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Makgadikgadi Salt Pans
The lesser-known Makgadikgadi Pans National Park is situated halfway
between Maun and Nata in northern Botswana. This complex of saltpans
is a striking physical feature with huge, flat expanses of hot, sun-baked
terrain fringed by vegetated islands on vast shallow inland seas.
| Photo courtesy: Uncharted
Africa |
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For the majority of the year, the pans are dry and desolate –
the only remains of the vast super lake that once covered over 60
000 square kiometres of the area. However, when the rain comes in
late November the salty wilderness undergoes a radical transformation.
Thousands of water birds come to the shallow pools, especially flamingos
and pelicans, turning the pans pink with their vast numbers.
Despite the inhospitable appearance, these pans also support a number
of plains game and is the only place in Southern Africa where you
are able to see a migration of tens of thousands of wildebeest and
zebra, followed by predators.
| Photo courtesy: Uncharted
Africa |
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Kubu Island is the most famous of all the rock islands in the Makgadikgadi,
rising 20 metres above the pan. Its silent fossil beaches, red baobab
trees and mysterious stonewalls are firmly imprinted in every visitors
mind.
All roads within the park are rough and in many cases very sandy,
so it is essential to have a 4x4 vehicle.
Both dry season and wet season visits to the park are recommended
in order to witness the dramatic appearance of the pans at their driest
and to experience their transformation to a water wonderland.
Tamba Africa recommends
Quad biking: venture far into the middle of the Pans, where
remote archaeological sites with evidence of extinct giant zebra and
hippo can be seen. The Kalahari Surf Club offers a pans experience
where guests can camp on the edge of nothingness and take quad bike
trips across the pans, as well as escorted walks led by Uncharted
Africa Safari Co.
Bushman Safaris: Bushmen are believed to have inhabited Botswana
for at least 30,000 years. These Bushman safaris offer guests an opportunity
to learn about this fascinating culture and understand their hunting
and gathering skills. Uncharted Africa is unique in its pioneering
efforts to work with the Bushman communities to provide a dignified
and culturally sensitive experience.
Safari camps and accommodation in the Makgadikgadi
Salt Pans
Arrange a personalized trip to the Mgadikgadi
salt pans through us
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