Makgadikgadi & Nxai Pans, Boteti River & Nata Bird Sanctuary – 5 days or more

Makgadikgadi & Nxai Pans, Boteti River & Nata Bird Sanctuary – 5 days or more

This itinerary explores one of Botswana’s most unique wilderness areas, featuring vast salt pans, seasonal zebra migrations, and exceptional birdlife. Best visited during the wet season (November-April) for birding and the dry season (May-October) for the zebra migration along the Boteti River.

It is also worth spending a bit of time in Maun.  Visit the Okavango Craft Brewery and why not try the Maun Immersive Cultural Tour.

Where to stay:  Crocodile Camp, Sitatunga Camp

The Boteti River represents the second-largest zebra migration in Africa. During dry season, up to 30,000 zebras and thousands of wildebeest cross from Nxai Pan to the permanent water source. Predator action is exceptional during this period.

Drive to the Nxai Pan National Park

Where to stay: Nxai Pan Camp, Nxai South Camp, Kaudia Camp Pan, Thamo Telele, Planet Baobab

Activities

• Game viewing: Dense wildlife concentrations during wet season (December-April)
• Baines’ Baobabs: Visit the famous cluster of seven baobabs painted by Thomas Baines in 1862
• Wet season spectacle: Thousands of zebras, wildebeest springbok with their young, plus predators
• Bird watching: Excellent during rains with numerous water birds and raptors

Highlights

Nxai Pan transforms dramatically with the seasons. The wet season brings birthing herds and lush grasses, while the dry season reveals stark beauty. Baines’ Baobabs remain virtually unchanged since they were painted 160+ years ago.

Drive to Nata & Nata Bird Sanctuary

Where to stay: Nata Lodge

Activities

• Nata Bird Sanctuary visit: Explore the northeastern edge of Sua Pan, home to seasonal flamingo breeding colonies (peak: January-April)
• Bird species to watch for: Lesser and Greater flamingos, pelicans, avocets, stilts, and numerous waders
• Evening: Sunset drive along the pan edge
• Cultural option: Visit local villages to learn about the area’s history

Highlights

The sanctuary becomes a birding paradise after good rains, with up to 165 species recorded. The sight of thousands of flamingos against the white salt pan is unforgettable.

Makgadikgadi Pans National Park (Eastern Section)

Where to stay: Kalahari Camp, Jack’s Camp, San Camp or similar

Activities

• Game drives: Search for springbok, gemsbok, wildebeest, and occasional predators
• Pan exploration: Walk on the vast salt flats (when dry)
• Kubu Island day trip: Visit this granite outcrop with ancient baobabs and Stone Age tools (sacred site)
• Night drives: Spot brown hyenas, aardvarks, and other nocturnal species

Highlights

The Makgadikgadi Pans are among the largest salt flats in the world, remnants of an ancient super-lake. The emptiness is profound and beautiful, especially under full moon.

Boteti River (Western Makgadikgadi)

Where to stay:  Meno a Kwena, Boteti River Lodge or similar

Activities

• Zebra migration viewing (June-October): Watch thousands of zebras congregating along the Boteti River
• Game drives: Elephants, lions, hyenas, and plains game concentrate along the river
• River viewings: From lodge decks and hides overlooking water sources
• Walking safaris: Guided walks along the riverbank

Highlights

The Boteti River represents the second-largest zebra migration in Africa. During dry season, up to 30,000 zebras and thousands of wildebeest cross from Nxai Pan to the permanent water source. Predator action is exceptional during this period.

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