Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Wildlife
Nxai Pans is one of the best places in Botswana for spotting cheetahs, while Makgadikgadi can be good for lions.
There are dense concentrations of wildlife along the Boteti River in the dry season, with much wider dispersal
during the wet when herbivores migrate east in large numbers.
Birds
Around 165 bird species inhabit the Nata Bird Sanctuary (beyond the parks but part of the same pan network) in
the east; flamingos and pelicans arrive in numbers in the rainy season.
When to Go
Dry season (May to October) is best for driving on the pans, with big wildlife concentrations along the Boteti
River later in the season. During the wet season, driving can be perilous but the zebra migration on the eastern
pans can be quite a sight.
Moving Around
The lodges that surround the parks offer game drives; otherwise you'll need your own 4WD.
Budget Safaris
Few budget options but the campgrounds and lodges of Maun and Gweta may offer affordable excursions. For
self-drivers, Khumaga, South Pan, Baines' Baobab and Kubu Island campsites are excellent.
Author Tip
Always
ask about driving conditions before setting out onto the pans; failing to do so could ruin your trip.
NATA
POP 7700
The dust-bowl town of Nata serves as the eastern gateway to the Makgadikgadi Pans, as
well as an obligatory fuel stop if you're heading to either Kasane or Maun; the fuel situ-
ation in Gweta was uncertain at the time of research, making this an even more important
place to fill up. As it has a collection of good places to stay far out of proportion to its
size, it can be a good place to break up a long journey.
Sights
Nata Bird Sanctuary
( 7154 4342; admission P55; 7am-7pm)
This 230-sq-km community-run wildlife
sanctuary was formed when local people voluntarily relocated 3500 cattle and established
a network of tracks throughout the northeastern end of Sowa Pan.
Although the sanctuary protects antelopes, zebras, jackals, foxes, monkeys and squir-
rels, the principal draw is the large population of water birds. Over 165 species of birds
WILDLIFE RESERVE
