Elephants, Zebras & Endless Skies: The Magic of Makgadikgadi

Botswana’s Makgadikgadi Pan National Park is a place unlike any other—a vast, shimmering expanse where elephants roam, zebras gather, and the sky stretches endlessly above the golden plains. These salt pans, remnants of an ancient lake that once covered much of southern Africa, now form one of the largest salt flats in the world, creating an otherworldly landscape that shifts with the seasons.

During the dry months, Makgadikgadi appears as an endless, white desert, cracked and lifeless at first glance. But look closer, and you’ll see the park’s true magic: thousands of zebras, moving in synchronized herds across the open plains, their black-and-white stripes a striking contrast to the pale earth beneath them. Ostriches stride across the salt flats, their feathery discussions resembling a group of high school students gossiping between classes.

But the real stars of Makgadikgadi are the elephants. Nowhere else have I seen them in such abundance, gathering by the Boteti River, their massive bodies submerged as they play, swim, and coat themselves in cooling mud. Some jostle in playful skirmishes, while others share tender moments—a scene that captures both the power and gentleness of these giants.

Away from the herds, a solitary elephant moves silently across the plains. Its grey skin contrasts sharply against the deep blue sky, and I wonder—is it seeking shelter from the relentless African sun, or is it beginning the long 50 km journey in search of water?

Makgadikgadi is more than a destination—it’s an experience that lingers long after you leave. The silence of the salt pans, the sight of wildlife moving freely across the open land, and the sheer scale of the wilderness make it a place I’ll never forget.

Enjoy a selection of my favorite photos from the heart of elephant country.