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| Botswana: What to see | |||
| Makgadikgadi Pans National Park | |||
>see photographs Best known for This area of the National Park is known for the salt pans from where its name is derived. The Makgadikgadi Salt Pans are made up of the Ntwetwe and Sowa (Sua) Pans. They cover an area of 12 000 square km and are believed to be the largest in the world. During the rainy season when the pans are in flood, thousands of greater and lesser flamingos migrate there from Namibia and East Africa, attracted by the abundance of algae and crustaceans. This area is one of the largest breeding sites for flamingos in Africa. Location Located in northern central Botswana, almost midway between Maun and Nata. It includes parts of western Ntwetwe Pan, extending to its western border, the Boteti River and north to the Maun-Nata Road. Size Makgadikgadi Pans National Park comprises only 2500 square km, however in late 1993 it was amalgamated with Nxai Pans National Park. The resultant Makgadikgadi and Nxai Pan National Park covers an area of more than 5 500 square km. Wildlife No wildlife is sustained on the pans. However the surrounding grasslands are home to hartebeest, gemsbok, springbok and the brown hyena from the Kalahari. Also found in the reserve are lion, cheetah, spotted hyena, kudu, giraffe, zebra, wildebeest, steenbok, black-backed jackal and even elephant along the Boteti River. During the rains, the huge flocks of flamingo and other waterfowl transform this otherwise arid area into a paradise of nature. Environment and vegetation The name Makgadikgadi means "vast, open, lifeless land", an apt description for much of the terrain in this area. The most striking part of this area is the salt pans in the south east, where no vegetation is sustained. Surrounding the pans is open grassland, where the horizon is at eye level in every direction, with the skyline broken only by stands of vegetable ivory palms. Further west the grasslands give way to harsh and inhospitable scrubland and occasional dense riverine forest. Climate The days are hot and nights are cold throughout winter (May to August). In summer, days are stiflingly hot with cooler nights. Rains fall during summer from November to April and winds are strong during August and September. When to go Game viewing is best from April to July, whereas birding is at its best during the rains. Activities Quad-biking across the Salt Pans, game viewing in 4x4 vehicles, birding, and guided walks. Accommodation Jack's Camp and San Camps are upmarket lodges about 50 km south of Gweta on the northern area of Ntwetwe Pan, while Planet Baobab (5 km from Gweta) caters for campers and also self-catering clients. There are two campsites, Kumaga overlooking the Boteti River, and Njuca Hills, 40 km from Kumaga How to get there By road Travelling along the Maun-Nata Road, take the signposted turn-off to the park. The Xhumaga game scouts' camp is situated on the old road and it is there that you must pay park fees before continuing into the park. 4 x 4 vehicles are required. By air Tsigaro Airfield is 10 and 20 minutes away respectively from Jack's and San Camps respectively where several air charter companies fly into. There is also an airfield at Gweta but then road arrangements have to be made to get to the Pan. Outside the park, Motopi airstrip is 20 km from the western boundary of the reserve, or Gweta airstrip is 16 km from the eastern boundary. Both may be used for access. |
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