Makgadikgadi and Nxai Pan National Park

West of Gweta, the tar road road to Maun slices through Makgadikgadi and Nxai National Park. Because of their complementary natures regarding wildlife migrations, Makgadikgadi Pans Game Reserve and Nxai Pan National Park were established concurrently in the early 1970s, in the hope of protecting the entire ecosystem.

In December of 1992 the area of the Nxai Pan National Park was extended south to the main Gweta/Maun road, so it adjoins the Makgadikgadi Pans Game Reserve, which was renamed “The Makgadikgadi Pans National Park” to form one vast area covering just under 7,500km2. The park incorporates Ntwetwe Pan, Makgadikgadi Pans, Nxai Pan, Baines’ Baobabs and Kudiakam Pan. Visitors to either section must pay park and camping fees at either the Xhumaga or Nxai Pan Game scout camp.

Four wheel drive is recommended throughout this area, as even in the dry season the pan surface can be treacherous with the unseen water table lurking often just inches under the hard-baked surface. Once on the pans the exhilaration of speeding across the flat surface in unforgettable.

For the more adventurous traveller it is possible to go on a quad bike excursion!

While there are no fixed lodges or hotels in the park, there are several designated campsites. This limits access to all but the fully equipped self-drive visitor, or those on tailor-made safaris. Please contact us for more information on day trips or more day safaris.

Visit the Makgadikgadi from Nata or Gweta.

From Nata or Gweta there are several options available to visit the magnificent Makgadikgadi Pans. Depending upon price and time is everything is possible from a simple sundowner trip to a stay of several days!

Sundowner trip: Usually when staying in Nata the sundowner trip standard pre-booked for you *. You depart around 16:00 pm at the lodge towards the Nata Bird Sanctuary and access to the park and pans. Accompanied by your guide, you look different species on the way to the edge of the Makgadikgadi pans. Here you are offered a drink (not included in price) while you wait for the magical moment when the sun touches the horizon Africa and re-creates a special moment every time.

* (Depending on circumstances, this tour may or not may therefore only be paid locally approx  NOK 160, – p / p including entrance fees, excluding drinks)