Plizio Visual Lab

Makgadikgadi Pans

Plizio editorial teamUpdated: Jun 2026Data Sources

Animal habitat

Weather…

The Makgadikgadi Pans in northeastern Botswana constitute one of the largest salt pan complexes on Earth, remaining as the remnants of the once-vast Lake Makgadikgadi that dried up tens of thousands of years ago. This immense, glistening white plain extends over more than 16,000 square kilometers, offering a surreal, almost extraterrestrial landscape. During the dry season, the ground is rock-hard and salt-crusted, but with the onset of the rains, the region transforms into a spirited paradise. The pans fill with shallow water, attracting tens of thousands of flamingos for breeding. Additionally, it hosts one of Africa's largest zebra and wildebeest migrations as animals follow the fresh grasses appearing at the pans' edges. Culturally, the area is connected to ancient archaeological sites and giant baobab trees, such as the famous Chapman's Baobab. The Makgadikgadi Pans are a place of extremes, profoundly impressing every visitor with their silence and sheer vastness.

Best time to visit & climate

The most pleasant time to visit is May, Aug, Sep.

	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec
Avg °C	28	27	26	24	20	17	16	20	24	28	29	28
Rain mm	111	100	65	27	2	2	0	0	2	15	49	95

📋 Practical info

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Best season

The best time for flamingos is from November to April, when rain creates shallow waters on the salt pans. Between May and October the pans are usually dry and the birds absent.

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Best time of day

Early morning at sunrise flamingos often fly in large flocks to feeding grounds. Late afternoon they return - then the light conditions are especially favourable for photos.

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Etiquette

Do not walk on the salt pans - the crust is fragile and disturbance chases the birds away. Observe from the edge and avoid loud noises to avoid scaring the animals.

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What to bring

Binoculars with long range are necessary as flamingos often stand far out on the pans. A tripod for your camera helps get sharp shots in the often strong winds.

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Getting there

The Makgadikgadi Salt Pans are in Botswana's Kalahari Desert, about 150 kilometres west of Francistown. Access is by 4x4 vehicle; a permit from the wildlife authority is required.

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What to expect

Flamingos are unpredictable - they can stand for hours in one spot or suddenly take off. Plan at least half a day and bring patience, because the birds decide when to show themselves.