The
large pans of Makgadikgadi are the most visible remnants of a
super-lake (an area of 80 000 square km) that started drying up
almost 10,000 years ago. As the water evaporated, huge glistening
salt-encrusted pans were left. These pans are spectacular and
stretch as far as the eye can see. This amazing landscape is dotted
with rocky outcrops and large stranded sand dunes.
Journeying
into this magical land offers an ancient mystique and true isolation
found no where else. The great grass plains of Makgadikgadi and
the neighbouring pan complexes are visually incredible. Visitors
are amazed by the contrasting sky and horizon of this remote landscape.
Wildlife
is found in this area. Herds of wildebeest, springbok and zebra
are present from May to November. They move north into the Nxai
Pan National Park when the rains start, accompanied by the predators.
Nxai
Pan itself was once part of the old lake bed, but more vegetation
is found here. Nxai Pan National Park offers spectacular game
viewing with large herds and predators in abundance during the
summer months from December to April.
The
majority of the Makgadikgadi Pans National Park is made up of
grasslands that attract large numbers of browsers. It is worth
while to visit the area during the dry and wet seasons as both
offer spectacular scenes. In the dry season the pans are dramatic
in its isolation and during the wet season it offers a spectacular
water wonderland with its wildebeest and zebra migrations.
A
major highlight is to experience a sleep-over at one of the ‘islands’
in the pans. You have the option of travelling there by quad bike
and spend the night under the African sky. It is an experience
not easily forgotten.
LODGES IN MAKGADIKGADI · SAFARIS
IN BOTSWANA
MAP OF
MAKGADIKGADI
