Makgadikgadi Pans National Park Best Time To Visit
Anthony is the author of the Lonely Planet guide to Botswana.
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.
April to October Dry Season
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June to December are the best wildlife-viewing months at the river area
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Most roads are in good condition and it is easier to drive in the park
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It is usually possible to drive onto the pans
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It is cooler in the middle of the day from May to August
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July to October is high season, and some lodges charge higher rates
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It can get very dry and dusty
November to March Wet Season
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Zebras migrate across the park in great numbers from December to March
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The eastern pans fill up, and animals gather to drink
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Best time for birding as migrants are present and many birds are breeding
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Big flocks of flamingos come to feed on the algae
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Daytime temperatures can be very hot
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Roads often become boggy and it’s not possible to drive on the pans
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Afternoon thundershowers can interfere with activities
Best Time To Go by Major Park
- Central Kalahari GR
- Chobe National Park
- Makgadikgadi Pans NP
- Moremi Game Reserve
- Nxai Pan National Park
- Okavango Delta