​Best Time To Visit – Makgadikgadi Pans NP

Anthony Ham
Expert
By Anthony Ham

Anthony is a renowned Africa expert and author of many Lonely Planet guidebooks, including the guide to Botswana.

Anthony is a renowned Africa expert and author of many Lonely Planet guidebooks, including the guide to Botswana.

Anthony is the author of the Lonely Planet guide to Botswana.

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Makgadikgadi Pans National Park is a year-round destination, although the best times to visit vary as animals migrate seasonally through the park. The network of pans in the park’s east attract wildlife, especially vast herds of zebra, in the wet summer months from December to May. The area along the Boteti River, in the park’s west, is best for wildlife viewing in the drier months from June to December.


25 Makgadikgadi Pans Safaris
Best Time June to December (Best wildlife viewing at the river) and December to May (Best wildlife viewing and birding at the pans)
High Season July to October (The park never gets crowded, but high-season rates may apply in lodges)
Low Season November to June (Low-season rates may apply)
Best Weather May to August (Less hot during the day, with dry conditions)
Worst Weather January to March (It is hot and it can rain a lot)

April to October –Dry Season

  • June to December are the best wildlife-viewing months at the river area
  • Most roads are in good condition and it is easier to drive in the park
  • It is usually possible to drive onto the pans
  • It is cooler in the middle of the day from May to August
  • July to October is high season, and some lodges charge higher rates
  • It can get very dry and dusty

Wildlife Photos

View Photos (15)
+13 Photos Want To Visit

November to March –Wet Season

  • Zebras migrate across the park in great numbers from December to March
  • The eastern pans fill up, and animals gather to drink
  • Best time for birding as migrants are present and many birds are breeding
  • Big flocks of flamingos come to feed on the algae
  • Daytime temperatures can be very hot
  • Roads often become boggy and it’s not possible to drive on the pans
  • Afternoon thundershowers can interfere with activities

Wildlife Photos
+13 Photos

Best Time To Go by Major Park

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Want To Visit Makgadikgadi Pans NP?

25 Makgadikgadi Pans Safaris