Ntwetwe Pan

Ntwetwe Pan is a vast salt pan located within the Makgadikgadi region of Botswana, forming the western twin of Sua Pan. It is aligned more east-west and lies south of the Nata–Maun road, between Gweta in the north and Orapa and Mopipi in the south. The pan is one of three large pans in the Makgadikgadi, alongside Nxai Pan and Sua Pan, and together they constitute the largest collection of salt pans globally, covering 12,000 square kilometers. While a section of Ntwetwe Pan falls within the Makgadikgadi Pans National Park, a significant portion, including the two largest pans, lies outside its boundaries.Historically, Ntwetwe Pan was part of a superlake that existed over 5 million years ago, covering 80,000 square kilometers. As climatic changes occurred 10,000 years ago, the lake began to dry up, leaving behind the salt pans seen today. The pan is now a seasonal lake, filling with water during the rainy season, typically from late November/early December, and remaining wet until March or May. During the dry season, the pan reveals unusual rock formations and fossilized barchan dunes, such as Gabasadi Island, which are remnants of past lake levels. Archaeological discoveries, including Stone Age tools and San pit traps, indicate prehistoric human habitation around the pan when it was a permanent lake. European explorers, including David Livingstone, first described Ntwetwe Pan, and his initials, along with those of Green, are carved into the trunks of famous isolated baobab trees (Green's Baobab and Chapman's Baobab) that served as ancient landmarks for travelers.The pan's ecosystem transforms with the seasons. During the dry, hot winter months, the stark white landscape creates shimmering heat mirages. With the onset of rains, the pan becomes a vibrant hub for wildlife. Large herds of wildebeest, zebra, and antelope migrate to the lush fringes, attracting predators like lion, cheetah, and hyena. Flamingos, white pelicans, ducks, geese, and other water birds flock to the pan to nest and feed on crustaceans that become active in the shallow waters. Activities in the area include 4WD safaris, quad biking, and guided walks, offering opportunities to explore the unique terrain and observe wildlife, including habituated meerkat colonies.