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  • Meno a Kwena - Bushman Saltpan Panoramic, Makgadikgadi Pans, Botswana

Luxury Safaris in The Makgadikgadi Pans made for you

Learn about the traditions of the San people and journey through the vast landscapes at the heart of Botswana

Wide open spaces, baobabs and the San people

The vast salt pans and grass plains of the Makgadikgadi form part of the central Kalahari and, for much of the year, remain almost entirely devoid of game. However, luxury Makgadikgadi Pans safaris reveal that there is more to experience here than game viewing; it is a journey into one of the most evocative landscapes on Earth.

Many travellers are drawn here by the epic emptiness itself – a shimmering, vast plain of salt punctuated by solitary islands of ancient rocks and iconic baobabs. Beyond the breathtaking vistas, the San people provide a profound connection to the land. Sharing their techniques for surviving in these harsh climes, they offer a glimpse into a way of life that has endured for millennia.

In this timeless environment, it is even possible to uncover the traces of their distant ancestors through curated archaeological expeditions, making a visit to the pans as much a journey through history as it is an escape into the wild.

From our experts

Experiences picked by our Botswana safari specialists

Ride quad bikes across the salt flats

When the salt flats dry out between July and September, head out on thrilling quad-bike excursions.

Explore with an expert guide

Fill your days with cultural walks, palaeontology explorations and a variety of other activities that add to the memorable experience.

Speed across the desert by quad bike

For some adrenalin pumping fun, rev up a quad bike for a true desert adventure between April and October.

Luxury accommodation in The Makgadikgadi Pans

There are many incredible places to stay in The Makgadikgadi Pans. Here are some of our favourites, handpicked by our travel designers:

Why book with Jacada?

  • Safari expertise

    Our experts bring decades of first-hand expertise. They’ve lived and travelled across Africa and are regularly on the ground reviewing the most exclusive camps and experiences. You’ll also have the support of a personal concierge, based in region.

  • Unforgettable guides

    We handpick the most knowledgeable guides, who bring each destination to life with care and passion. They’re chosen for their ability to provide unrivalled insight into the region’s wildlife and landscapes as well as a genuine, memorable experience.

  • Positive impact

    By travelling with us, you directly support a range of initiatives spanning wildlife conservation to community engagement. Our luxury trips are designed to prioritise experiences that are positive for you and the places you visit.

Trip inspiration

Get inspired with our Botswana example trips and then get in touch to plan your own adventure

8 days From $15,445

Classic Botswana

Botswana offers a luxury African safari like no other. This itinerary will take you from some of Botswana's finest luxury camps in the most revered settings to…

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Ready to plan your adventure?

Whatever you want from your Makgadikgadi Pans adventure, our team of safari experts are ready to help.

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Meet your Africa team

When to visit the Makgadikgadi Pans

The best time to visit Makgadikgadi Pans depends on your interests. The dry season from May to October offers excellent conditions for exploring the vast salt pans on quad bikes, as well as seeing wildlife gather at rivers. And the wet season from November to April is when you’ll witness the zebra and wildebeest migration.

Game viewing

June–December

Wet season

November–April

Dry season

May–October

When Is the Best Time to Visit Botswana?

Botswana travel guides

Plan your trip to The Makgadikgadi Pans

Whatever you want from your adventure in The Makgadikgadi Pans, our team of safari experts are ready to help.

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“We enjoyed our first trip with Jacada…”

We enjoyed our first trip with Jacada and it surely won't be our last! Every detail and moment of our trip was perfectly planned. We were met every step of the way with courteous and knowledgeable drivers and guides. We really appreciated the local guides and the commitment they had to make every day special. Thank you Jacada for the…

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My wife and I used Jacada to plan our honeymoon to French Polynesia. Working with the Jacada team was fantastic and effortless. Every question was quickly answered. Every hiccup was quickly addressed. We felt like we were in the hands of experts who are equally passionate about travel, and who were committed to helping us have the trip of a…

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We enjoy traveling and we have used Jacada Travel for some wonderful trips over several years. We have never been disappointed. In 2024 we took a Safari in Botswana Africa and walked with the gorillas in Rwanda planned by Jacada and the itinerary was amazing. In 2025 we had planned a trip to Antartica ( with another company ) but…

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“Communication and organization were…”

Communication and organization were excellent. The Jacada team was helpful and genuinely interested in our experience. The guides were personable, knowledgeable, and clearly enjoy their work. Vehicles were spotless, timely, and coordinators managed our every need brilliantly. I will recommend Jacada to friends and family. The only way to travel!

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We had a wonderful trip planned through Jacada. We enjoyed the venues and the excursions. This is a beautiful place we'd recommend to anyone who wants to go on a new adventure.

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Your trip, your story

We craft trips deeply personal, delightfully surprising and entirely one of a kind. Every Jacada journey begins in conversation with a travel designer, a specialist in their destination of expertise. Behind each journey is a wealth of insight, gathered over years of on-the-ground exploration.

Once you’re booked, you’ll meet your concierge. Based in the region you’re visiting, they’ll take care of all the details so your mind is at rest. They make the trip truly special – and truly yours.

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