Planning a Trip to the Makgadikgadi Pans? Here’s the Best Time to Go

The Makgadikgadi Pans, one of the largest salt pans in the world, offers a unique and striking landscape that changes dramatically with the seasons. Whether you're drawn to the vast, dry expanse of the desert or the brief burst of life brought on by seasonal rains, the timing of your visit can make all the difference in your experience. From the quiet solitude of the dry season to the dramatic wildlife spectacles of the wet season, understanding the best time to visit the Makgadikgadi Pans can help you make the most of this extraordinary destination.

January

Weather: Hot and humid with scattered thunderstorms.
Temperature: 22°C to 38°C.
Highlights: The start of the rainy season; the pans begin to fill with water, attracting migratory birds and wildlife, though muddy conditions can make travel difficult.

February

Weather: Warm, with frequent afternoon thunderstorms.
Temperature: 22°C to 38°C.
Highlights: Peak rainy season; the landscape is lush and green, and large herds of wildebeest and zebra arrive, making for great wildlife viewing, but heavy rains can affect accessibility.

March

Weather: Warm and rainy, with occasional thunderstorms.
Temperature: 20°C to 35°C.
Highlights: Excellent time for birdwatching, with flamingos and other migratory birds flocking to the pans; the wildlife migration continues, though the terrain can still be muddy.

April

Weather: Warm, with decreasing rain and more sunny days.
Temperature: 18°C to 32°C.
Highlights: The rainy season starts to wind down, and the pans retain water, drawing in animals and birds; a quieter time to visit before the dry season crowds arrive.

May

Weather: Cooler, with little to no rain.
Temperature: 12°C to 25°C.
Highlights: The dry season begins; the pans start to dry out, and wildlife is less concentrated, but this is ideal for those who prefer solitude and a more rugged, desert experience.

June

Weather: Dry and cooler, with chilly mornings and evenings.
Temperature: 8°C to 22°C.
Highlights: A quiet time for stargazing, as the clear skies provide stunning views of the stars; wildlife is harder to spot, but the stark desert landscape is at its most dramatic.

July

Weather: Cold and dry, with little rainfall.
Temperature: 6°C to 18°C.
Highlights: The desert is cold, especially at night, and daytime temperatures are mild; a good time for peaceful desert exploration and stargazing, though wildlife is sparse.

August

Weather: Cold and dry, with cool nights.
Temperature: 8°C to 18°C.
Highlights: Still quiet and peaceful, with clear skies perfect for stargazing; wildlife is elusive, but the landscapes are wide open and ideal for photography.

September

Weather: Warm, dry, and becoming hotter.
Temperature: 12°C to 25°C.
Highlights: The landscape remains dry, and animals begin to congregate around remaining water sources; it's a good time for desert walks and exploring the pans.

October

Weather: Hot and dry, with little rain.
Temperature: 18°C to 30°C.
Highlights: As temperatures rise, the pans become increasingly arid, but the landscapes are still striking; wildlife sightings are limited, but the starkness of the environment is a draw for many.

November

Weather: Warm, with occasional thunderstorms.
Temperature: 20°C to 35°C.
Highlights: The rainy season is approaching; migratory birds return, and early signs of wildlife movement start to appear as the pans begin to fill with water.

December

Weather: Hot and humid, with frequent thunderstorms.
Temperature: 22°C to 38°C.
Highlights: The wet season begins; wildlife starts to congregate as the pans fill with water, offering opportunities for birdwatching and seeing animals, but be prepared for muddy roads and challenging conditions.