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Makgadikgadi Pans

The Makgadikgadi Pans in southern Botswana captures the heart and imagination with its startling, moonlike landscape and giant salt pans that crunch underfoot. When the rains come and fill the pans, the horizon stretches for miles like an iridescent blue mirage. In the dry season it becomes easier to spot the well camouflaged wildlife and activities such as quad biking across the pans to reach an epic sundowner spot come into their own.

The landscape is mesmerising from the moment you approach the landing strip and an out of world experience awaits you at this uncannily beautiful place. The Makgadikgadi is steeped in history with the intrepid explorer, David Livingstone, crossing the pans in the 19th century where his only beacon was a massive baobab tree, named Chapman’s Tree, which is believed to be over 3,000 years old. This area draws you in and will stay with you forever. For starters, there are places where you can pick up the tools which were reputedly last handled in the Stone Age, or where you can look around you and see nothing but the earth’s curvature. During the rainy season and attracted by the new and resplendent grass, there are vast herds of zebra and wildebeest following ancient migration routes. Rains filling the pans attract huge flocks of flamingos making the sky bright pink against the almost unnatural blue of the salt lakes and white banks.

The wildly romantic San Camp with its shimmering white tents that look out over the watery pans is the perfect option for those looking for an exclusive and sophisticated stay. The new Jacks Camp (set to reopen in May 2020) has been given a refresh with palatial tents, solar powered electricity and private plunge pools but will retain its achingly cool Out of Africa old world vibe.

A San Bushmen experience is highly recommended when in the Makgadikgadi. Full of character and gumption the bushmen take guests through the bush and educate them on the minutiae of the landscape and how it can be used for medicinal and protection purposes. The nomadic bushmen life has been slowly ebbed away at, leaving many of the populations sedentary and their knowledge unused. These bushmen walks are both enlightening and humbling and a markedly different morning to once spent searching for big game.

In the Makgadikgadi walking with habituated meerkats as they forage for grubs at sunrise is one of Ampersands best wildlife experiences across Africa. From outside the confines of the game vehicles, striding to keep up with these pint-sized mammals as they energetically dig for food to feed their young is wonderful. As the sunrises over the Makgadikgadi to the soundtrack of the young meerkats communicating with their parents, memories of big game viewings fade into the background. If heading to Botswana or Southern Africa on safari, then a trip to the Makgadikgadi is a must. Even in the drier months (OctoberJanuary) the game viewing is excellent and after the rains have fallen, water-based activities are also available and offer guests a markedly different safari experience. The Makgadikgadi is a firm Ampersand favourite because of the true variety that it offers and therefore a must on any Botswanan itinerary.

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Client Testimonials

Everything you did for us whilst we were away was hugely appreciated, and Ampersand has been exemplary in every way. I'll always recommend you!
- Mr Richard Stoughton, Sri Lanka
Without question, you put together the best trip I have ever taken. We were shown around like visiting dignitaries, the hotels were fantastic and the itinerary was just right. Everybody I know will hear about how amazing Ampersand is!
- Leslie Siben, India
Ampersand provided a bespoke and flexible holiday, tailored to my every whim. Their highly professional staff had only one goal which was to arrange an exceptional holiday and some unforgettable experiences in India. I have no hesitation in fully recommending them and they will be the first company I approach in the future - 10/10
- Anonymous, India
I had a very lovely time and was looked after splendidly. My first visit to India could not have been better, save for being longer! But I shall return at some point and I shall look to you to make the arrangements.
- Matthew Nicklin, North India
We had a wonderful holiday - everything was perfect. Thank you for helping us to make a thoughtful plan to enjoy and make most out of our trip. The places we visited, the guides, the transportation and driver, the hotels selected... Everything was great!
- Jaime Benitez, South India
I would recommend Ampersand without any hesitation!!! The best travel agent that I’ve ever had. Everything – from the individual care and attention in planning the trip, through to the efficiency of the agents on the ground in India – was handled brilliantly. An absolutely first-class service all round!
- Matthew Annable, Rajasthan, India
So many highlights to choose from! The hotels were amazing but Maya Villa was a highlight… I loved just hanging out in the hammock reading my book and watching the peacocks chase the cows!
- Krista Weir, Sri Lanka
Getting to Amanpulo from Manila was very simple and the beach was the most beautiful I’d ever been on; pristine white sand, not a single piece of rubbish in sight. You get your own solar powered golf buggy to drive around resort (and a butler at request). The views from the Hillside Casita were spectacular!
- Mr Wyburd, Philippines
I thought the Ampersand team was outstanding. We couldn’t have hoped for anything more.
- Mr Geoffrey Johnson, India
I barely know where to begin... though a sincere 'thank you' would be the best. You have organised this trip perfectly. May was an inspiring and delightful companion in Myanmar – thoroughly professional and friendly at the same time. My accommodation throughout has been superb, especially The Governor's Residence and The Mandarin Oriental. The view from the cottage at Inle Lake was beautiful and I loved every moment of being there. And here I am now on the last leg of this extended holiday at my favourite place. I could stay here for ever, the peace, silence and surroundings all amazing, plus the people and the whole aura of Vana. Thank you for much, and I look forward to speaking to you on my return.
- Ms Margulies, Burma, India & Thailand
Difficult to articulate just how good the service from you and your team really was. We know you will continue to do well and hope we have the chance to seek your assistance again before long.
- Mr & Mrs Manson, North India
Difficult to choose the highlight of the trip, can’t choose between… 1) Taj Mahal & Oberoi Amarvilas. 2) Ranthambore. 3) Lake Palace. We have to say a particular thank you for selecting Parmod as our driver. He is a delightful and kind man who took our holiday and our enjoyment as his responsibility. Thank you for putting together such an amazing trip for us. The balance of city and rural destinations was perfect for us and the variety of rooms and hotel types brilliant. Our driver and guides also added so much to the trip with their knowledge of India’s history and culture and their willingness to discuss it both from a professional and personal angle.
- Carruthers family, North India
We really enjoyed the trip and were happy that we squeezed so much into a few short days. The Burmese people were lovely and the sites were fantastic. We really enjoyed the balloon ride and would highly suggest it to others in the future. The trip went super smoothly and a good time plus learning happened for all. Yangon was nice as the Strand was quite amazing and we of course loved the giant gold temple. Many thanks for all of your help and look forward to future travel with you.
- Wallace Family, Burma
Ampersand’s preparation, attention to detail and interaction before and during our trip show exactly why good travel agents have a role in today’s internet booking age. They were a delight to deal with!
- Mr David Wallace, North India
Ballyfin was great - we loved it! Best things were the amount of space, it felt like you had the whole place to yourself, the history of the house, and the staff. We'd definitely recommend it. Thanks very much for all the help getting it booked!
- Mr Wyburd, Ireland
We have just returned back from a wonderful trip. Thank you very much for organising everything. The transfer was excellent – for once they had perfect car seats. The villa was lovely, just what we needed and the hotel had helpfully put us as far away as possible from everyone else. The breakfast buffet was the best I have ever seen – and I am slightly obsessive over breakfast!! There was an incredible choice, something for everyone and so beautifully presented. A real highlight of the trip. Thank you again for sorting everything - and at such short notice!
- Redmayne family, Phuket

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