Makgadikgadi Salt Pans
4.9
2394 reviews Best choiceMakgadikgadi Salt Pans
The Makgadikgadi Salt Pans in Botswana are one of the largest salt flats on Earth—a surreal, shimmering expanse where silence and space stretch endlessly. Once an ancient lake, the pans now offer a truly otherworldly landscape that stirs the soul and awakens the senses. During the dry season, the pans feel like a dreamscape of cracked earth and horizonless skies, perfect for stargazing and quad biking adventures.
When the rains arrive (typically November to March), the pans transform dramatically. Water collects in shallow pools, drawing thousands of flamingos, wildebeest, and zebra in one of Africa’s last great migrations. This seasonal shift is nothing short of magical.
Makgadikgadi offers something rare—a chance to disconnect from the modern world and reconnect with the raw, untamed beauty of the Earth. A place where time slows, your senses sharpen, and the vastness of nature reminds you how big—and beautiful—the world truly is.
Africa
Botswana
English
Botswana pula
2 Seasons (Wet & Dry)
53°F / 12°C
86°F / 30°C
GMT+2
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Best Time to Visit Makgadikgadi Salt Pans
The Best Time to visit the Makgadikgadi Salt Pans depends on what kind of magic you’re looking for. From May to October, during the dry season, the pans transform into a striking, lunar-like landscape—cracked white earth stretching endlessly under vast, blue skies. It’s the perfect time for quad biking, stargazing, and walking across the silent, otherworldly terrain.
Then comes the rainy season (November to March), when the pans fill with water and life returns. Thousands of flamingos paint the wetlands pink, while zebras and wildebeest arrive during one of Africa’s last great migrations. It’s a rare and unforgettable sight.
Each season offers a unique experience—whether it’s the peaceful isolation of the dry months or the vibrant rebirth of the wet. No matter when you go, Makgadikgadi offers something few places can: the chance to witness nature’s extremes and feel beautifully small in the best possible way.
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Tourists talk about us
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Had a fantastic tour across Southern Africa with Thula, he was very professional and very informative throughout our tour.
Aug 2021Basil Mapfumo
Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe -
We’ve just come back from our great trip in Victoria Falls and Chobe national park in Botswana. The company who arranged this trip was Supertime African Tours and our guide was Tula.
Aug 2022etikl
Israel -
This trip was marvellous : accomodations,games..Thula knows a lot about the way of live of the animals and so knows were to find them.
Dec 2020holidayseve
Ile-de-France, France