Safari in Makgadikgadi & Nxai Pans

Compare Parks in Makgadikgadi & Nxai Pans

Ecosystem - Makgadikgadi & Nxai Pans

Standing on the edge of the Makgadikgadi feels like being on the moon, an immense, shimmering expanse that stretches to the horizon. We love the stark beauty here, a landscape that demands respect and rewards patience. When the rains arrive, this dry desert explodes with life, and the zebra migration is a sight we never tire of. The sunsets over the pans are simply sensational, painting the sky in impossible colours.

Vast, ancient salt pans dominate the landscape, interspersed with scrubland and acacia savanna.

Getting There - Makgadikgadi & Nxai Pans

While driving into the pans is possible, we always recommend flying into Maun and then taking a charter flight or arranging a transfer with your lodge. It saves considerable time and stress, especially on the sandy tracks that can be unforgiving. The real magic of the pans is best experienced when you arrive refreshed and ready to explore.

Weather & Climate in Makgadikgadi & Nxai Pans

The warmest temperatures in Makgadikgadi & Nxai Pans occur in October, averaging 27.8°C. The coolest conditions are in July at 17.1°C.

The driest weather conditions are typically in July with average rainfall of 0.2mm. Average humidity: 37.3%.

Monthly Temperatures

• January: 24.3°C (rainfall: 139.3mm)
• February: 25.1°C (rainfall: 84.3mm)
• March: 24.6°C (rainfall: 47.3mm)
• April: 23.0°C (rainfall: 10.0mm)
• May: 20.1°C (rainfall: 0.6mm)
• June: 17.3°C (rainfall: 0.6mm)
• July: 17.1°C (rainfall: 0.2mm)
• August: 20.8°C (rainfall: 0.6mm)
• September: 25.1°C (rainfall: 0.2mm)
• October: 27.8°C (rainfall: 3.9mm)
• November: 27.5°C (rainfall: 32.0mm)
• December: 25.9°C (rainfall: 110.4mm)

Best Time to Visit Makgadikgadi & Nxai Pans

The best months to visit Makgadikgadi & Nxai Pans are April, August, September, based on temperature, rainfall, weather conditions, and wildlife viewing opportunities.

Month-by-Month Safari Conditions

• January: Great, temperature 24.3°C, rainfall 139.3mm, sunshine 10.8 hrs, humidity 69.2%
• February: Great, temperature 25.1°C, rainfall 84.3mm, sunshine 11.1 hrs, humidity 62.4%
• March: Great, temperature 24.6°C, rainfall 47.3mm, sunshine 10.8 hrs, humidity 59.4%
• April: Great, temperature 23°C, rainfall 10mm, sunshine 10.8 hrs, humidity 52.3%
• May: Great, temperature 20.1°C, rainfall 0.6mm, sunshine 10.7 hrs, humidity 42.6%
• June: Great, temperature 17.3°C, rainfall 0.6mm, sunshine 10.6 hrs, humidity 42.7%
• July: Great, temperature 17.1°C, rainfall 0.2mm, sunshine 10.8 hrs, humidity 37.3%
• August: Great, temperature 20.8°C, rainfall 0.6mm, sunshine 10.9 hrs, humidity 31.8%
• September: Great, temperature 25.1°C, rainfall 0.2mm, sunshine 11.5 hrs, humidity 28.7%
• October: Great, temperature 27.8°C, rainfall 3.9mm, sunshine 11.6 hrs, humidity 29.4%
• November: Great, temperature 27.5°C, rainfall 32mm, sunshine 11.4 hrs, humidity 45.4%
• December: Great, temperature 25.9°C, rainfall 110.4mm, sunshine 11.1 hrs, humidity 59.9%

Recommended Packing List for Makgadikgadi & Nxai Pans

Based on average temperature of 23.2°C, typical conditions, humidity 47%.

• Light layers - comfortable for 23°C weather
• Binoculars - essential for every game drive
• Sun hat & sunscreen - protection from the African sun
• Sturdy walking shoes - for bush walks and uneven terrain
• Neutral-coloured clothing - khaki, olive, and tan blend with the bush
• Insect repellent - essential in most safari regions
• First aid kit - basic medical supplies for remote areas
• Torch / headlamp - useful for evenings at camp
• Camera with telephoto lens - capture your safari memories

Wildlife in Makgadikgadi & Nxai Pans

Home to 152 recorded species including 47 waterbirds, 36 birds of prey, 34 iconic birds, 7 antelope & gazelle, 5 big five, 5 big herbivores.

Health & Travel Info

Health & vaccination info for Botswana

Travel advisory for Botswana

Makgadikgadi & Nxai Pans FAQs

When is the best time to witness the spectacular zebra migration in Makgadikgadi & Nxai Pans?

The zebra migration typically occurs from December to April, following the first rains to the nutrient-rich grasses of the pans. Nxai Pan National Park is often the prime location to witness large herds during this period, offering incredible photographic opportunities.

What unique activities can I experience on the vast Makgadikgadi salt pans?

Beyond traditional game drives, you can enjoy quad biking across the shimmering salt flats during the dry season, offering an unparalleled sense of space and adventure. Many camps also provide opportunities for guided walks with San Bushmen or interactions with habituated meerkats.

What specific 'desert-adapted wildlife' can I expect to see beyond the zebras?

While zebras are a highlight, keep an eye out for fascinating desert specialists such as brown hyenas, aardvarks, and bat-eared foxes, which thrive in this arid environment. During the wet season, the pans also attract a spectacular array of water birds, including flamingos.

How does a safari in Makgadikgadi & Nxai Pans differ from a typical Okavango Delta safari?

Unlike the water-based Okavango Delta, Makgadikgadi & Nxai Pans offer a vast, open landscape experience focused on unique desert ecosystems and the zebra migration. Activities often include quad biking and cultural interactions, providing a stark contrast to the Delta's lush waterways and Big Five focus.

Are there specific safety considerations for a desert safari in the Makgadikgadi region?

Due to the extreme temperatures and remote nature of the pans, staying well-hydrated is crucial, and strong sun protection is essential. Always follow your guide's instructions, especially when exploring the vast, featureless pans, to avoid getting disoriented.

What is the typical cost range for a safari to Makgadikgadi & Nxai Pans?

Safaris to this region are generally high-end, with costs typically ranging from $800 to $2000+ per person per night, depending on the camp's luxury level and inclusions. This reflects Botswana's low-volume, high-value tourism model and the remote logistics involved.

Recommended Books

• The Handbook of Bird Photography by Markus Varesvuo, Jari Peltomäki & Bence Máté - Excellent for birding photographers on safari - covers technique, equipment, fieldcraft, and post-processing with stunning example images.
• Photographing Wildlife in Africa by Paolo Torchio - Practical guide specifically for African safari photography - camera settings, lens choices, composition techniques, and how to make the most of game drives.
• Fodor's The Complete Guide to African Safaris by Fodor's Travel - Country-by-country planning guide with lodge reviews, practical logistics, packing lists, and insider tips. Often cited as the best all-in-one safari planning resource.
• Lonely Planet Botswana & Namibia by Lonely Planet - Covers the Okavango Delta, Chobe, Etosha, Sossusvlei, and the Skeleton Coast. Essential for self-drive safaris through two of southern Africa's wildest destinations.
• Lonely Planet Zambia & Mozambique by Lonely Planet - From Victoria Falls and South Luangwa to Mozambique's pristine coastline. Practical advice for two of Africa's most rewarding off-the-beaten-path destinations.
• National Geographic Kids: Safari by National Geographic - Age-appropriate wildlife facts with stunning photographs. Great for getting children excited about the animals they'll see on safari.
• Bradt Guide: Botswana by Chris McIntyre - Gold standard for Okavango Delta and Chobe planning - self-drive routes, camp reviews, and detailed maps. Essential for anyone planning a Botswana safari.
• Lonely Planet Southern Africa by Lonely Planet - Covers South Africa, Botswana, Namibia, Zambia, Zimbabwe, and Mozambique. Practical planning information with detailed park and city guides.
• The Last Elephants by Don Pinnock & Colin Bell - Conservation-focused book combining beautiful photography with urgent storytelling about the threats facing Africa's elephant populations.
• Here Is the African Savanna by Madeleine Dunphy - Beautifully illustrated picture book about the savanna ecosystem. Teaches children about the interconnected web of life on an African plain.
• Safari: A Photographic Journey by Art Wolfe - Large-format coffee-table book from one of the world's most celebrated nature photographers. Stunning images from across the African continent.
• The Kingdon Field Guide to African Mammals by Jonathan Kingdon - The definitive mammal field guide for Africa covering over 1,150 species with detailed illustrations. Considered the gold standard for safari-goers and researchers alike.
• The Behavior Guide to African Mammals by Richard Despard Estes - Goes beyond identification to explain why animals behave as they do. Essential reading for safari-goers who want to understand the wildlife they observe.
• Roberts Bird Guide by Hugh Chittenden, Greg Davies & Ingrid Weiersbye - Comprehensive southern African bird guide covering 960+ species with detailed range maps and illustrations. The birder's bible for safaris in South Africa, Botswana, and Namibia.
• Cry of the Kalahari by Mark & Delia Owens - Riveting account of wildlife research in Botswana's Central Kalahari. An adventurous tale of two young researchers living among the wild animals.
• Remembering Lions by Various Photographers - Part of the acclaimed Remembering Wildlife conservation book series. Features contributions from world-class wildlife photographers, with proceeds supporting lion conservation.
• African Animals ABC by Stella Blackstone & Petr Horacek - Simple alphabet book with bold, colourful animal illustrations. Perfect for toddlers and young children preparing for their first safari. Ages 2–5.
• Beat About the Bush: Mammals by Trevor Carnaby - The single best book for understanding animal behaviour on safari. Explains why animals do what they do - feeding, mating, territory, predator-prey dynamics. Makes every game drive infinitely more rewarding.
• Sasol Birds of Southern Africa by Ian Sinclair, Phil Hockey & Warwick Tarboton - The southern Africa birding bible. Covers over 950 species with detailed illustrations, distribution maps, and habitat notes. The most trusted bird field guide for South Africa, Botswana, Namibia, Zimbabwe, Zambia, and Mozambique.
• Africa's Top Wildlife Countries by Mark W. Nolting - The most respected safari planning book in print. Detailed country-by-country guide covering parks, lodges, best times to visit, and what wildlife to expect. Updated regularly. The first book every safari planner should read.
• The Safari Companion: A Guide to Watching African Mammals by Richard D. Estes - Part field guide, part planning tool. Explains mammal behaviour in a way that transforms game drives. Covers tracks, signs, social structures, and habitat preferences. A must-pack for serious safari-goers.
• The Shadow of the Sun by Ryszard Kapuscinski - Widely considered the greatest book ever written about Africa. Kapuscinski spent 40 years reporting from across the continent. Vivid, poetic, and deeply insightful. Essential pre-safari reading for understanding the continent.
• Elephant Company by Vicki Constantine Croke - The extraordinary true story of James Howard Williams and the elephants who helped him build bridges, extract teak, and ultimately rescue refugees across the Burmese jungle during WWII. Gripping and moving.
• When the Last Lion Roars by Sara Evans - An urgent, accessible account of the African lion's decline from 200,000 to under 20,000 in a century. Covers the science, politics, and human stories behind lion conservation. Eye-opening pre-safari reading.
• Ivory, Horn and Blood by Ronald Orenstein - The definitive book on the poaching crisis devastating African elephants and rhinos. Covers the criminal networks, the rangers fighting back, and what travellers can do. Important context for any safari visitor.
• Last Chance to See by Douglas Adams & Mark Carwardine - Witty and heartbreaking tour of endangered species by the Hitchhiker's Guide author. Combines humour with urgent conservation messaging.
• Owen and Mzee by Isabella Hatkoff, Craig Hatkoff & Paula Kahumbu - True story of an orphaned hippo befriending a 130-year-old tortoise in Kenya. A heartwarming tale of unlikely friendship that teaches empathy.
• Remembering Elephants by Various Photographers - Stunning coffee-table book from the Remembering Wildlife series. All proceeds go to elephant conservation - beautiful photography with a purpose.
• Whatever You Do, Don't Run by Peter Allison - Hilarious memoir from a Botswana safari guide - true stories from the bush that will have you laughing out loud. A favourite among safari enthusiasts.
• Poached by Rachel Love Nuwer - Gripping investigation into the illegal wildlife trade - from African poaching networks to Asian markets. Essential reading for understanding the threats to safari wildlife.
• Safari Nation by Jacob S. T. Dlamini - Fascinating history of South Africa's national parks and their complex colonial legacy. Academic but accessible - changes how you think about safari tourism.
• Safari: A Photicular Book by Dan Kainen & Carol Kaufmann - Mesmerising book with moving photographic images of African animals. Kids and adults love the magical moving pictures - perfect pre-trip gift.