Visit Makgadikgadi and Nxai Pan National ParkWatch the sunrise over the vast salt plains

Makgadikgadi & Nxai Pan National Park is a vast area and includes Ntwetwe Pan, Makgadikgadi Pans, Nxai Pan, Baines' Baobabs and Kudiakam Pan. Thought to once be a massive lake covering 60-80,000 sq km that existed 2 million years ago and started to dry up 1500 years ago due to climate change. Further evaporation turned the lake into large pans with a surface glistening with salt. The national park is not dry all the time though. The pans, which are located in half of the South, East and Northeastern areas of the park, fill up with water in the rainy season from mid-November and hold on to their water until April or May. The pans become great sheets of water, which attract a fantastic array of waterbirds and trigger spectacular migrations of wildebeests and zebras.

The landscape of the Makgadikgadi and Nxai Pan National Park is mostly dry savannah, peppered with umbrella acacia trees. It has a number of permanent residents in terms of wildlife including lions, giraffes and ostriches as well as bat-eared foxes and kudus. The Baines Baobabs area is also a point of interest here as it is boasts some beautiful acacia trees, some of which are estimated to be as old as 1000 years. Naturally, though, the focal point of this park is the main water hole, an oasis of life and breathtaking sight.

Visiting Makgadikgadi & Nxai Pan National Park offers a striking contrast between vast, shimmering salt pans and wildlife-rich grasslands. In the dry season, the landscape feels almost lunar, while the wet season transforms it into a haven for flamingos and migrating zebras, followed by predators. Unique wildlife like brown hyenas and bat-eared foxes thrive here, alongside large elephant herds. Highlights include the ancient Baines’ Baobabs and breathtaking sunrises over the remote, untamed terrain. A 4x4 is essential, but the solitude and ever-changing scenery make for an unforgettable safari experience.

Makgadikgadi & Nxai Pan Wildlife

As the sun sinks toward the horizon, the vast, shimmering expanse of white salt reflects hues of gold, pink, and deep orange, creating a dreamlike atmosphere. Shadows stretch endlessly across the barren landscape, and the air turns cool and still, amplifying the park’s sense of solitude. If you’re lucky, a lone springbok or wandering wildebeest might silhouette against the fading light, adding to the surreal beauty. As darkness falls, the sky transforms into a breathtaking canvas of stars, uninterrupted by city lights, making the transition from sunset to night just as magical.

Seeing animals in Makgadikgadi & Nxai Pan National Park is an unforgettable experience, with wildlife appearing almost mirage-like against the vast, open landscapes. During the dry season, hardy species like oryx, springbok, and brown hyenas roam the salt pans, while elephant herds gather around waterholes in Nxai Pan. The wet season transforms the park into a wildlife spectacle, as thousands of zebras and wildebeests migrate across the plains, trailed by lions, cheetahs, and lurking hyenas. Birdlife flourishes, with flamingos creating a pink haze over the shallow waters. Whether spotting a lone aardwolf in the twilight or witnessing a predator’s chase, every sighting feels raw and untamed, set against one of Africa’s most surreal backdrops.

The best time to visit Makgadikgadi & Nxai Pan National Park depends on the experience you're looking for. The dry season, from May to October, offers vast, stark salt pans under clear skies, making it ideal for those drawn to the park’s surreal, lunar-like landscapes. Wildlife gathers around the remaining water sources, making animal sightings easier, and the cooler temperatures from June to August provide comfortable travel conditions.

The wet season, from November to April, transforms the park into a lush, green paradise, attracting thousands of migrating zebras and wildebeests, along with flocks of flamingos that gather in the seasonal lakes. This is also the best time for birdwatching, and the dramatic thunderstorms add to the beauty of the experience. However, some areas become inaccessible due to heavy rains, and the heat and humidity can be intense. Whether you seek the stark beauty of the dry season or the vibrant life of the wet season, each time of year offers a unique perspective on this breathtaking wilderness.

Visiting Makgadikgadi & Nxai Pan National Park is an unforgettable journey into one of Africa’s most unique and contrasting landscapes. Whether you’re drawn to the vast, shimmering salt pans of the dry season or the vibrant wildlife and lush scenery of the wet season, the park offers a raw and immersive safari experience unlike any other. From the iconic Baines’ Baobabs to the dramatic zebra migration and breathtaking sunsets, every moment feels like a step into a timeless wilderness. With its sense of remoteness, diverse wildlife, and stunning scenery, this hidden gem of Botswana promises adventure, solitude, and the magic of untouched nature.