area.
- Best Time to Visit: best time to visit is during the dry season (May to October) for wildlife viewing and comfortable weather.
- Visa Requirements Visitors from many countries including the US, UK, and EU member states do not require a visa for stays up to 90 days. Others may obtain a visa on arrival or apply for an e-visa before travel. Valid passport, proof of onward travel, and sufficient funds are typically required.
About Makgadikgadi Pans National Park
Makgadikgadi Pans National Park is one of the largest salt flats in the world, located in the heart of Botswana’s Central District. This vast, otherworldly landscape is a remnant of an ancient lake that dried up thousands of years ago, leaving behind expansive white salt pans that stretch to the horizon. The park offers a unique blend of stark beauty and rich wildlife, attracting adventurers and nature lovers alike. Visitors are drawn to the surreal environment where the shimmering salt crust contrasts with the sparse vegetation and occasional water during the rainy season. The park is famous for its seasonal migrations of zebra and wildebeest, as well as large flocks of flamingos that gather on the pans after rains. Beyond wildlife, Makgadikgadi offers cultural experiences with local communities and the chance to explore ancient archaeological sites. Its remote location and vast open spaces provide a sense of solitude and pristine wilderness that is rare in Africa. For those seeking a truly distinctive safari experience away from the typical game reserves, Makgadikgadi Pans National Park is a compelling destination.
Makgadikgadi Pans National Park Tours & Experiences
- Top Attractions: Highlights of Botswana
- Duration Range: Half-day or Full-day
- Group Size: Small groups (up to 15 people)
- Difficulty Level: Mixed Difficulty
- Recommended For: The best time to visit is during the dry season (May to October) for wildlife viewing and comfortable weather. Pack sun protection, sturdy walking shoes, and layers for cool evenings. Respect local customs and wildlife by following park rules and guides’ instructions. Carry sufficient cash as card facilities may be limited. Stay hydrated and be prepared for remote conditions with limited medical facilities.
Average Tour Price: $95
Lowest Price Tour: $50
Highest Price Tour: $180
1. Choose Your Tour
Browse our curated selection of tours and select your perfect adventure.
2. Check Details
Review tour inclusions, duration, and meeting points carefully.
3. Book Online
Complete your booking securely with instant confirmation.
4. Enjoy Your Experience
Join the tour and create unforgettable memories in Makgadikgadi Pans National Park.
Important Tour Information
- Bring comfortable walking shoes and appropriate clothing
- Check tour cancellation and refund policies
- Arrive at the meeting point at least 15 minutes early
- Carry valid identification and tour booking confirmation
Top Attractions
1. Makgadikgadi Salt Pans – The enormous white salt flats that create a surreal and photogenic landscape. 2. Baines’ Baobabs – A group of iconic ancient baobab trees named after the explorer Thomas Baines. 3. Nxai Pan – A nearby pan known for abundant wildlife and seasonal zebra migrations. 4. Kubu Island – A rocky outcrop in the salt pans with ancient baobabs and cultural significance. 5. Makgadikgadi Wetlands – Seasonal wetlands that attract flamingos and other birdlife during the rains.
Popular Activities
Visitors can enjoy guided game drives to see unique desert-adapted wildlife, walking safaris to explore the pans and baobab groves, birdwatching especially during the wet season, cultural visits to local villages, and stargazing in the clear night skies. Quad biking and 4x4 excursions across the salt flats offer adventurous ways to experience the vastness. Seasonal boat trips are available in flooded areas. Photographers find endless opportunities for dramatic landscapes and wildlife shots.
Frequently Asked Questions
Local Food & Cuisine
Local cuisine in the area features traditional Botswana dishes such as seswaa (slow-cooked shredded beef), bogobe (millet porridge), and morogo (wild spinach). Meals often include maize-based staples and locally sourced meats. Dining at lodges typically combines local flavors with international cuisine. Noteworthy places to eat include lodge restaurants that emphasize fresh, regional ingredients and offer bush dining experiences under the stars.
Getting Around
The park is accessible by road from Maun or Nata, with 4x4 vehicles recommended due to rough terrain. Small charter flights can land at nearby airstrips. Within the park, guided tours and safari vehicles are the main modes of transport. Visitors should plan for limited public transport and consider organized tours or private transfers. Costs vary but expect moderate to high prices for transfers and excursions.
Travel Tips
The best time to visit is during the dry season (May to October) for wildlife viewing and comfortable weather. Pack sun protection, sturdy walking shoes, and layers for cool evenings. Respect local customs and wildlife by following park rules and guides’ instructions. Carry sufficient cash as card facilities may be limited. Stay hydrated and be prepared for remote conditions with limited medical facilities.
Culture & Customs
The area is home to Tswana-speaking communities with rich traditions in music, dance, and crafts. Visitors may encounter traditional ceremonies and festivals celebrating local heritage. Politeness and respect for elders are important social norms. Photography of people should be done with permission. Sharing stories and engaging with local guides enriches the cultural experience.
About The Author
Calvin has loved travel and adventure since first visiting Los Angeles with a suitcase in 1992 at the age of 20. He ditched the suitcase and got a backpack pretty fast.
He hates leaving after any trip and has to console himself by writing and sharing articles on it. You can find and connect with him on linked in here.
Likes
Travel, Gaming, Scuba Diving, Skiing and anything to do with water.
Dislikes
Exact luggage sizing police and being tired in an airport and many more..