6-day extension – flying to Makgadikgadi Pans

Characterised by open salt pans in the east and the life-giving Boteti River in the west, the Makgadikgadi Pans National Park covers part of an immense salt pan system, stretching over more than 16,000 kilometers. The national park itself is almost 4,000 square kilometers, and during a game drive you can see wildlife congregating along the greens of the Boteti River, while the vast shimmering salt pans in the east give off an otherworldly vibe, dotted with nothing but quirky baobab trees. At night, the endless stars and distant lion calls make these pans feel both immense and alive—a truly unforgettable slice of ancient nature. And to top it off, you can dive into culture with a traditional village visit, just outside of the national park.

Accommodations:

• Gold Meno-A-Kwena Camp
• Platinum Moela Safari Lodge
• Diamond Luxury Leroo La Tau Lodge

Choose between a day trip to Nxai Pans National Park and seeing the mesmerising Baines baobabs, or a drive to the salt pans of Makgadikgadi for a night of camping under endless stars. The choice depends on your hotel, as only the Moela Safari Lodge offers the Makgadikgadi sleeping trip.

Activities:

Accommodations:

• Gold Meno-A-Kwena Camp
• Platinum Moela Safari Lodge
• Diamond Luxury Leroo La Tau Lodge

Characterised by open salt pans in the east and the life-giving Boteti River in the west, the Makgadikgadi Pans National Park covers part of an immense salt pan system, stretching over more than 16,000 kilometers. The national park itself is almost 4,000 square kilometers, and during a game drive you can see wildlife congregating along the greens of the Boteti River, while the vast shimmering salt pans in the east give off an otherworldly vibe, dotted with nothing but quirky baobab trees. At night, the endless stars and distant lion calls make these pans feel both immense and alive—a truly unforgettable slice of ancient nature. And to top it off, you can dive into culture with a traditional village visit, just outside of the national park.

Accommodations:

• Gold Meno-A-Kwena Camp
• Platinum Moela Safari Lodge
• Diamond Luxury Leroo La Tau Lodge

The Makgadikgadi can be a little confusing at first. The 3,900 square kilometres wildlife-rich Makgadikgadi Pans National Park forms part of the greater Makgadikgadi ecosystem, which spans more than 16,000 square kilometres. To reach the famous salt pans themselves, you'll need to travel further east, beyond the boundaries of the national park. Out on the pans, the scenery steals the show. Endless white horizons, absolute silence and a sense of space that's hard to put into words create an almost lunar atmosphere. This is the Makgadikgadi of unforgettable meerkat encounters, fascinating walks with the San Bushmen and game drives across the pans in search of desert-adapted wildlife. It's a completely different side of Botswana - so vast it makes you feel wonderfully small.

Accommodations:

• Gold Camp Kalahari
• Platinum San Camp
• Diamond Luxury Jack's Camp

As you board your flight home from Maun, take a moment to reflect on the incredible journey through Botswana's most spectacular wild places. The memories of thundering elephant herds, sweeping salt pans, and golden delta sunsets will stay with you long after you land!