The Makgadikgadi Pan in Botswana is essentially waterless and arid for much of the year, yet it remains one of the most beautiful, haunting and intriguing landscapes in Africa. Part of the Kalahari Basin, the milky white pan covers an area of 12 000 square kilometers—one of the largest salt pans in the world. With shimmering horizons that bend to infinity, this place is the definition of isolation. During years of good rain, the two largest pans—Sowa and Ntwetwe—flood and attract wildlife such as zebra and wildebeest on the grassy plains. Thousands of flamingos colour the pale white at Sowa and Nata Sanctuary—a natural wonder that people come from all over to see.

This harsh desert environment is transformed during the wet season, attracting wildlife from far and wide. Africa's second largest migration of wildebeest and zebra can be seen here, followed by the infamous Kalahari Black-maned lions and stalking cheetah. An added bonus is the impressive list of unique birds, and a sea of pink flamingos, feeding on the algae-rich waters of the pan.