Everything You Need to Know About Visiting Makgadikgadi National Park in Botswana
Makgadikgadi National Park is one of those places that doesn’t get enough love — and it should. It’s wild, remote, and full of raw beauty, offering a totally different experience from other safari destinations in Botswana.
If you’re planning your trip to Botswana, here’s why Makgadikgadi should be on your list — and what you need to know before you go.
First, What Is Makgadikgadi National Park?
Makgadikgadi National Park is part of a larger ecosystem that includes the famous Makgadikgadi Salt Pans — but they’re not the same thing. While the salt pans (like Nxai Pan or the main Makgadikgadi Salt Pan) are vast, flat, and mostly dry (except during rainy season), Makgadikgadi National Park is where you’ll find wildlife, wetlands, and beautiful river systems — especially around the Boteti River.
So while the salt pans are stunning in their own right — think endless white landscapes, surreal sunsets, and Baines’ Baobabs — the national park is where you go to see the animals.
Why Visit Makgadikgadi National Park?
If you’re after a safari experience that’s remote, peaceful, and less crowded than Chobe or the Delta, this is your place.
Wildlife by the Water: During the dry season (roughly April to October), the Boteti River becomes a lifeline for animals. You’ll see zebras, wildebeests, elephants, and even big cats coming to drink — all without the safari traffic you get in more popular parks.
The Zebra Migration: One of the most underrated wildlife spectacles in Africa happens right here. The Makgadikgadi zebra migration is the second largest in Africa, and from about June to November, herds of thousands of zebras move through this region.
Off-the-Beaten-Path Vibes: It’s not overrun with lodges and game vehicles. It still feels wild. If you’re looking for something authentic and untamed, this is it.
Birdwatching Paradise: The wetlands attract a wide variety of birds — especially during the rainy season.
So How Is This Different From the Salt Pans?
Good question, because a lot of travelers (myself included at one point) assume they’re one and the same.
Here’s the breakdown:
Makgadikgadi Salt Pans
(Like Ntwetwe or Sowa Pan) are vast, flat salt flats. They’re surreal, photogenic, and great for quad biking, stargazing, and spotting meerkats. These areas are dry for most of the year.
Makgadikgadi National Park
Is a protected wildlife area along the Boteti River. It’s greener (especially in the wet season), and it’s where you’ll do your game drives and safaris.
They’re part of the same ecosystem, but offer completely different landscapes and experiences.
Important: You Can’t Really Day Trip in the Makgadikgadi Salt Pans
Here’s the thing: almost no tours run into Makgadikgadi Salt Pans unless you’re staying overnight. I tried. Multiple companies told me they couldn’t justify the drive or logistics just for a day trip, especially if it was only one or two people.
That means:
- You either need to self-drive (in a 4×4) and book your own campsite/lodge.
- Or book a package that includes transport and accommodation.
This is definitely a destination for those who want to slow down, unplug, and really experience the bush.
How Far Apart Are They?
This is something I didn’t know until I started planning: they’re not that close. From the main access point of Makgadikgadi National Park (usually near Khumaga), it can take several hours to get to the salt pans like Ntwetwe.
Most salt pan activities, like visiting the meerkats or sleeping under the stars, happen closer to Gweta or the Nxai Pan side, and usually require a different camp or lodge. So if you want to do both (highly recommended!), you’ll need to plan to stay in more than one location.
How to Get There
From Maun: It’s about a 2- to 4-hour drive depending on which part of the park you’re going to. The road is paved most of the way, but you’ll need a 4WD once inside the park.
From Nata or Gweta: It’s further, but this is the better route if you’re coming from the salt pans side.
You can fly into Maun, rent a 4×4, or organize your visit with a tour company or lodge that includes transfers.
When to Go
Dry Season (April to October): Best time for wildlife. Animals gather at the river, roads are passable, and there’s less risk of rain ruining your plans.
Wet Season (November to March): Lush landscapes and lots of birds, but access can be tricky. Some roads flood, and you may need to reschedule plans if it storms.
Where to Stay
You’ve got a few options, from luxury lodges to campsites. A few of the more well-known spots include:
- Meno a Kwena Camp: Overlooks the Boteti River, offers cultural experiences, and epic views.
- Khumaga Campsite: A good option if you’re self-driving.
- Leroo La Tau: A luxury option right by the river with great wildlife views.
Are you ready to start discovering Botswana?
Here are the tours I did and personally recommend!
Are you ready to start discovering Botswana?
Here are the tours I did and personally recommend!
