Makgadikgadi
To the north of the Kalahari Dessert are the vast salt pans of the Makgadikagi, which formed as a result of the gradual evaporation of massive ancient lakes. The glaring white salt crusts make a surreal landscape, creating shimmering mirages on the horizon. The vast salt pans of the Makgadikgadi are believed to be one of the largest in the world, looking as they usually do like glaring white endless plains. When the rain comes a dramatic change is seen as the pans come to life with frantically feeding water birds and great herds of game. The best time to visit this area is from late January to April.
The pans are rich in archaeology, with literally thousands of stone-age tools scattered on the surface, adding a whole new dimension to exploring and understanding the complexities of this area. The December rains flood the pans forming a shallow lake which attracts thousands of flamingos and other water birds. There are still large herds of wildebeest, antelope and zebra in this area, which migrate here with the vagaries of the rains, to find fresh pastures.
To the west of the large pans is the Makgadikgadi Pans Game Reserve which not only takes in a corner of the salt pans, but stretches to the Boteti River, encompassing grassland savannah and bush. The park supports a variety of wildlife, and the migrating herds move between the river and the pans.
Contact one of the experts at Mahlatini to help you plan your trip of a lifetime to Botswana.
Makgadikgadi Camps & Lodges