10 Things to Do in Makgadikgadi Pans National Park (Letlhakane, Botswana)
Makgadikgadi Pans National Park is a protected area located in Letlhakane, Botswana. It covers an area of over 3,900 square miles and is home to some of the most unique and diverse wildlife and landscape in the world. The park is made up of salt pans, grasslands, woodlands, and seasonal wetlands, making it a great destination for those looking for a unique wildlife experience. Here are 10 things to do in Makgadikgadi Pans National Park:
1. Explore the Salt Pans: The Makgadikgadi Pans are the largest salt pans in the world, covering an area of over 3,900 square miles. The pans are made up of large, white salt flats that are interspersed with grasslands and woodlands. Visitors can explore the salt pans on foot, by bike, or on a guided tour.
2. View the Wildlife: Makgadikgadi Pans National Park is home to a diverse range of wildlife, including wildebeest, zebra, springbok, giraffe, and more. Visitors can view the wildlife on foot or from a safari vehicle.
3. Visit the Ancient Baobab Trees: The Makgadikgadi Pans are home to some of the oldest and largest baobab trees in the world. These trees are over 3,000 years old and can reach heights of up to 40 feet. Visitors can explore the baobab trees on foot or on a guided tour.
4. Visit the Ancient Rock Art Sites: The Makgadikgadi Pans are home to some of the oldest and most impressive rock art sites in Africa. The rock art sites feature ancient paintings and engravings that date back over 2,000 years. Visitors can explore these sites on foot or on a guided tour.
5. Go on a Night Safari: Makgadikgadi Pans National Park is home to a range of nocturnal wildlife, including hyenas, jackals, and lions. Visitors can go on a night safari to view the wildlife in its natural habitat.
6. Take a Hot Air Balloon Ride: Visitors can take a hot air balloon ride over the Makgadikgadi Pans to get a bird’s eye view of the landscape. The hot air balloon rides are operated by a number of companies and offer a unique way to explore the area.
7. Take a Quad Bike Safari: Visitors can take a quad bike safari to explore the Makgadikgadi Pans. The quad bikes can be rented from a number of companies and offer a unique way to explore the area.
8. Visit the Local Villages: The Makgadikgadi Pans are home to a number of small villages, where visitors can learn about the culture and traditions of the local people. The villages are often visited by tour groups and offer a unique insight into the local way of life.
9. Go Bird Watching: The Makgadikgadi Pans are home to a wide range of bird species, including flamingos, pelicans, ostriches, and more. Visitors can go bird watching to view the birds in their natural habitat.
10. Take a Boat Trip: Visitors can take a boat trip to explore the Makgadikgadi Pans. The boat trips offer a unique way to explore the area and can be booked through a number of companies.
Makgadikgadi Pans National Park is a unique and diverse destination that offers visitors a unique wildlife experience. Whether you’re looking to explore the salt pans, view the wildlife, visit the ancient baobab trees, or take a hot air balloon ride, there is something for everyone to enjoy in Makgadikgadi Pans National Park.