leisurewheels.co.za SEPTEMBER 2019 47
large SUV and even during dry
periods, the surface needs to be
handled with caution as you can
quickly find yourself in a wet
patch and stuck properly. We
elected to stick to the drier edge
of the pan this time as our visit
was brief and we didn’t want to
spend it digging an Everest from
the salt.
It is possible to drive across
the pan but I would suggest
sticking to the tracks (if there
are any) as this gives a good
indication of where the dry
parts are. It is also a good idea
to travel in a small convoy so if
you do end up stuck, your mates
can pull you out.
Our visit was remarkable.
If you have never visited, it
is definitely a location every
outdoor enthusiast should
visit at least once in their life.
Botswana lifted the ban on
elephant hunting days before
our trip, so who knows how
long this country will remain as
wild and beautiful as it is...
Spending a couple of days
behind the wheel of the Everest
had me wondering why it isn’t
more successful. Just like the
Makgadikgadi Pans, the exterior
might remain familiar but
under the surface there are
a whole lot of surprises.“Some call it Wanderlust. I call it The
Pans Effect. It is called Makgadikgadi”
Main image: Camping under
the stars on the Makgadikgadi
Pans is a special experience.
Left: Despite it not being the
correct season, there was still
plenty of water in the Delta.
Top, right: As you head south,
Foot and Mouth checkpoints
have been set up prevent the
spread of this disease.