Going For Holiday? Here Is Why You Should Visit Botswana’s Makgadikgadi Salt Pans
Going for holiday? Here’s why you should visit Botswana’s Makgadikgadi Salt Pans. The Makgadikgadi Salt Pan is a popular tourist destination for visitors of all ages and many of the safari lodges in the area are specially set up to host and entertain families. Situated to the southeast of the Okavango Delta, the Makgadikgadi Salt Pans are one of the largest salt pans in the world spanning over 16,057.9 km2 (6,200 square miles) and are the remains of what was once an enormous lake; Lake Makgadikgadi.
Today families can visit the area and enjoy a variety of activities from game drives and walking safaris to cultural walks with the local San Bushmen and quad bike rides across the Salt Pans themselves. There is so much to do in the area that it is guaranteed that each member of the family will find something to do that they will enjoy.
1. Views
The main draw of the Makgadikgadi is its potential to provide sightings and experiences which are not available elsewhere. Desert adapted species such as aardwolf and brown hyena that are seldom seen elsewhere are numerous here, and the chances of coming across one during a night drive are high. The open expanses of grassland blending into the flat saltpans provide little cover against a search spotlight making nights drives a must.
2.Dancing With The Flamingo
From a birders point of view, the winter, wetter months are also a great time to see flamingos with both the greater and lesser flamingo migrating to the pans to feed, mate and lay their eggs. The bright pink flamingos provide a stunning contrast to the salt water lake and this is one of the most important flamingo breeding grounds in Africa.
3. A Moment with Zu/’hoasi Bushmen
Another big drawer is also discovering the skills and knowledge of the Zu/’hoasi Bushmen, learning how they have survived in this harsh desert environment for centuries. Their knowledge is incredible and to have the opportunity to get out of the game drive vehicle and explore on foot with these masters of the bush is a real honour. It also provides a welcome stretch of the legs and chance to spend time looking at the smaller animals often missed on a game drive.
The list goes on from playtime with Meerkats to a spectacular landscape. A family holiday tour in the Makgadikgadi is not all about adventure and excitement, it is also about relaxation. At night, after a delicious meal, one can look forward to relaxing under the clear starry sky, sipping on a glass of wine while chatting about the day’s activities, before turning in for a good night’s sleep.
