Makgadikgadi Pans National Park

Makgadikgadi Pans National Park is part of the Kalahari Basin and encompasses some of the world's largest salt pans, creating a mesmerizing and otherworldly landscape unlike anywhere else in Africa. The park's distinctive shimmering cracked crust appears barren and lifeless, yet it transforms dramatically with the seasons. The landscape is a striking mix of Kalahari sand, expansive salt pans, and riverine forest along the Boteti River, with hallucinatory vistas of white pans encircled by trees and grassy islands. Historically, this area was once a massive lake—twice the size of Lake Victoria—approximately 20,000 years ago before it vanished, leaving behind the mosaic of soda pans visible today. The park is most famous for hosting one of Africa's biggest zebra migrations from December to March, when thousands of Burchell's zebra and blue wildebeest migrate through the landscape. During the wet season, the pans fill with water, attracting enormous flocks of pelicans and flamingos, creating spectacular wildlife viewing opportunities. The park's scenery is particularly stunning at sunrise and sunset, when the light transforms the white pans into shimmering vistas. Most wildlife activity concentrates at the Boteti River during drier months (June to December), where herbivores like greater kudu and giraffe gather alongside predators such as lions and spotted hyenas. The park offers a unique safari experience combining dramatic landscape photography with excellent wildlife viewing opportunities.

Otherworldly salt pans with shimmering cracked white crust, Kalahari sand, riverine forest along Boteti River, grassy islands, and hallucinatory perspectives. Mix of desolate pans and vegetated areas creating dramatic contrasts.

Local San (Bushmen) communities have historical connections to the region. Tourism provides economic opportunities for local populations. Respectful engagement with communities encouraged.

Capture stunning sunrise and sunset light on white pans. Wide-angle lenses ideal for landscape photography. Bring polarizing filters for glare reduction. Best light during golden hours. Photograph zebra migration herds and flamingo flocks during wet season.