From Kasane: Sleeping Under the Stars at Makgadikgadi Pan

From Kasane: Sleeping Under the Stars at Makgadikgadi Pan — A Practical, Authentic Adventure

Exploring Botswana often involves thrilling safaris, but this tour offers a different kind of magic — spending a night camping beneath the expansive skies of the Makgadikgadi salt pans. While it’s not a typical lodge stay, the experience promises stunning views, cultural insights, and a chance to connect with one of the world’s most extraordinary landscapes.

What makes this experience worth considering? First, you’ll enjoy spectacular sunset and sunrise views over one of the largest salt flats on Earth. Second, the chance to sleep outdoors under the stars—a rare opportunity that leaves many travelers feeling both humbled and exhilarated. Third, this trip provides a glimpse into the evolutionary origins of humans at the site where modern humans are believed to have first begun their journey about 200,000 years ago.

However, it’s worth noting that tents are not provided, so you’ll be sleeping directly on the ground with your own sleeping bag or bedding. Also, this is a group experience with a minimum of four participants, which could impact those traveling solo or in smaller parties. Despite these considerations, the tour is well-suited for adventure seekers, nature lovers, and anyone eager for a genuine, off-the-beaten-path experience.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Key Points

• Vast Salt Pans: Explore one of the biggest salt flats in the world, with incredible open landscapes.
• Sunset & Sunrise: Witness breathtaking views as the sun dips below and rises over the salt pans.
• Historical Significance: Visit the area linked to human evolutionary history, adding a layer of depth to the trip.
• All-Inclusive Comfort: Enjoy dinner, breakfast, camping gear, and hotel transfers included in the price.
• Authentic Camping: Sleep under the stars without tents, ideal for those seeking outdoor adventure.
• Group Experience: Minimum of four travelers needed to run the tour, fostering camaraderie among participants.

Discovering the Makgadikgadi Pan from Kasane

Traveling from Kasane, known for its proximity to Chobe National Park, this tour provides a breath of fresh air away from the typical safari circuit. The drive takes about four hours, giving you time to soak in the passing scenery and spot wildlife such as ostriches, jackals, ground squirrels, meerkats, and various birds. The route edges into the dry savanna, a landscape that feels both expansive and untouched.

Why is this journey meaningful? Because it leads you to Ntwetwe Pan, one of three large salt pans in the Makgadikgadi region. This area is not only stunning visually — with endless white salt flats stretching as far as the eye can see — but also historically significant. Recent mitochondrial DNA studies suggest that this is where humans first began to evolve around 200,000 years ago, making it a site of both natural wonder and human origin stories.

What to Expect During the Tour

Day 1: The Excursion and Sunset Magic

After hotel pickup, the group heads out with a guide from Afrinature Safaris, making the journey an engaging part of the experience. The drive, roughly four hours, is a chance to observe Botswana’s diverse wildlife in the wild. Keep your camera ready for sightings of ostriches and ground squirrels, and listen to your guide’s commentary about the landscape and its history.

Upon arrival at Ntwetwe Pan, you’ll have the opportunity to walk around, absorbing the vastness and silence of this extraordinary environment. This site, where mitochondrial DNA points to early human development, is a powerful spot for reflection and appreciation of our shared origins.

As the sun begins to set, you’ll witness a magnificent display of colors over the salt flats — a perfect moment for photos and quiet contemplation. Many reviewers mention that the sunset views here are truly spectacular, with the open sky providing a dramatic backdrop.

More Great Tours Nearby

Nighttime: Sleeping Under the Stars

The camping setup involves provided bedding and camping equipment, but notably, no tents are supplied. This means you’ll be sleeping directly under the starry sky, which is both thrilling and humbling. Some travelers mention that the experience is enhanced by the quiet, the cool night air, and the feeling of being so close to nature.

A helpful tip: bring warm clothing for the night, as desert and salt flats can get chilly after sunset. Reviewers noted that the sleep experience was “simple but memorable,” and some appreciated that it was an authentic outdoor adventure rather than a luxury camping setup.

Day 2: Sunrise and Return

Waking up early for the sunrise, you’ll be rewarded with bright, beautiful light casting over the salt pans. This is the time for a peaceful breakfast, often enjoyed in the fresh morning air with views of the endless white landscape. Many guests say that the sunrise is just as (if not more) stunning than the sunset, with a calm, almost surreal atmosphere.

After breakfast, the group departs, heading back to Kasane in time for afternoon or evening plans. The return trip offers another chance to see wildlife and reflect on the experience.

What’s Included & What’s Not

The tour is designed with convenience in mind. Included are dinner and breakfast, drinks (water, tea, coffee, soft drinks, and some alcohol), camping equipment, and hotel transfers in Kasane and nearby border areas.

Important to note: Since tents aren’t provided, you should be prepared to sleep outdoors with your own bedding. The tour also requires a minimum of four participants to run, which keeps the group small enough to foster camaraderie but might be a consideration for solo travelers.

Extras like additional alcoholic drinks and insurance aren’t included, so plan accordingly. The tour offers a flexible booking option — “Reserve & Pay Later” — and a cancellation policy allowing full refunds if canceled 24 hours in advance.

The Experience and Its Value

At $256 per person, this tour offers a unique blend of natural beauty, cultural significance, and outdoor adventure. Compared to traditional safaris or luxury camping, the value here lies in authenticity and connection. You’ll see the salt flats in a way few get to — quiet, expansive, and time-stands-still.

Many reviews highlight the stunning sunset and sunrise views as the highlight, with one guest remarking that “the open landscape makes you realize how small you are in the grand scheme.” The opportunity to stand in a place linked to human evolution adds a layer of depth that resonates beyond just the visual.

The outdoor camping element isn’t for everyone, but for those who enjoy being under the sky and embracing simple comforts, it’s a memorable experience. The group setting fosters new friendships, and the knowledgeable guides help bring history and wildlife into context.

Who Should Consider This Tour?

This experience is perfect for adventurous travelers eager to see Botswana from a different perspective. It’s ideal if you’re seeking authentic outdoor moments rather than luxury amenities. Nature lovers, history buffs, and those eager for uninterrupted views will find plenty to love.

On the other hand, if you’re uncomfortable sleeping outside or prefer private, tented camping, this might not be your best fit. The shared nature of the tour and outdoor sleeping conditions mean it’s best suited for open-minded, flexible travelers who appreciate raw, unfiltered experiences.

The Sum Up

The Makgadikgadi Pan overnight camping experience from Kasane offers an extraordinary opportunity to connect with Botswana’s landscape and history. From the breathtaking sunset and sunrise to the thrill of sleeping under an endless star-studded sky, it’s a trip that appeals to those craving genuine, immersive adventures.

While it’s not the most luxurious night out, the value lies in the authenticity, stunning scenery, and the chance to stand where early humans once did. If you’re comfortable with outdoor sleeping and eager to explore a truly remarkable part of the world, this tour will leave you with memories that last a lifetime.

This experience is best suited for curious, nature-loving travelers who want to see Botswana beyond the typical safari. It’s a chance to slow down, breathe in the open air, and reflect on the vastness of our shared history—all while enjoying a uniquely beautiful landscape.

FAQs

Is camping equipment provided?
Yes, camping equipment including bedding is included, but tents are not supplied, so you’ll sleep directly outdoors.

How long is the drive from Kasane?
The drive to Makgadikgadi Pan takes about four hours, giving plenty of opportunity for wildlife sightings and scenery.

What wildlife might we see on the way?
You could spot ostriches, jackals, ground squirrels, meerkats, and various birds along the route.

What is included in the price?
Included are hotel pickup and drop-off, dinner, breakfast, drinks (water, tea, coffee, soft drinks, some alcohol), and camping gear.

Can I cancel the tour?
Yes, you can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, making it flexible to plan your trip.

Is this experience suitable for solo travelers?
Yes, but note that a minimum of four people is needed to run the tour, so it’s best for those comfortable joining a small group.

Do I need to bring my own sleeping bag?
While bedding is provided, bringing your own sleeping bag or warm bedding for comfort and warmth is recommended, especially for cooler nights.

What should I wear?
Bring comfortable clothing suitable for outdoor camping and warm layers for the night. Sunscreen and hats are also advisable for daytime.

Are meals vegetarian-friendly?
While not specified, most tours include dinner and breakfast, and it’s advisable to clarify dietary preferences beforehand.

Is insurance required?
Insurance isn’t included, so travelers should consider purchasing coverage separately for peace of mind.

In summary, this tour stands out for its unique blend of natural beauty, historical significance, and outdoor adventure. Perfect for those craving an authentic escape, it promises unforgettable views and a profound sense of connection to Botswana’s vast landscapes.

You can check availability for your dates here: