What to Pack for Makgadikgadi Pans

Quick Guide to Packing for Makgadikgadi

Makgadikgadi Packing Links:
What To Wear on Safari To Makgadikgadi | Makgadikgadi Safari Luggage Guide | Makgadikgadi Safari Accessories Guide | Makgadikgadi Safari Packing Checklist

What To Pack For Makgadikgadi, Botswana

If you are visiting the starkly beautiful, lunar-esque Makgadikgadi Pans, packing the right clothing will help to keep you comfortable so you can sit back and take in the views. The trick involves dressing in the right layers for the different conditions during the distinct wet and dry seasons.

Makgadikgadi is usually part of an itinerary that includes the Okavango Delta, Moremi, and Chobe on the Botswana safari circuit - a cluster of vastly different landscapes, with different packing requirements. Find out about what to wear, luggage, accessories, and footwear - and and use our comprehensive, intuitive safari packing list tool for a comprehensive checklist before you travel.

Dressing for the World's Largest Salt Pans and the Makgadikgadi Safari Experience

Makgadikgadi is a unique and beautiful environment. The Makgadikgadi Salt Pans cover 16 000 square kilometres in the Kalahari basin, with arid, desert-like conditions during the dry season and huge wetland systems in the wet season. What to wear in Makgadikgadi is largely dictated by the climate and time of year of travel.

Whether you are after the alone-in-the-world feeling you get on the pans or want to immerse yourself in seeking out wildlife, we're here to help you prepare for every Makgadikgadi adventure. Ensure you are all-season safari-ready for Makgadikgadi with these packing tips and a quick safari packing checklist.

Shop Safari Clothing >

What To Wear on a Safari to Makgadikgadi

• The Right Light Layers: Makgadikgadi packing advice has many parallels with desert destinations. This means preparing for fluctuations between very hot and cold temperatures. On the pans or out on open game viewers, you're exposed to the elements, which makes your choice of clothing layers important. We recommend packing a packable waterproof layer as your outer layer (together with a fleece jacket, which is very important during the colder months of the year). This is especially useful during the rains in the wet season when the zebra migration is in full swing, but this also offers extra insulation and windproofing during the colder winter months. We had the wind whip up around us on Kubu Island one morning and we were very happy to have this extra layer. As the heat of the day ramps up, choose long-sleeved shirts and convertible trousers in lightweight, sun protective fabric so you can cover up as required during the day.


• Safari Colours: On the pans when you are surrounded by nothing and no-one, the colour of your clothing doesn't really matter. It is when you are engaging in more traditional safari activities that the colour of your clothes will come into play. Makgadikgadi normally forms part of a safari-rich itinerary - and it is the fabric technologies of the best safari clothes that will be of greater value while you explore the park.


• Cover Up For Sun Protection: Covering up is the best way to protect yourself from the sun whether you're out on the pans or on the back of an open game viewer. Our lightweight UPF50+ sun protective clothing allows you to cover up comfortably in high heat, with the advantage of moisture wicking to help you keep cool. Add sun protective accessories like the Vintage Print Head&Neck Scarf and a wide-brimmed hat - and always wear a high-factor, reliable sunscreen.


• Anti-Insect Clothing: Makgadikgadi falls within a high-risk malaria zone. This rises in the wet season, but insect protection is important all year round. Cover up in lightweight BUGTech anti-insect clothing. Always use a reliable insect repellent for the best all-round protection. Consult your medical practitioner about malaria prevention before you travel.


• Walking Essentials: If you plan to go on a guided walk, anti-blister socks will keep you comfortable so you can focus on the experience. Make sure you pack worn-in walking shoes to keep you comfortable.

Makgadikgadi Luggage Guide

• Light Air Charter Luggage Restrictions: If you are flying into one of the airstrips for a lodge on the western boundary of Makgadikgadi (or if a charter by light aircraft is part of your itinerary), your choice of luggage will be important. Many charter companies have strict luggage policies owing to the limited space and small hold on these bush planes. Most airlines require soft, squashable duffel bags and not hard-sided suitcases. Make sure you find out the weight and size limitations for your luggage before you travel. Not flying? A soft, squashable, strong duffel bag is the best choice for mobile safaris too.


• Luggage Weight and Size: The weight and size limitations for your safari luggage will depend on your airline and the type of aircraft. As a general rule, this is about 15 to 20kg in Southern Africa, with a duffel bag that is 70 x 30 x 30cm, but always check with your airline before you travel. Remember: when it comes to luggage dimensions, a duffel is only as full as you fill it - so you can squash your bag down to size if required.


• Satchels for Game Drive Accessories: A satchel is a must for travel to keep your essentials close at hand. Our safari-styled satchels range includes convertible designs so you can choose between backpacks or shoulder bags, which is great functionality for safari and travel..


• Luggage Accessories: The right luggage accessories provide peace of mind around the weight and safety of your bags. Travel scales, travel trolleys for your duffel bags, and travel locks are handy accessories for your African travels.




Safari Accessories to Pack for Makgadikgadi

• High-Quality Binoculars: Big distances require high-quality optics. Binoculars are our number one safari accessory for game-viewing and birdwatching in Botswana.


• A Torch: A rechargeable torch is a packing essential for after-dark safety and practicality in Africa. If you are camping at Kubu Island or out under the stars, this is a must. If you are staying at a lodge, many lodges will provide you an escort at night, but we recommend taking along your own torch as a failsafe.


• Insect Repellent: Pack a reliable insect repellent. Pack enough to apply throughout the day and at night. Add to your defences by covering up in BUGTech™ anti-insect clothing.


• Sunscreen: Sunscreen is an essential part of any sun protection strategy. Again, make sure you have enough - and a high enough SPF - for the sun on safari. Cover up in sun protective clothing, a wide-brimmed safari hat, and accessories like the head and neck scarf and sunglasses.


• Tubular Scarf and Knitwear: With eight ways to wear it, the Vintage Print Head&Neck Scarf is a handy safari accessory. There are eight ways to wear it, with benefits for UPF50+ sun protection, windproofing, and to protect your mouth and nose from dust. If you are travelling in the winter months and you're worried about the cold on open game viewers, this is also available in a thermal, nanoweave fabric and we recommend beanie too.




Makgadikgadi Packing Checklist

On the back of game viewers, walking with the San, or out on the salt pans, our clothing and gear has been developed and tested across a range of African conditions. This makes it the best choice for Makgadikgadi National Park and the whole of Botswana. Every item has been safari and expedition tested™ in Botswana and around Africa to ensure they meet our performance standards. For a customised safari packing checklist, use our safari packing list tool.



BUGTech™ Clothing
Technical fabrics are a top choice for African travel conditions. Our BUGTech clothing is feather-light and wicks moisture effectively so you can cover up and stay cool as the day heats up. This fabric also has built-in insect defence and UPF50+ sun protection. Make sure you pack long-sleeved safari shirts with roll-up sleeve tabs and zip-off safari trousers.
Shop now >



Non-Technical Safari Clothing
Non-technical safari clothes are a great addition to your Botswana safari wardrobe. In safari-friendly colours, these items are ready for everyday of your trip - and allow you to mix and match with technical options depending on the day's activities. Pack a selection that includes the Serengeti T-Shirt, joggers and shorts for women and Savute T-Shirt, Cargoes, and Shorts to create the perfect safari outfit as you explore Makgadikgadi and Botswana. Our non-technical range has been designed and tested for Africa - and everywhere.
Shop now >



Wide-Brimmed Safari Hat
A sun hat is a key part of your sun protection strategy in Botswana. Even during the milder times of year, you're very exposed to the sun on the pans themselves or out on game drives. A wide-brimmed safari hat provides 360-degree sun protection. Wear your hat together with a reliable sunscreen, SAFARITech and BUGTech™ clothing and accessories like the Vintage Print Head&Neck Scarf.
Shop now >



Safari Jackets and Fleeces
No matter what time of year you travel, we always recommend packing a warm layer. The winter months in Botswana can be extremely cold - and the wind chill on the back of open game viewers exacerbates cold conditions. Even outside of winter months, it is good to be prepared for cold. Combine a fleece with a packable waterproof jacket to be rain-ready and to beat wind chill. Add a Thermal Head&Neck Scarf and a beanie for extra snugness at the coldest times of the year.
Shop now >



Insect Repellent
Always pair BUGTech™ clothing with a reliable insect repellent. Make sure you apply insect repellent frequently throughout the day to reduce your chances of getting bitten and to repel flies and other insects.
Shop now >



High-Quality Binoculars
One of the most important tools for game-viewing is a pair of high-quality binoculars. We recommend Swarovski or Vortex for crisp, clear vision and enhanced game viewing. Make sure you pack one pair per person. If you're local, check out our binoculars rental service (UK only).
Shop now >



Shoes for Safari
Closed, comfortable walking shoes are essential for every safari. You will need these for around camp at night, walking with the San on the Makgadikgadi Salt Pans, and exploring during the day. If you have booked a walking safari, the right shoes are a top priority - and choosing comfortable shoes that you have worn in before your trip will be important. While we recommend closed shoes around camp, tuck a pair of sandals into your bag for daytime downtime around camp.
Shop now >



Anti-Blister Socks and Ankle Gaiters
A blister makes every step painful - even on very short walks. Anti-blister socks are our top recommendation for comfort in Botswana. If you are planning a walk on the pans or a walking safari forms part of your itinerary, this will be an essential. If you are worried about debris getting into your shoes and socks, a pair of ankle gaiters are a handy accessory.
Shop now >



Safari Luggage and Bags
A soft, squashable duffel bag is a must if you are flying by small charter on your trip to Botswana. If not, these are a practical choice for mobile safaris and African travel too. Take along a daypack or backpack to keep essential safari accessories and personal belongings by your side during activities.
Shop now >

Botswana Links:
Chobe National Park | Chobe Riverfront | Savuti | One Night In Linyanti | What To Pack For Chobe, Savuti, and Linyanti | Quick Travel Tips for Chobe National Park | The Magic of Nowhere: Destination Inspiration from Mabuasahube in Botswana | Moremi Game Reserve | Khwai Concession | What To Pack For The Okavango Delta | Okavango Delta | Quick Travel Tips for the Okavango Delta | The Okavango Panhandle | Steve's Off The Beaten Track Safaris: Okavango Delta | Mokoro on the Okavango Delta | Painted Elephants and Famous Painted Trees in Nxai Pan National Park | What To Pack for Nxai Pan | Quick Travel Guide to Nxai Pan