4-Day Makgadikgadi Pans Culture & History

Uganda: Private tour • 4 days

Tour overview

On this four-day excursion, you will discover the world's largest salt flats (the size of Belgium!) and observe the incredible richness and adaption of any species to the hard environment! It is also home to the mythical Kubu and Kukonje Islands, which contain relics of ancient African kingdoms. Come camp under the stars in the center of the salt pans, one of the world's darkest places, and view a grove of Baobabs nestled in the pans.

Safari Highlights

  • Day 1: Meet & Greet - Departure from Maun
  • Day 2: Scenic Transfer from Makumutu to Makgadikgadi Pans
  • Day 3: Scenic Transfer from Makgadikgadi Pans to Kubu Island

Day 4: Travel back to Maun

Your 4-day Botswana safari, day by day

Each day below shows where you go, what you experience, and where you can stay—luxury, mid-range, and budget lodge options included.

  1. wildebeest Makgadikgadi

    Day 1

    Meet & Greet - Departure from Maun

    When you arrive at Maun Airport or your accommodation, your guide and safari vehicle will meet you and transport you to Xere/San Village (2 hours and 30 minutes). This will be more of an introduction to the Makgadikgadi, with you meeting the San or Bushmen and enjoying their song and dance as they welcome you into their houses. Once settled in, spend the evening resting around the campfire and eating a fantastic dinner.

    Accommodation: Makumutu Safari Lodge.

    Main destination
    Makgadikgadi Pans National Park.
  2. wildebeest Makgadikgadi

    Day 2

    Scenic Transfer from Makumutu to Makgadikgadi Pans

    Today we'll drive to Makgadikgadi National Park for a morning game drive to witness rhinos in their sanctuary, as well as a variety of other animals and birds. After the park, we'll go to the Diamond Museum before returning to the resort for lunch. After a siesta at the lodge, we'll go to the Salt Pans for a sleepout with a sundowner, dinner, and stargazing.

    Accommodation: Budget camping

    Main destination
    Makgadikgadi Pans National Park.
  3. wildebeest Makgadikgadi

    Day 3

    Scenic Transfer from Makgadikgadi Pans to Kubu Island

    Today, after a delicious breakfast on the pans, we will drive to Kubu Island to explore the viewing deck, stone wall, baobabs, cave, and stone cairn. After the day's activities, we'll have lunch, sunset, and dinner on the secluded Kubu Island.

    Accommodation: Low-cost camping

    Main destination
    Kubu Island (Makgadikgadi Pans National Park)
  4. wildebeest Makgadikgadi

    Day 4

    Travel back to Maun

    After breakfast, we pack up and head back to Maun, where we will say our final goodbyes. End of tour.

    Main destination
    Maun (City).

Inclusions & exclusions

What's included
Airport / hotel pick-up and drop-off in Entebbe or Kampala
Private 4×4 safari vehicle with pop-up roof, fuel, and professional English-speaking guide
Accommodation and meals as indicated in the day-by-day itinerary
National park entrance fees and ranger guide fees on included activities
Bottled drinking water during road transfers
What's not included
International flights to and from Uganda
Uganda visa fees and travel insurance
Tips and gratuities for guides, drivers, and lodge staff
Personal expenses (laundry, alcoholic drinks, souvenirs, etc.)
Optional activities not listed in the itinerary

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  • Tour type: Uganda: Private tour • 4 days

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