Makgadikgadi National Park day trip review
What the day is like
Morning pickup from Maun, heading south toward Makgadikgadi. The landscape shifts from Delta water to open salt plains — white, flat, horizon to horizon. You stop at a meerkat colony where habituated meerkats stand upright, pose for photos, and interact with guides. Later, a safari drive across the pans looking for birds and the zebra migration (if green season). Lunch in the open or at a rest stop. Return to Maun by late afternoon. The trip is about landscape and wildlife contrast: water to pans, mokoro to 4x4.
What works
- Meerkat experience is unique and photogenic
- Salt pans are surreal, otherworldly landscape
- Zebra migration (green season) is spectacular
- Full-day activity; different angle from water tours
- Fewer tourists than the Delta (quieter)
- Free cancellation
Worth knowing
- Too new to have traveller reviews yet
- Full-day commitment
- Landscape is stark; not for everyone’s aesthetic
- Zebra migration is seasonal (November–March only)
- Bumpy; uncomfortable for people with back pain
- Limited shade on open pans; sun protection critical
Go in the green season (November–March) for zebra migration and meerkats at their most active. Bring sunscreen, a wide hat, and polarized sunglasses (salt pans are bright). Wear neutral colours to avoid spooking wildlife.
Who it’s for, and who it’s not
Wildlife photographers, travelers who want to contrast the Delta with something completely different, and meerkat enthusiasts. Good for curious travelers who can handle full days and dust. Not for anyone who wants water-level wildlife — go mokoro ($171) or Moremi ($315) instead.
Compare Delta options
Most bookedLunch & transfers includedOkavango Delta: Full-Day Mokoro/Canoe Tour All-Inclusive
Game driveOkavango: Moremi Game Reserve Guided Safari Adventure
Scenic flightMaun: Okavango Delta Scenic Flight with Hotel Pickup
Frequently asked questions
Is the meerkat experience real or staged?
The meerkat colonies are habituated by researchers and guides; they’re wild but used to humans. It’s not a zoo. Meerkats are diurnal (active day and night), and your guide’s timing affects sightings. Early morning is best.
When should I go to see the zebra migration?
November through March, the green season. Rains arrive, grass grows, and zebras follow. The pans can be flooded in heavy rain (unlikely to close the tour, but muddy). May through October (dry season) has no zebras on the pans.
How far is Makgadikgadi from Maun?
About 60–80 km south, one hour’s drive. A full day is needed for driving, wildlife time, lunch, and return. Not a quick trip.