Makgadikgadi Pans National Park

The empty quarter, but NOT really!

Makgadikgadi Pans are the largest salt pans in the world covering an area of over 30 000 km2.  Its sheer massive size surpasses the Bolivian Salar de Uyuni salt pan which is the largest continuous pan in the world. However, the animal diversity and zebra-wildebeest migration found in Makgadikgadi Pans is unmatched by any habitat of similar nature. In terms of cultural heritage, the diversity of traditions that span over long period of time cannot be matched by any salt pan habitat.

The pans are the salty remains of ancient Lake Makgadikgadi. Scientists estimate that the inland sea once spanned anywhere from 80,000 to 275,000 square kilometers. The Okavango, Zambezi, and Cuando rivers likely emptied into this lake until tectonic shifts changed the elevation of the landscape and a changing climate dried up the rains.

For much of the year, the salt pans glimmer in white, parched by the sun and the salt and allowing little more than algae to grow. But during the rainy season (roughly November to March), the area is transformed into a crucial wetland. Water flows in from the Boteti and Nata rivers, filling ephemeral ponds, watering holes, and shallow lakes and creating short-lived but abundant grasslands. The event draws migrating wildebeest and zebras, as well as the predators that hunt them. The waters fill with ducks, geese, pelicans, and flamingos—one of just two breeding spots in southern Africa for the long-legged birds.

Humans have inhabited areas of the pans since the Stone age, and have adapted to geographical and climatic changes as they have occurred. Archaeological sites on the pans are rich with Early Man’s tools, and the bones of the fish and animals he ate.

Why Makgadikgadi?

If you find yourself at the horns of dilemma, wondering if you should come to Makgadikgadi or not then there are 4 words for you: YOU WILL MISS OUT! This area is simply a MUST SEE. Scientists have proposed that this area is the home to the Homo Sapiens Sapiens, where the modern human being originates. Therefore, just come, home is calling!

What & Why:

• Picturesque undisturbed nature

• Endless horizons

• Indescribable landscapes

• Biodiverse Fauna and Flora

• Witness highly adaptive animal species

• Discover yourself in the serenity

Activities:

• Quad-biking

• Hiking

• Cycling

• Hot-air Ballon

• Bird photography (highly seasonal)

• Landscape photography

• Game drives

• Meerkat experience

• Walk with the Bushmen

• Star gazing (Astronomy)