About San Camp
San Camp is a strikingly beautiful tented camp with an Arabian Nights feel that seems well suited to its ...
... dramatic location on Botswana's vast Makgadikgadi Pans. The camp is set on the edge of the Ntwetwe Pan, which covers an area about the size of Northern Ireland, and has spectacular views that stretch all the way to the horizon.
San Camp's tasteful classic style may appeal to the traveller looking for a slightly romantic set-up. Equally, the intimate size of the camp may suit small groups or families with older children looking to get acquainted with this unique area. It offers a refined remote camp experience where you can expect to be graciously hosted, very well looked after, and to enjoy excellent guiding.
Our view
San Camp's tasteful classic style may appeal to the traveller looking for a slightly romantic set-up. Equally, the intimate size of the camp may suit small groups or families with older children looking to get acquainted with this unique area. It offers a refined remote camp experience where you can expect to be graciously hosted, very well looked after, and to enjoy excellent guiding.
Botswana expert
Accommodation
7 Tented Rooms
Children
Best for aged 12+
Open
16 April to 15 October
Activities
4WD Safari
Birdwatching
Cultural excursion
Fly-camping
Guided walking safari
Night drive
Private activities
Quad-biking
Sleeping under the stars
Traveller reviews of San Camp
22 real, un-edited reviews from Expert Africa's travellers.
Expert Africa's gallery
When we travel we take lots of photos ourselves to give you a real and un-edited view of the safaris. See our 26 pictures and 1 videos of San Camp to get the candid view.
View gallerySan Camp: Our full report
San Camp is a strikingly beautiful tented camp with an Arabian Nights feel that seems well suited to its ...
... dramatic location on Botswana's vast Makgadikgadi Pans. The camp is set on the edge of the Ntwetwe Pan, which covers an area about the size of Northern Ireland, and has spectacular views that stretch all the way to the horizon.
The Makgadikgadi Pans area is made up of a series of salt pans with sandy grasslands interspersed by palm-tree islands. It is a complete contrast from the landscapes of the Okavango Delta, and the wildlife is different too. Although the pans are not traditionally considered a game-viewing area, there is a surprising amount of wildlife around. Four artificial waterholes that were dug in 2014 have helped sustain resident herds of zebra and wildebeest that are several hundred strong, and from around November/December to March, the herds swell in size dramatically; it’s quite a spectacle.
Big game is scarce, but elephant and lion are seen periodically. Other hardy, desert-adapted wildlife that may be seen year round includes ostrich, black-backed jackal, African wildcat, bat-eared fox and playful meerkats. Some rare and elusive nocturnal creatures – brown hyena, aardvark and aardwolf – are also more easily spotted here than in the lusher areas of the Delta. We were thrilled to see all three species when we stayed in October 2017.
The birdlife around the pans contrasts with that of the Delta, too. The open grasslands are home to many typical Kalahari ground-nesting birds, such as the kori bustard, northern black korhaan, capped wheat-ear, chestnut-backed finch lark and ant-eating chat.
The environment around San Camp is fairly similar to that around its sister camps – Jack's Camp and Camp Kalahari – but is more open, with short, salt-tolerant grasses around camp. Activities, led by good guides, are the same at all three camps, too. Despite these similarities, each camp focuses on travellers with different budgets, with San Camp falling broadly into the middle of the three.
The tents that make up San Camp, including the central area, are, unusually, made from white canvas – a choice that complements the starkness of the environment. The main pavilion holds an elegant dining area, as well as a small museum housing an interesting collection of fossils, skeletons and tools found in the vicinity, as well as books and old maps of Africa. To one side is a library, where an old wooden chest does service as a well-stocked, self-service bar, and there’s a charging station for electrical equipment. To the other is a tea tent, which also serves as a lounge, its floor layered with oriental rugs and scattered with bright cushions. This central area is open-sided and feels cool and breezy in the day, but at night heavy canvas curtains can be closed to keep out the chill.
A little distance away, a tented yoga pavilion occupies a supremely remote and peaceful spot.
San Camp's seven Meru-style tented rooms are nicely spaced out for privacy in a semicircle facing the shimmering Ntwetwe Pan. Five rooms are usually made up as twins and two as doubles. Inside, the style is faintly reminiscent of Edwardian times: canvas walls are striped cream and pale green, hardwood floors are covered with sisal matting, and high four-poster beds are covered with rich paisley bedspreads. To the rear of each tent is an en-suite bathroom with a flushing throne-style toilet, a shower, and a brass sink set into a wooden vanity unit backed by a large mirror. In keeping with the feel of a bygone era, lighting is simple (and dim), using traditional old spirit lamps. Large mesh windows allow for a free flow of air (great when temperatures are high), and flaps can be lowered for the cooler winter months. Each tent also has a verandah with comfortable day bed and a couple of director’s chairs.
Activities at San Camp, as at its sister camps, aim to give an understanding of the area's geology, archaeology and anthropology, as well as an opportunity to observe its wildlife. Options include:
- 4WD safaris in and around the Makgadikgadi Pans National Park, often with spotlit night drives on the return to camp in the evenings or after supper. On our last visit we staked out a brown hyena den just before sunset, and waited patiently appreciating the absolute silence (and a gin and tonic) for these shy creatures to emerge. We were duly rewarded when one hyena crept out gingerly and spent time sniffing and scratching around the den for a good half an hour before loping off to start his nightly scavenging. Other sightings included steenbok, ostrich, plentiful wildebeest and zebra, but high up the list was a pack of 28 black-backed jackals hanging patiently around a zebra kill, while three lions kept them at bay.
- Within reach of the three camps are four meerkat colonies that are semi-habituated to people and will generally ignore your presence as they busy themselves with digging, playing and keeping watch for predators. Early-morning and late-afternoon visits enable you to sit close to a burrow, as the meerkats pop in and out scanning for danger while cleaning their accommodation; you could even find yourself being be used as a convenient vantage point!
- Walking with the Zu/’hoasi Bushmen proved another highlight for us, providing many insights into their traditional way of life and use of the land. Typically, you will be accompanied by perhaps a dozen or so San villagers (men, women and children) on an exploratory walk in the bush. Interpreters amongst the group (or your guide) help explain what the various members discover and point out along the way, such as edible tubers, plants with a slew of medicinal and practical uses, numerous tracks, and how to dig up a scorpion. At some point in the walk, the group will stop, make fire in the traditional way, tell stories and demonstrate some traditional games. Our favourite was called lightning and steenbok – a complicated version of rock-paper-scissors. We thoroughly enjoyed the experience – it was both fun – for participants and observers alike – and eye opening.
- During the dry season (generally late May to around October), it's possible to explore the surrounding salt pans on 4WD quadbike trips without damaging their fragile crust. It’s great fun and can be a magical experience. (NB: It's essential that you read the Quadbike warning in the 'Health & Safety' section below for our comments on this activity.)
If you’re feeling truly adventurous, and have more time on your hands, you could even embark on a two-night quadbike expedition across the salt pans to Kubu Island. This is at an additional charge; please ask us for details. - Another option, also at extra cost, is a horseback safari. Two-hour trips are suitable for riders of all abilities, while multi-day riding safaris are available for experienced riders. Again, please contact us for more information on this.
Geographics
- Location
- Kalahari's Salt Pans, Botswana
- Ideal length of stay
- We’d recommend a stay of at least three nights at San Camp.
- Directions
- San Camp is a 50-minute flight by light aircraft from Maun to Tsigaro Airstrip, followed by a 4WD transfer to camp of roughly 20 minutes. Alternatively you can reach San Camp by road, taking approximately four hours from Maun. Note, however, that getting there by road doesn't end up being a cheaper option.
- Accessible by
- Fly-and-Transfer
Food & drink
- Usual board basis
- Full Board & Activities
- Food quality
- When we last stayed at San Camp, in October 2017, the food was superb as usual – fresh, healthy and really delicious.
A light breakfast, prior to your early-morning activity, consists of cereals, toast, freshly baked muffins, a fresh fruit platter, and plain and fruit yoghurt. Eggs, bacon and hash browns are also available.
Brunch is usually a plated dish, served after your first activity or a little later – generally between 11.00am and midday. We had Moroccan beef skewers on a lentil salad, followed by a cheese and fruit board.
Afternoon tea is offered before the afternoon activity. We couldn't resist trying the tasty lamb koftas and homemade chocolate cookies; after all, they were so small – what harm could they do?!
Prior to supper you’ll be offered canapés – we had delicate cheese-filled filo pastry triangles with a redcurrant dip.
Dinner is a plated meal enjoyed around a communal dining table. To start we enjoyed spicy butternut soup, followed by steak served with large chunky chips and green beans. Our dessert – a very sweet lemon posset with shortbread biscuits – was a perfect way to round off a lovely meal. - Dining style
- Group Meals
- Dining locations
- Indoor Dining
- Drinks included
- Bottled water, soft drinks, local beers and spirits and a limited selection of (usually) South African red and white wines are included. Champagne and imported wines and spirits will cost extra and these should be requested in advance.
Special interests
- Honeymoons
- San Camp offers a hint of adventure, and the potential for a very special honeymoon in Botswana. Its romantic tents of billowing white canvas are spaced out on the edge of a vast saltpan, offering peace and solitude – along with plenty of activities.
- See ideas for Honeymoons in Botswana
- Riding holidays
- Guests at San Camp can ride quadbikes out onto the vast Makgadikgadi Salt Pans, either for half a day or on expeditions of up to four days to the centre of the pans. Horse riding can also be arranged, lasting from two hours to several days.
- See ideas for Riding holidays in Botswana
- Cultural Experiences
- Bushmen walks from San Camp offer a sensitive, authentic and really interesting experience. You'll learn about the vegetation, maybe dig up some roots and even taste some of them; it's an excellent introduction to some of the traditional culture of Botswana.
- See ideas for Cultural Experiences in Botswana
- Luxury
- San Camp is an enchanting camp with magnificent views over the surrounding salt plains. There is superb attention to detail in the unusual Arabic design, and the refined quality of food, service and guiding is just what you’d expect on a deluxe safari holiday.
- See ideas for Luxury in Botswana
Children
- Attitude towards children
- Children of all ages are welcome at San Camp, but please take into account the restrictions below.
- Property’s age restrictions
- If travelling with children under the age of eight years, guests are required to book a private guide and vehicle (at extra cost). Children under the age of 12 years must share a tented room with an adult.
- Special activities & services
- There are no special activities or services for children at San Camp, but all reasonable special requests will be considered. One child under the age of 12 years may be accommodated on a bedroll in their parents' room, but no more than this.
- Equipment
- There is no special equipment available for children.
- Generally recommended for children
- Although San Camp welcomes children, we think that the facilities offered at Camp Kalahari – where they have family-style accommodation and access to a small pool – may be more suitable for families. That said, the landscape is very open around camp, so game more easily spotted, so this may be a good camp for children based on this premise.
- Notes
- San Camp is unfenced, and dangerous wildlife – including lion and elephant – is known to move regularly through the area. Children must be under the constant supervision of their parents.
Our travellers’ wildlife sightings from San Camp
Since mid-2018, many of our travellers who stayed at San Camp have kindly recorded their wildlife sightings and shared them with us. The results are below. Click an animal to see more, and here to see more on our methodology.
100% success
100% success
92% success
75% success
62% success
42% success
38% success
36% success
17% success
8% success
0% success
0% success
0% success
0% success
Communications
- Power supply notes
- Batteries can be charged in the main area.
- Communications
- There is no cellphone reception, no direct phone or fax and no WiFi or email. Communication is maintained via radio between the camps and head office.
- TV & radio
- There is no television or radio.
- Water supply
- Borehole
- Water supply notes
- All tented rooms have hot and cold running water and a flush toilet.
Health & safety
- Malarial protection recommended
- Yes
- Medical care
- The managers have first-aid training and there is a first-aid kit on site. The closest doctor is in Maun. In case of medical emergency, patients would be evacuated by air, but please note that it is only possible to fly out of camp during daylight hours as the bush airstrips do not have any lighting at night.
Quadbike warning: With an abundance of caution, we feel that it's important to let prospective visitors know that although safety helmets are provided for the quadbike activities at San Camp and its sister camps, there is scant mention of them by staff. They are left hanging up on a post at the side with the guides just demonstrating how to use the khikoi as a head wrap. We would very much recommend that you ask to use one of the helmets for your personal safety.
We understand that the camps have operated quadbikes regularly here since 1992, and at the time of writing (April 2018) there has never been a serious accident here. The camp's team comments that they regard this activity to be safe, even without helmets, especially as they generally keep to specific tracks and don't speed; and that the area is largely flat and free of other traffic. We're not aware of any of our travellers having any problems over the years prior to the helmets being introduced in 2016, and all of our team members who have visited have enjoyed quadbiking activities without any problems or concerns.
However, it is for each prospective guest to make up their own mind about the safety of quadbiking here, per se. If you aren't likely to be happy with the safety aspects of this activity, then please tell us in writing before you travel as, with advance notice, we can arrange for you to be driven across the pans in a vehicle instead. If you leave this decision until you're at camp, however, and then decide that you don't want to do this activity, such alternative arrangements may not be possible – although, of course, you could always omit this activity, and relax around the camp instead. (Sadly, refunds aren't possible if you choose to miss activities like this at camp.)
As with any activity, please check the details of your travel insurance to ensure that you are fully covered for quadbiking. Be aware, too, that some insurance policies will provide cover for bikes up to a certain engine power, but not beyond – so you need to check such clauses particularly carefully. - Dangerous animals
- High Risk
- Security measures
- Guests are escorted to and from their rooms after dark. There is a foghorn in each of the rooms to attract attention in case of emergency.
- Fire safety
- The rooms and the main area have fire extinguishers.
Activities
4WD Safari
Birdwatching
Cultural excursion
Fly-camping
Guided walking safari
Night drive
Private activities
Quad-biking
Sleeping under the stars
Extras
- Disabled access
- On Request
- Laundry facilities
- Laundry is included but please bear in mind that water sources are particularly limited in this arid region.
- Money
- The camp does not offer any money-exchange facilities. There is a safe in the camp office that guests are welcome to use, but there are no safes in the tents.
- Accepted payment on location
- Mastercard and Visa credit cards are accepted; Amex and Diners are not. Cash payments may be made in GB pounds, US dollars, euros, South African rand and Botswana pula.
Plan and book your trip with Expert Africa
All of our trips are tailor-made, so we'll always adapt them to suit you. Talk to an Expert and let us plan and arrange your perfect trip.
Talk to an Expert
Call or email us now! We’ll match you with the Specialist in our team who is best suited to help you. Then together we can start planning your trip.
Set up your itinerary
Based on our experience and your ideas, your specialist will create a detailed, costed itinerary. We’ll refine it together, until we have a trip that you’re perfectly happy with.
Prepare for your trip
The same Specialist will make the seamless arrangements for your trip, send you detailed travel documents, and be available to answer any questions before you depart.
Travel with peace of mind
After you set off, you’ll be cared for by our partners in Africa, most of whom have worked with Expert Africa for decades. And if you ever need us urgently, we’re available 24/7.
When you return
We love to learn about your trip, and so will always be grateful if you’ve the time to give feedback to your Specialist when you return.
San Camp's location
Look closer at the environment and surroundings of San Camp.
Excursions from San Camp
Optional extra day-trips and excursions possible whilst you're staying at San Camp. Talk to us: these are usually best arranged before you go.
Helicopter Flight - Botswana
Various: from 30 minutes to half a day.
Low-flying, agile and offering superb views, helicopters are an ideal way to move around the Okavango Delta.You can use them instead of fixed-wing inter-lodge transfers or as an addition to other wildlife watching activities, and of course, helicopters can hover to allow that perfect pic, whereas fixed-wings can’t.
More about Helicopter FlightOther lodges in Kalahari's Salt Pans
Alternative places to stay in this same area.
Camp Kalahari
Overlooking the Makgadikgadi Pans, Camp Kalahari is great value; come for quadbiking excursions on the salt pans, cute meerkats, excellent Bushman walks, and interesting 4WD safaris.
Nxai Pan Camp
Offering good summer game viewing and visits to Baines Baobabs, the comfortable Nxai Pan Camp is currently the only permanent camp in Nxai Pan National Park.
Jack's Camp
Jack's Camp was the original camp in the Makgadikgadi area, and many still consider it the best. Come for a unique and memorable experience, but not for prolific game viewing.
Meno A Kwena
Meno A Kwena Tented Camp is an old-style safari camp, run by an experienced Botswana expert. Overlooking the bed of the Boteti River, it's a great place to relax and watch wildlife at the camp's waterhole.
Leroo La Tau
From the western bank of the Boteti River, Leroo La Tau overlooks the Makgadikgadi Pans National Park, where game concentrations are highest from July to October.
When to go to Kalahari's Salt Pans
Our month by month guide: What it's like to visit San Camp in Kalahari's Salt Pans
Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec
Kalahari's Salt Pans in January
January is the peak of the rainy season, bringing short but intense downpours that flood the pans, transforming the landscape into a lush paradise. The Makgadikgadi and Nxai pans become vast grasslands, attracting large herds of zebra and wildebeest as part of their annual migration. The Boteti River swells, supporting a diversity of wildlife.
Birdwatching is exceptional, with migratory birds and flamingos breeding in Sua Pan. While game viewing can be challenging due to dispersed wildlife, patient observers can spot predators like lions and cheetahs taking advantage of newborn prey.
Low-season rates make this an attractive time for budget-conscious travellers.
- Salt pans flood, creating a dramatic transformation
- Zebra migration draws predators
- Flamingo breeding season in Sua Pan
- Exceptional birdwatching and photography opportunities
- Low visitor numbers, offering an exclusive experience
Our view
A good time to visit, with pros & cons
Weather in January
Kalahari's Salt Pans in February
February remains lush and vibrant, with the zebra migration in full swing across the pans. Nxai Pan National Park is particularly rewarding, as grasslands attract large herbivore herds and their predators. The famous Baines’ Baobabs stand starkly against the green backdrop, making for breathtaking photography.
With water sources abundant, birdwatching is at its peak, and flamingos continue to thrive in Sua Pan. The Boteti River remains active, drawing thirsty wildlife. However, thick vegetation can make spotting large animals more challenging.
Camps and lodges offer excellent availability and value during this period.
- Peak of the rainy season, pans fully flooded
- Zebra migration at its most dramatic
- Flamingos still abundant in Sua Pan
- Green season rates offer excellent value
- Lush landscapes provide an ideal setting for photography
Our view
A good time to visit, with pros & cons
Weather in February
Kalahari's Salt Pans in March
March is a transitional month: the main rains beginning to taper off but the Makgadikgadi and Nxai Pan landscapes remain lush and teeming with life. The zebra migration starts moving northward from Makgadikgadi and Nxai, but large herds are still present, making this a great time for game viewing.
If it’s accessible, this is a lovely time to visit Kubu Island, as the contrast between the granite outcrops and the surrounding greenery can be striking. Predators remain highly active, particularly around Nxai Pan and Kukome Island, where they hunt the last of the young antelope. Birdwatching is still rewarding, and as water begins to recede, quad biking opportunities start opening up in drier areas.
- Rains begin to taper off, but pans remain lush
- Final opportunity to witness the zebra migration
- Flamingos start to disperse from Sua Pan
- Good predator-prey interactions
- Shoulder season begins, with fewer tourists
Our view
A good time to visit, with pros & cons
Weather in March
Kalahari's Salt Pans in April
While occasional late rains may occur, April marks the end of the rainy season, with floodwaters receding and the landscape drying out. The Makgadikgadi Pans begin transitioning back to their iconic white salt flats as the water evaporates, creating striking contrasts for photography. This creates a unique landscape where wildlife is easier to spot against the increasingly barren backdrop.
Wildlife concentrates around the remaining waterholes in Nxai Pan, while the Boteti River can becomes a valuable lifeline for thirsty animals. Walks with San Bushmen and quad biking adventures on the salt pans become more accessible.
Night-time temperatures begin to drop, especially in the Central Kalahari area, making for comfortable evening game drives to spot nocturnal animals.
- Floodwaters recede, exposing salt flats
- Wildlife concentrates around remaining water
- Clear skies and mild temperatures perfect for game drives
- Baines’ Baobabs surrounded by seasonal water, ideal for photography
- Last month for good green season game viewing
Our view
A good time to visit, with pros & cons
Weather in April
Kalahari's Salt Pans in May
May is a popular month to visit the Kalahari Salt Pans region. The landscape has transformed, with the vast white expanses of Makgadikgadi Pans becoming more prominent. This creates surreal, otherworldly vistas perfect for photography. Wildlife concentrates around permanent water sources like the Boteti River, offering excellent game viewing opportunities. In Nxai Pan National Park, the famous Baines Baobabs stand out starkly against the drying landscape.
This is an ideal time for quad biking adventures across the salt pans. Cooler temperatures, especially in the mornings and evenings, lead to increased predator activity, and meerkat interactions are particularly rewarding, as they are active in the open plains. The skies remain crystal-clear, making for spectacular stargazing and astrophotography.
- Salt flats dry out, creating surreal landscapes
- Wildlife gathers at permanent water sources
- Perfect temperatures for safaris
- Quad biking becomes widely available
- Meerkat encounters highly rewarding
Our view
A very good time to visit
Weather in May
Kalahari's Salt Pans in June
June marks the official start of the dry season in the Kalahari Salt Pans region, bringing crisp, cool mornings and clear skies. The Makgadikgadi and Nxai pans are now vast, shimmering white expanses, offering incredible photographic opportunities. Wildlife viewing is excellent as animals congregate around the Boteti River.
Night-time temperatures can reach freezing, but daytime temperatures are pleasant. The clear, crisp air enhances visibility, making this a favourite time for serious photographers and one of the best months for stargazing. The atmosphere in June is at its clearest, allowing for spectacular views of the Milky Way. Meerkat encounters continue to be a highlight, with the animals more active in the cooler weather. The salt pans are now bone-dry, opening up thrilling quad biking excursions.
- Cold mornings, comfortable days for safaris
- Wildlife highly visible along the river and scarce waterholes
- Best time for quad biking across the salt pans
- Exceptional stargazing with crystal-clear skies
- Meerkats remain highly active and visible
Our view
Fantastic: the very best time to visit
Weather in June
Kalahari's Salt Pans in July
July offers excellent conditions for exploring the Kalahari Salt Pans. The Makgadikgadi Pans present a stark, lunar-like landscape, perfect for atmospheric photography. Wildlife viewing is superb, with animals concentrated around permanent water sources like the Boteti River. This is an excellent time to visit Nxai Pan National Park, where the famous Baines Baobabs stand out dramatically against the dry landscape.
The clear night skies offer phenomenal stargazing opportunities. Quad biking adventures across the salt pans are popular, providing a thrilling way to experience the vast, otherworldly terrain. Meerkat encounters continue to be a highlight, with these charismatic animals easily observable in the sparse vegetation. Guided walks with San Bushmen offer insights into traditional survival skills in this harsh environment.
- Peak dry season, best time for game viewing
- Ideal conditions for astrophotography
- Wildlife highly concentrated around water sources
- Quad biking across vast salt flats remains a highlight
- Bushmen cultural experiences highly recommended
Our view
Fantastic: the very best time to visit
Weather in July
Kalahari's Salt Pans in August
August marks the height of the dry season and is a popular time to visit the Kalahari Salt Pans, coinciding with northern hemisphere summer holidays. Mornings are cool and days are warm, making it perfect for a range of activities.
The Makgadikgadi and Nxai pans are at their driest, offering surreal, moon-like landscapes. Wildlife viewing is excellent, with animals congregating around the few remaining water sources, particularly along the Boteti River. This is a good time for exciting quad-biking adventures across the vast salt pans – though nights are cold.
For something more sedate, meerkat encounters continue to be a highlight, with clear visibility in the sparse vegetation, and evening stargazing is spectacular due to cloudless skies. The contrast between the white salt pans and the silhouettes of Baines Baobabs in Nxai Pan make for stunning photographic opportunities.
- Peak dry season, animals concentrated at the Boteti River
- Quad biking and guided walking safaris are at their best
- Clear night skies offer stunning stargazing conditions
- Wildlife sightings include elephants, lions, and plains game
- Meerkat encounters continue to be excellent
Our view
Fantastic: the very best time to visit
Weather in August
Kalahari's Salt Pans in September
September brings rising daytime temperatures to the Kalahari Salt Pans, while nights remain cool. The landscape is at its driest, with Makgadikgadi and Nxai pans offering vast, shimmering expanses. This creates ideal conditions for quad biking adventures and stunning photography, especially during the golden hours.
Wildlife activity remains high around permanent water sources, and the dry conditions make it easier to spot predators, particularly around the Boteti River and remaining waterholes. Nxai Pan National Park offers great opportunities to see desert-adapted species. This is a prime time for meerkat encounters, as these charismatic creatures are highly active. San Bushmen cultural experiences are particularly insightful at this time, as they demonstrate survival techniques in one of the driest landscapes of the year.
- Excellent predator viewing as dry conditions continue
- Elephants and large herbivores still frequent waterholes
- Sunsets are especially dramatic due to dust in the air
- Prime month for San Bushmen-guided experiences
- Stargazing and astrophotography remain outstanding
Our view
Fantastic: the very best time to visit
Weather in September
Kalahari's Salt Pans in October
October is one of the hottest and driest months in the Kalahari Salt Pans region, with daytime temperatures often exceeding 40°C/104°F. The Makgadikgadi and Nxai pans are vast, shimmering expanses, creating surreal, mirage-like vistas. This marks the last peak of wildlife concentration at the few remaining water sources before the first rains arrive. Predator-prey interactions along the Boteti River can become particularly dramatic.
Quad biking across the salt pans offers exhilarating adventures and unparalleled views of the lunar-like landscape. Meerkat encounters continue to be a highlight, with clear visibility in the sparse vegetation. As the month progresses, the chances of seeing dramatic dust storms increases, creating otherworldly scenes on the dry pans. The extreme conditions showcase the remarkable adaptations of desert wildlife. Stargazing is exceptional due to very clear skies.
- Hottest and driest month of the year
- Wildlife congregates along river and shrinking water sources
- Predator activity at its peak due to prey vulnerability
- Dramatic sunsets and striking landscape photography
- Quad biking and walking safaris continue to be a highlight
Our view
Fantastic: the very best time to visit
Weather in October
Kalahari's Salt Pans in November
November signals the start of the rainy season, with occasional early showers rejuvenating the arid landscape of the Makgadikgadi and Nxai pans. These rains are often short but heavy, creating spectacular storm clouds and lightning shows. The parched earth quickly absorbs the moisture, and the first flush of green begins to appear. Zebra herds begin returning to the salt pans, following the first shoots of fresh growth.
As water sources become more available, wildlife disperses slightly, but this is still an excellent time to visit. The mix of dry and wet conditions creates a striking contrast for photographers, and birdwatching improves as migratory species return.
- First signs of the wet season with sporadic rain showers
- Early zebra herds return to the pans
- Birdwatching season begins with new arrivals
- Beautiful contrasts between dry and green landscapes
- Shoulder season rates offer good value
Our view
A good time to visit, with pros & cons
Weather in November
Kalahari's Salt Pans in December
The rains in Botswana have now started, bringing some respite to the high temperatures. Game viewing becomes harder as wildlife is more dispersed but great sightings can still be had in the right areas such as Khwai and the Kwara and Mombo concessions.
Areas such as the Makgadikgadi Pans change completely with the salt pans becoming covered in a shallow layer of water attracting large numbers of breeding flamingos. Low-season rates at many camps are a draw.
- Temperatures starting to fall from the highs of October/November
- Very high chance of rain, usually large heavy storms for short periods
- Flamingos return to breed at the Makgadikgadi Pans
- Wildlife more dispersed, so game viewing more challenging
- Typically low-season rates in the camps
Our view
A good time to visit, with pros & cons
Weather in December
Looking for inspiration on where to travel next?
Visit our trip chooser to explore your options and find inspiration for your perfect African adventure
Inspire me