Formed
by the separation of Australia and Southern Africa,
this land that was a lake five million years ago,
became the base of the African Rift Valley. Although
the water that once filled the pans has now shifted
north to the rivers that flow over Victoria Falls, the
area is still subject to annual flooding.
The two pans offer great contrasts throughout the seasons. These vast open areas of dry winter saltpans turn into the huge wetlands of the Makgadikgadi, and the grassy open plains and woodland of Nxai Pan during summer.
It is the largest salt flat complex in the world (about the size of Portugal), covering 16,000 square km.
See our Google map for a bird's eye view of the pans.
The two pans offer great contrasts throughout the seasons. These vast open areas of dry winter saltpans turn into the huge wetlands of the Makgadikgadi, and the grassy open plains and woodland of Nxai Pan during summer.
It is the largest salt flat complex in the world (about the size of Portugal), covering 16,000 square km.
See our Google map for a bird's eye view of the pans.
The dryness and salinity
of the pans makes them appear as a moonscape, devoid of
life, especially in the dry season. In spite of this,
birds, hyena and small animals frequent the pans
throughout the year.
During the rainy season, you will find thousands of zebra on the Makgadikgadi Pans, which lies on the route of one of the greatest animal migrations in Africa. Ostrich, gemsbok, ground squirrel, meerkat, lilac-breasted roller (Botswana's national bird), glossy starling, secretary birds and buffalo weaver birds, are also common around the pans.
Gweta Village is just off the main highway, making it a perfect rest stop for travelers going between Maun and Nata (the turnoff point for Kasane to the North and Francistown to the South). Entrances to both pans are found a few kilometers from Gweta. Fuel and supplies can be found at Gweta village, 45 km west of Makgadikgadi gate.
During the rainy season, you will find thousands of zebra on the Makgadikgadi Pans, which lies on the route of one of the greatest animal migrations in Africa. Ostrich, gemsbok, ground squirrel, meerkat, lilac-breasted roller (Botswana's national bird), glossy starling, secretary birds and buffalo weaver birds, are also common around the pans.
Gweta Village is just off the main highway, making it a perfect rest stop for travelers going between Maun and Nata (the turnoff point for Kasane to the North and Francistown to the South). Entrances to both pans are found a few kilometers from Gweta. Fuel and supplies can be found at Gweta village, 45 km west of Makgadikgadi gate.