Campsite 5 - Makgadikgadi Pans National Park
Campsite 5 is a camp near Makgadikgadi Pans National Park.
- Location
- Makgadikgadi Pans National Park, Makgadikgadi & Nxai Pans, Botswana, Southern Africa
- Coordinates
- -20.468794, 24.514627
- Activities
- camp
PlnrScore: 26/100
Wildlife Near This Lodge
214 species observed within 20 km, 20 mammals, 113 birds.
- Plains Zebra (Mammalia, 40 observations)
- White-backed Vulture (Aves, 37 observations)
- African Savanna Elephant (Mammalia, 29 observations)
- Southern Giraffe (Mammalia, 20 observations)
- Yellow-billed Stork (Aves, 18 observations)
- Common Wildebeest (Mammalia, 17 observations)
- Common Hippopotamus (Mammalia, 16 observations)
- Greater Kudu (Mammalia, 14 observations)
- Nile Crocodile (Reptilia, 13 observations)
- Little Bee-eater (Aves, 12 observations)
Best Time to Visit Campsite 5
The best months to visit Campsite 5 are April, August, September, based on temperature, rainfall, weather conditions, and wildlife viewing opportunities.
Month-by-Month Safari Conditions
- January: Great, temperature 24.92°C, rainfall 112.1mm, sunshine 11.3 hrs, humidity 66.1%
- February: Great, temperature 25.6°C, rainfall 87.8mm, sunshine 11.3 hrs, humidity 61.2%
- March: Great, temperature 24.71°C, rainfall 43.2mm, sunshine 10.8 hrs, humidity 59.4%
- April: Great, temperature 22.94°C, rainfall 7.9mm, sunshine 10.7 hrs, humidity 53.9%
- May: Great, temperature 19.84°C, rainfall 0.9mm, sunshine 10.8 hrs, humidity 46.2%
- June: Great, temperature 16.72°C, rainfall 0.5mm, sunshine 10.6 hrs, humidity 48.3%
- July: Great, temperature 16.55°C, rainfall 0.4mm, sunshine 10.8 hrs, humidity 42%
- August: Great, temperature 20.27°C, rainfall 0mm, sunshine 10.9 hrs, humidity 34.7%
- September: Great, temperature 24.55°C, rainfall 0.1mm, sunshine 11.4 hrs, humidity 31.8%
- October: Great, temperature 27.46°C, rainfall 4.3mm, sunshine 11.5 hrs, humidity 31.7%
- November: Great, temperature 27.72°C, rainfall 28.4mm, sunshine 11.6 hrs, humidity 44.3%
- December: Great, temperature 26.37°C, rainfall 102mm, sunshine 11.5 hrs, humidity 57.9%
Frequently Asked Questions
When is the optimal time to visit Campsite 5 for wildlife viewing and pan exploration?
The dry season, from May to October, is ideal for wildlife viewing as animals congregate around water sources and the pans are dry and accessible for quad biking. However, the wet season (November-April) offers spectacular zebra and wildebeest migrations, though some areas might be challenging to access due to muddy conditions.
What facilities can I expect at Campsite 5, and is it suitable for self-catering travelers?
Campsite 5 provides basic camping facilities, typically including designated pitches, shared ablution blocks with flush toilets and hot showers (often heated by donkey boilers), and sometimes a braai (barbecue) area. It is perfectly suited for self-catering travelers, so you must bring all your food, water, and camping equipment.
What unique wildlife encounters can I anticipate specifically around Campsite 5 and the Makgadikgadi Pans?
Beyond general safari animals, the Makgadikgadi Pans region is renowned for its meerkats, which can often be observed up close on guided excursions. You might also spot brown hyenas, springbok, and during the wet season, vast herds of zebra and wildebeest participating in Botswana's lesser-known migration.
How do I book a stay at Campsite 5, and are there any specific permits or fees required for Makgadikgadi Pans National Park?
Bookings for Campsite 5 are typically made through Botswana's Department of Wildlife and National Parks (DWNP) or authorized tour operators, often well in advance due to limited availability. In addition to the camping fee, you will need to pay daily national park entry fees for Makgadikgadi Pans National Park per person and per vehicle.
What activities can be arranged directly from Campsite 5 to explore the Makgadikgadi Pans?
From Campsite 5, you can arrange guided quad bike excursions across the vast salt pans, particularly during the dry season, offering a unique sense of isolation. Other popular activities include guided walks to interact with habituated meerkats and cultural visits to local San communities.