Makgadikgadi Pans National Park The pans become vast lakes humming with a huge variety of animals. Flamingos and other water birds fly in to feed on the algae and crustaceans that spring to life in the water. Zebra and Wildebeest migrations are triggered, followed closely by a number of predators. This spectacle can be seen from the fringes or by aircraft.
A variety of wildlife is present around the Park, predators such as Lion, Cheetah, Leopard and Hyena amongst other hunters can be seen on the outskirts as well as many antelope species. In the region of the dry Boteti River and waterholes (south west) rare White Rhino may be spotted. Other Makgadikgadi wildlife which has survived in this region under difficult conditions includes Hippo and Crocodile.
Meerkats of the Kalahari also inhabit various areas of the Makgadikgadi – these social and resourceful creatures are a delight to be around and have been known to escort visitors on wilderness walks.
On the western border is Kumaga Village on the banks of the now dry Boteti River. This once beautiful river fed by the draining waters of the Okavango ceased to flow in 1992. There are some remaining waterholes which provide relief for the wildlife and other inhabitants in this area. Makgadikgadi Pans National Park Attractions:
- Zebra and Wildebeest migrations with the rains
- Ntwetwe Pan
- Boteti River waterholes in the dry riverbed
- Walks with Bushmen (identify and track animals)
Makgadikgadi Pans Accommodation:There are 2 public camping sites within the Makgadikgadi Pans National Park, Botswana.
Njuca Hills Camp is situated 26km (16 miles) south of the main entrance gate. It is extremely rustic and there is no water, only fully self-sufficient and experienced travellers in convoy 4x4 vehicles should make use of this camp.
Kumaga Camp, (Xhumaga) is 48km south-west of the main entrance, situated on the banks of the currently dry Boteti River across from Kumaga village. The camp is rustic with an ablution block and borehole water which has a sulphurous smell – the water becomes palatable on standing but it is advisable to have an independent supply. Only limited and basic supplies are available in the village.
Read more about Makgadikgadi Pans Safari Lodges Makgadikgadi Pans National Park Directions:The main entrance to Makgadikgadi Pans National Park, Botswana is about halfway between Maun and the town of Nata on the Francistown road. There is an unobtrusive turn off to the main entrance.
Once off the main road 4x4 vehicles are needed. Travelling east from Maun to the turn off is 160km (99 miles). Travelling west from Gweta to the turn off is 45km (28 miles). There is another entrance at Kumaga (Xhumaga), which is about 48km (30 miles) south-west of the main entrance (toward the Central Kalahari Game Reserve). Nxai Pan National ParkThis is the sister to Makgadikgadi Pans National Park, Botswana, two were proclaimed together to protect resident wildlife and the complementary migratory systems. Nxai Pan National Park, Botswana has a permanent waterhole and resident game.
The waterhole is located in a grassy plain just 2km (about half a mile) from the main entrance. On the plain and in the Mopane woodland live Springbok, Kudu, Impala and Ostrich, and also predators such as Lion, Leopard, Cheetah, Wild Dog, Hyena, Jackal and Bat Eared Fox. The birdlife here is also excellent.
At the onset of the rains usually in late November, wildlife migrations occur with Elephant, Gemsbok and thousands of Zebra arriving. Many have their young at this time in particular the Springbok and Zebra - a game viewing feature. The Wet Season in Nxai Pan National Park is a spectacular time, bringing a lush transformation and a celebration of life. Nxai Pan National Park Attractions
- Resident game living around the waterhole year round
- Wet Season wildlife migrations (also Elephant)
- Baines’ Baobabs
Nxai Pan Accommodation:Nxai Pan National Park, Botswana has 2 public campsites with ablution blocks, the first is 2km (about half a mile) from the entrance gate on the edge of the plain and the second is 8km (about 5 miles) north of the gate in a stretch of woodland. There are water standpipes at both sites, but firewood can be difficult to obtain so small gas camping stoves are recommended as a standby. Nxai Pan National Park DirectionsNxai Pan National Park adjoins the Makgadikgadi Pans National Park on the northern border. Nxai can be reached on the Maun-Nata road by means of a modest turnoff. This leads onto a deeply sandy track travelling 37km (23 miles) to the main entrance (4x4 vehicles only). From Maun it is 136km (85 miles) travelling east to the turnoff. From Gweta it is 65km (40 miles) travelling west to the turnoff. The closest fuel supply for Nxai is in Gweta. Road conditions in the Nxai Pan National Park can be difficult during heavy rains Baines’ Baobabs in Nxai Pan National ParkIt is most unusual to see Baobab trees growing close to each other, let alone seven in a cluster. The Seven Sisters, as they are also known, occupy a spot on the edge of the Kudiakam Pan, Nxai Pan National Park. This pan is waterless most of the year except between December and March when the rains create a shallow lake and water lilies rise to the surface. Water birds are in their element and visitors can witness the stunning transformation.
One such visitor was Thomas Baines, a well known painter and explorer who sat down to paint the Seven Sisters in 1862 whilst journeying through Southern Africa. These giant Baobabs were later named after him. Baines’ Baobabs in Nxai Pan National Park Attractions:
- Seven Sisters
- Great scenic beauty in the Wet Season
Baines’ Baobabs Accommodation:A permit is required to camp informally at Baines’ Baobabs, Nxai Pan National Park. There are no facilities and the nearest water supply is at the main entrance to the Park. Baines’ Baobabs Directions:There is a turnoff from the main access road to the Park, about 20km (12 miles) from the Maun-Nata road. Baines Baobabs are situated about 17km (11 miles) from the main entrance of Nxai Pan National Park, Botswana South Eastern Section of Makgadikgadi Salt PansThe eastern part of Ntwetwe Pan falls outside of the Makgadikgadi Pans National Park, Botswana as does Sowa Pan. These areas also have many attractions including the magnificent display of Flamingos gathering together in a wonderful pink hue once the rains start in late November. These birds migrate from Etosha, Namibia and East Africa to breed and feast on the tiny creatures and algae that flourish in the warm shallow water. Ntwetwe Pan, Makgadikgadi This pan is dry most of the year when the unusual rock formations can be seen. Ntwetwe Pan, Botswana is covered in water in the Wet Season and bird and game viewing is at its most spectacular when viewed from the air.
Attractions:
- East – sunsets and landscapes
- West – rocky outcrops formations, dunes and channels
- Flamingo migrations in the rainy season
Sowa Pan, MakgadikgadiSowa means salt in the Bushman language which aptly describes this huge white expanse forming the largest Salt Pans in the world. Water birds in great numbers migrate to Makgadikgadi, Botswana when the rains come late in the year and the Nata River fills the north of the pan. Flamingos and Pelicans, Ducks and Teals settle in to enjoy the season.
During the winter when it is dry, birds such as Korhaans are often seen on the grassy fringes as well as other Makgadikgadi wildlife; migrants include Kites, Bee-Eaters and Eagles.
Attractions:
- Beaches of rolled quartz pebbles
- Largest Salt Pan in the world
- Flamingos and water birds in season
- Sowa Pan becomes a massive lake in the rainy season
- Kubu Island
Kubu Island of Sowa PanKubu Island, Sowa Pan, Botswana stands 20 metres high amongst the remnants of fossilised sand dunes and spectral Baobabs, it is surrounded by a sea of salt. The Island has been an attraction for birds and humans from as far back as the Stone Age for here visitors can see fossilised bird droppings, a mysterious low stone wall and ancient artefacts from previous habitations. Kubu Island offers a perfect spot to rest and view the pan with breeding colonies of Flamingos close by.
Kubu Island is in a remote setting, Francistown, Botswana is the closest town where a number of Makgadikgadi safari and tour operators can arrange to visit the site. The GPS co-ordinates of Kubu Island are 20°53'50' S latitude and 25°49'41' E longitude.
Attractions:
- National Monument
- Fossils and Stone Age artefacts
- Unique landscape and atmosphere
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