Where to stay in Makgadikgadi Pans National Park
6 hand-picked glamping camps and lodges in and around the park.
Makgadikgadi Pans National Park guide
Overview
Makgadikgadi Pans National Park covers about 3,900 km² in north-eastern Botswana, on the western edge of the Makgadikgadi salt pans, one of the largest salt flat systems in the world. The Boteti River forms its western boundary, and Nxai Pan National Park lies to the north.
The landscape is open and dramatic: grassland, palm islands and the white crust of the pans, which can stretch to the horizon. After the rains, thousands of zebra and wildebeest move into the grasslands, followed by predators, in one of Africa’s largest zebra migrations.
In the dry season, wildlife moves west to the Boteti River, where camps and hides overlook the water. Other highlights include visits to habituated meerkats on the edge of the pans, quad-bike trips and sleep-outs on the pans (outside the park, from camps in the area).
Wildlife & Biodiversity
Mammals
Zebra and wildebeest are the big story, followed by lion, cheetah, brown hyena and other predators. Elephant bulls gather at the Boteti in the dry season, and gemsbok, springbok and red hartebeest live on the plains.
Birds
When the pans flood, they can attract large numbers of flamingos and pelicans.
Best Time to Visit
Short answer: December to April for the zebra migration on the grasslands; May to November for wildlife on the Boteti River.
| Months | Season | What to expect |
|---|---|---|
| Dec – Apr | Rainy season | Zebra and wildebeest on the grasslands, green plains and migrant birds. |
| May – Aug | Dry winter | Cold nights, clear days and wildlife moving to the river. |
| Sep – Nov | Late dry season | Very hot. Big concentrations of zebra and elephant at the Boteti. |
The pans are extremely hot by day and can be cold at night, so pack layers. The area has a low to moderate malaria risk.
Getting There
By air
| Airport | Best for | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Maun (MUB) | Main safari gateway | About 2 hours by road to the Boteti side. |
| Kasane (BBK) | Northern gateway | About 5 hours by road via Nata. |
By road
The main A3 road between Maun and Nata runs along the northern edge of the park. Access to the Khumaga gate on the Boteti is via the village of Khumaga. A 4×4 is needed inside the park.
Entrance & Fees
Botswana's Department of Wildlife and National Parks charges a daily entry fee per person and per vehicle. The rates below have applied since April 2022; a planned increase in April 2026 was postponed.
| Visitor | Adult per day |
|---|---|
| International visitor | P190 |
| SADC national or resident | P145 |
| Botswana citizen | P20 |
Children under eight enter free, and older children pay half. Foreign-registered vehicles pay P75 per day. Confirm current rates before you travel.
Fees last checked October 2026 against the Botswana Tourism Organisation website and DWNP fee schedule.
