Makgadikgadi Pans

Introduction

The Makgadikgadi Pans is situated in the central region of the country and covers approximate 12 000 square kilometres, the largest salt pans on the planet. There are two important salt pans, the 6500 square kilometre Ntwetwe Pan and the somewhat smaller Sua Pan. The Makgadikgadi Pans are the remains of a great lake that once covered most of northern Botswana, fed by rivers carrying salts filtered from the lake's catchment area. Ancient lakeshore terraces reveal that the water depth fluctuated by as much as 33 metres and, at its greatest extent, the lake covered an area of 60,000 sq km. Because the basin had no outlet, the salts were concentrated in low lying areas. Less than 10,000 years ago, climactic changes caused the lake to evaporate, leaving only salt deposits. For most of the year the area is dried up, however, as soon as the first rains fall, the region plays host to an alluring display of animal life. The water encourages one of Africa's great migrations.

Game Viewing

Over 25 000 zebra and almost 10 000 blue wildebeest migrate here from the Boteti River in the west as well as from the Linyanti and Savuti regions to the north. The animals scatter sometime in March and April once the rainwater pans have dried up. The birdlife is abundant during the rainy season. Thousands of flamingos arrive to breed on the southern edges of Sua Pan. Pelicans and waterfowl congregate more towards the northern edge. This is the domain of the brown hyena, a shy and elusive creature, as well as suricates, aardvarks and small bustard species. The brown hyena and aardvark are seen regularly as well as oryx, eland, caracal and red hartebeest are prominent. Sightings of elephant, lion, cheetah and kudu are not uncommon in the national parks. This is an extremely fragile environment filled with fascination and interest. The management and guides have an approach of maximum care for the environment, and this is a destination for the true lover of remote experiences.

Jacks Camp

Jacks Camp is known to offer complete peace, privacy and serenity; with its unique location deep in the Kalahari Desert on the edge of the Makgadikgadi Pans, the largest saltpans in the world; Jacks Camp offers exciting activities including nature drives and guided Bushmen-walks, night drives and visits to sites of archaeological interest. When the season permits, 4x4 quad bikes can be used to venture from Jack's Camp onto the saltpan without damaging it. A minimum of 3 nights are recommended at Jacks Camp in order to benefit from all the activities and explore the area. The tents at Jacks Camp are beautiful and spacious with en-suite private indoor as well as outdoor showers, a washbasin and other luxury amenities to make your stay more comfortable. The dining tent looks like a "Persian-style" tea tent where delicious meals are served and wonderful evenings are spent under a star-lit sky.

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Leroo La Tau

The Boteti River is the natural boundary for the Makgadikgadi National Park. It is on the banks of this dry river course that you will find Leroo La Tau. "Leroo-La-Tau" means the "footprints of the lion". Guests will have the opportunity to experience the largest Zebra and Wildebeest migration in Southern Africa. The lodge is small and intimate and promises a personal safari experience. Leroo La Tau can accommodate a maximum of 14 guests in luxury East African style Meru tents, situated on raised wooden platforms, each offering en-suite facilities. The main lounge and dining room area with its wooden and thatch finishes, offer guests the opportunity to relax at the bar while listening to the wide variety of night sounds of the African bush. The Makgadikgadi National Park consists of 80 000 square kilometres, the destination of herds of migrating Zebra. It has an unspoilt beauty unlike that of any other part of Botswana.

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Meno A Kwena Tented Camp

Meno A Kwena - meaning "Teeth of the Crocodile" in the local language. Meno A Kwena is steeped in history and dates back to the 1800's. Situated on the banks of the Boteti Riverbed, it offers guests a traditional old-style safari camp. The tents are comfortable mini walk-in meru-style tents and the emphasis here is on personal attention and detail, as the camp is owner-run. The ultimate luxury accommodation of an African safari is watching endless herds of wildlife drinking at the waterhole from a canvas tent. Or a shower with a full view of the sun setting as the first roar of a lion echoes through the riverbed below. It is these luxuries that enhance the authentic safari tented camp comforts of home. The Boteti River lies right in the middle of these great vast thirstlands where water is priceless and so attracting some of Africa's last remaining great wildlife populations.

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San Camp

San Camp is situated in the Makgadikgadi region of the Kalahari and renowned as one of the most romantic camps on earth; offering beautiful secluded tents. Views stretching as far as the eye can see over the salt pans, breathtaking sunsets and magnificent star-gazing; San Camp offers guests the chance to experience this remarkable area and restore body, mind and soul at the same time in complete privacy and serenity. San Camp offers visitors a classic desert experience focusing on species unique to the area such as aardvark, gemsbuck and springbuck as well as the geology, archaeology and anthropology of the Kalahari and Makgadikgadi. Jack's and San Camp are the only places where guests are practically guaranteed to see the rare and elusive Brown Hyena in the whole of Africa. San Camp can accommodate a maximum of 12 guests only ensuring a personal and private safari experience.

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