The vast salt pans and grass plains of Makgadikgadi form part of the central Kalahari and for most of the year remain almost entirely devoid of game.

But a visit here shows one that there is much more to experience than simple game viewing. Many are drawn here by the epic emptiness itself, a vast plain of salt punctuated by solitary islands of rocks and baobabs.

The bushmen also live in this area, with their fascinating techniques for surviving in these harsh climes. Indeed they have lived here for millennia, and it’s even possible to find evidence of their distant ancestors through archaeological expeditions.

When to go

The best time to go is during the spring and autumn, when the temperatures are mild in the day. This is also a great time to photograph this wonderful landscape. June and July are also good, but a little colder.

 
 
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What to do

  • Quad biking across the pans
  • Game drives
  • Visit the Bushman Tribes