Plizio Visual Lab

Makgadikgadi Pans

Plizio editorial teamUpdated: Jun 2026Data Sources

Relief

Weather…

The Makgadikgadi Pans in northeastern Botswana are among the largest salt flats in the world, covering an area of over 16,000 square kilometers. They are the remnants of the once-colossal Lake Makgadikgadi, which dried up thousands of years ago, leaving behind a hostile, shimmering white crust of salt and clay. The landscape is extraordinarily flat, punctuated only occasionally by islands of ancient baobab trees, such as Baines' Baobabs. During the dry season, the area is characterized by eerie silence and intense heat, as strong winds whip dust devils across the vast expanse. With the onset of the rains, portions of the pans transform into shallow lakes that attract thousands of flamingos for breeding and become the destination for one of Africa's largest zebra and wildebeest migrations. Archaeological finds in the region indicate that Makgadikgadi was once a fertile area inhabited by early humans, evidenced by numerous stone tools. Today, the area is protected by national parks and provides visitors a unique sense of isolation and vastness under a brilliant starry sky. The geological history of the pans is closely linked to the tectonic shifting of the Okavango Rift, which altered regional water flow.

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	100	96	59	23	2	4	0	0	3	16	49	91

📋 Practical info

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Getting there

Typically accessed using a reliable 4x4 vehicle departing from nearby outpost towns. Joining an organized guided tour is highly recommended due to the sheer vastness and isolation.

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Best season

The dry season is typically preferred for safe surface driving and clear skies. Conversely, the wet season transforms the area and attracts magnificent wildlife migrations and birdlife.

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Terrain & paths

Expect flat, seemingly endless salt flats that stretch to the horizon. During the rainy months, this solid crust quickly turns into treacherous, sticky mud that traps vehicles.

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What to bring

Bring an abundant supply of drinking water, heavy-duty sun protection, and polarized sunglasses to combat the intense glare. Reliable GPS navigation tools are also absolutely essential.

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Parking

Vehicles are typically parked at designated campsites or at the edges of the salt pans near lodges. Driving further requires careful assessment of the ground conditions.

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Safety

The extreme heat, total lack of water, and high risk of getting lost or stuck in the mud are primary hazards. Always travel with multiple vehicles and inform others of your precise route.

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Time needed

Visitors generally plan anywhere from a half-day excursion to view the landscape to a multi-day camping adventure. Spending at least one night allows for incredible stargazing opportunities.

Geography

Coordinates

-20.50000, 25.00000

Facts

The pans primarily consist of two large basins: Ntwetwe Pan and Sua Pan.
The ancient Lake Makgadikgadi once covered up to 80,000 square kilometers.
Sua Pan hosts a massive breeding colony for Lesser and Greater Flamingos.
Baines' Baobabs were made famous in 1862 by the explorer and artist Thomas Baines.
The region is regarded as a critical area for research into the origins of modern humans.
During the rainy season, over 25,000 zebras migrate across the pan landscape.