Makgadikgadi Pans National Park

The Makgadikgadi Pans National Park is an area of 3,900 km² which incorporates the vast lush mineral rich grasslands and acacia woodlands of the western end of Ntwetwe Pan. The western border is formed by the Boteti River with its thick sand and lush riverine vegetation. At the end of 2008 the Boteti River flowed for the first time in 17 years.

The highlight of a visit to the Makgadikgadi Pans National Park is the annual zebra and blue wildebeest migration. The pans, which are situated in the south and eastern areas of the park, fill with water during the rains, usually from mid-December. The 'thirstlands' are then transformed into great sheets of water, which attract a spectacular array of waterbirds and trigger dramatic migrations of water dependent wildebeest and zebra that are attracted by the lush grassy grazing grounds.

As the food and water source of the rolling grasslands begin to diminish towards the end of April the herds gravitate in their hundreds to the perennial pools of the Boteti River. The first animals start to arrive at the end of April beginning of May and numbers peak in September and October when there are up to 30,000 animals in the area together with the ever opportunistic predators that follow them. There is a tangible feeling of vibrancy and excitement as barking stallions call their harem of mares, animals nosily quenching their thirst, the sound of stampeding hooves, jackals calling, lions roaring, (land-locked) hippos grunting and flocks of chirping birds. All this and more makes for awesome game viewing. In the rainy summer months of January to April the area turns into a luscious paradise supporting a wealth of bird life. Wildlife likely to be seen during this time includes lion, cheetah and even wild dog.