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© moela safaris lodge
© moela safaris lodge

Makgadikgadi & Nxai Pans

From the eerie beauty of baobab-studded horizons to the thundering spectacle of migrating zebra, these remote plains invite a safari experience that is both surreal and unforgettable.

Moela Safari Lodge
© Moela Safari Lodge

The Makgadikgadi and Nxai Pans, remnants of an ancient super-lake, offer one of Botswana’s most otherworldly safari settings.

These vast salt flats and grass-covered pans transform with the seasons—bone-dry and starkly beautiful in the dry months, then alive with zebra and wildebeest migrations after the rains.

The green season (roughly December to April) is especially rewarding here, with dramatic cloudscapes, newborn animals, and prolific birdlife. Iconic baobab trees, meerkat colonies, and rare desert-adapted species add to the region’s unique appeal.

Activities go beyond traditional game drives: you can walk with San Bushmen guides, visit historic baobabs, or explore the pans by quad bike (season permitting), creating a safari experience that’s unlike anywhere else in Botswana.

Makgadikgadi & Nxai Pans Weather

Arid, with dramatic wet & dry contrasts.
May - October
Dry Season
In the dry months, the pans are stark and surreal - perfect for quad biking and cultural experiences with the San.
December - April
Green Season
The pans transform with the summer rains, attracting thousands of zebra and wildebeest and turning the landscape into a haven for migratory birds.

Places to Stay

in Makgadikgadi and Nxai Pans

Your Safari, Your Way

Ready to begin? Let’s craft your perfect safari together.

Every Wildseeker journey is designed from scratch, shaped around your interests, travel style, and budget. While we often share sample itineraries for inspiration, the real magic lies in creating something just for you: from handpicked lodges to seamless logistics and insider offers.
No two trips are ever the same, because no two travellers are.

Start Planning