Africa

Makgadikgadi Pans

Comprising both the Sua and Ntwetwe Pans, the Makgadikgadi region covers an area of approximately 12,000 sq. km and was once part of southern Africa's great 'super-lake'. The lake has long since dried up leaving these great salt pans in its place and despite the searing heat, it remains one of the most unique and fascinating ecosystems in Africa.

The dry winter months allow for fascinating game walks with Bushman trackers and night drives to find wildlife that has adapted remarkably well to these harsh, arid conditions including rarely seen animals such as the brown hyena and the aardwolf. You can also explore the pans by quad bike in search of ancient hominid settlements and archaeological sites scattered throughout the area.

The summer rain brings about one of the most startling transformations in the natural kingdom as this shimmering mirage of semi-desert suddenly bursts into life with migrating herds of wildebeest and zebra converging on the fresh green grass whilst pink clouds of flamingo and other wetland birds settle in to their mating rituals and start to build their unique nests. This is a stunning area of vast open spaces and an unique environment which contrasts greatly with the Okavango Delta to the north.

Our preferred camps and lodges in this area include:

Jack's Camp
San Camp
Leroo-La-Tau