​Birds – Makgadikgadi Pans NP

Anthony Ham
Expert
By Anthony Ham

Anthony is a renowned Africa expert and author of many Lonely Planet guidebooks, including the 'Botswana & Namibia' guide.

Anthony is a renowned Africa expert and author of the 'Botswana & Namibia' Lonely Planet guide.

Anthony is the author of the 'Botswana & Namibia' Lonely Planet guide.

Makgadikgadi Pans is more a birding destination than a general wildlife destination. Birding is phenomenal in the wet summer months, especially if the pans fill up and flocks of lesser and greater flamingo, accompanied by pelican, come feeding in the shallows. The flamingo breed on the pans when the water is high enough to protect their nests from predators.

Notable Birds in Makgadikgadi Pans NP
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Burchell's coucal
Common
Ostrich
Common
Great white pelican
Common migrant
Greater flamingo
Common migrant
Lesser flamingo
Common migrant

Birding Rating

Birding Specials –Treats for Avid Birders

Facts & Figures

Birds in Makgadikgadi Pans NP
Migratory Birds
Nov to Apr

Best Time for Bird Watching

Makgadikgadi Pans is a great park for bird watching throughout the year, but the thousands of flamingo that flock here in the wet summer months are the real highlight. The timing depends on the rain and algae levels and is highly variable, but the best months are in the Wet season, from November to April. This is the best time for migrants in general, and when a lot of birds are breeding and show their breeding plumage.

Want to Visit Makgadikgadi Pans NP?

Birding Rating

Facts & Figures

Birds in Makgadikgadi Pans NP
Migratory Birds
Nov to Apr