Makgadikgadi Pans National Park

Wildlife

Zebra and blue wildebeest are the stars of the Makgadikgadi, especially during the migration. They are followed by predators such as lion, cheetah, spotted and brown hyena, and black-backed jackal. In the dry season, elephants gather along the Boteti River, together with hippo and many plains animals.

Gemsbok, springbok, red hartebeest and kudu are well adapted to the dry conditions, and smaller animals such as bat-eared foxes, aardwolves and aardvarks are sometimes seen. In the area around the pans, habituated meerkat groups are a favourite with visitors.

After the rains, the pans can attract flamingos and pelicans, and the grasslands host kori bustards, ostriches and many migrant birds. There are no rhino or buffalo in the park, so it is not a Big Five destination.

Key wildlife

• Zebra
• Blue wildebeest
• Lion
• Cheetah
• Brown hyena
• Elephant
• Hippo
• Gemsbok
• Springbok
• Meerkat
• Aardvark
• Flamingo

Best Time to Visit

Short answer: Nov–Apr. Also good: May–Oct.

Peak Good Quieter

The Makgadikgadi has two distinct seasons. From about November to April, the rains turn the grasslands green, and zebra and wildebeest move out towards the pans, followed by predators. This is also the best time for birding and, after good rains, flamingos.

From about May to October, the dry season, the herds move back to the Boteti River, where game viewing can be excellent. Cool, dry winter conditions are ideal for exploring the salt pans, quad biking (outside the park) and sleeping out under the stars.

Malaria is present in parts of northern Botswana, especially in the rainy season. Speak to a travel clinic about prevention before you travel.

Getting There

Maun Airport (MUB) is the main gateway, about two hours’ drive from the Khumaga area on the Boteti River. Light-aircraft flights also connect Maun and other safari areas with airstrips near the pans.

The park is crossed by sandy tracks, and a four-wheel-drive vehicle is essential, especially for driving towards the pans. The pans can become impassable when wet, so never drive on them without an experienced guide.

Fees & Access

Entrance fees

Park fees are set by Botswana’s Department of Wildlife and National Parks and charged per person per day. On the current schedule, non-residents pay P190, residents of SADC countries P145 and Botswana citizens P30. Children under 8 enter free. Vehicle fees and campsites are charged separately, and campsites must be booked in advance.

Lodge packages usually include park fees. A planned fee increase for April 2026 was postponed, so check the current rates before you travel.

Gate hours

6:00 AM - 6:30 PM

Health

Malaria risk: Moderate. Ask a travel clinic about antimalarials before you go.

Fees and gate times change. Check the latest rates with the park authority before you travel.

Things to Do

Game drives along the Boteti River and on the grasslands are the main activity, especially during the zebra migration.

Meerkat encounters, offered by some operators near the pans, let you watch habituated meerkats at close range.

Walks with San guides share traditional skills and knowledge of the Kalahari.

Sleep-outs on the pans in the dry season offer an unforgettable night under a sky full of stars.

Baines’ Baobabs, in neighbouring Nxai Pan National Park, are a famous group of ancient trees on the edge of a salt pan.

Explore Botswana’s other parks, such as the Central Kalahari and the Okavango Delta, browse all safaris, or plan your safari with us.