Nestled in the middle of the Kalahari – the largest continuous stretch of sand in the world, the Makgadikgadi Pans at first glance seems featureless. However, when exploring the Makgadikgadi from the seat of a light aircraft and on the ground with a 4x4 safari vehicle a world of inconceivable size and sheer vastness opens up; an austere and ancient splendour that boggles the senses.
This a place that seems to exist more of sky than earth, unbroken white plains give way to immense swathes of water during the rainy season. Vast herds of zebra and wildebeest kick up plumes of dust as they wander the sun-scorched pans, animal tracks meander in zen patterns across the baked earth and flamingos wade the saline waters of Sowa Pan in their thousands.
What one does not expect to find in the centre of Botswana’s arid Makgadikgadi desert is the tented oasis of Jack’s Camp. This old-world, Moroccan-style safari camp is a sumptuous oasis in the desert with an authentic back-to-basics bush approach without compromising on extravagances. With an airfield within a short driving distance. Jack's was the perfect launch pad for our photographic safari and exploring the Makgadikgadi both from the air and on the ground.
The Makgadikgadi is home to one of the largest wildebeest and zebra migrations on the continent during the wet season of April and May. The herds migrate north across the white rain filled pans in their thousands, Lesser and Greater Flamingo adorn the ephemeral wetlands like jewels and the landscape abounds with bird life and a plethora of other plains game.
The photo safari experience of the Makgadikgadi is unique. At first sight, the lunar-like salt pans appear devoid of life, but when exploring this unique destination, camera in hand we have discovered over the years that the zen lines and stark simplicity of this desert world produces some sensational images.
On the ground, the photographic opportunities abound, particularly photographic game drives, early morning visits to photograph the hilarious antics of the meerkats and spending time with Zu/’hoasi Bushmen.
To find out more about our Botswana Migration Photo Safari scheduled for April 2023 please get in touch.
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