The Government is exploring the untapped potential of the Kgalagadi North salt pans for tourism as part of broader efforts to diversify Botswana’s tourism offerings and uplift rural communities.

The Minister of Environment and Tourism Wynter Mmolotsi has confirmed that the Ministry has included the area in its long-term National Tourism Strategy and Master Plan (NTSMP), developed in 2022 to guide tourism growth over the next decade.

Kgosi Paledi of Kgalagadi North region had asked whether the Ministry had any plans to utilize the salt pans in the region for tourism activities and, if so, which specific sites were being considered to create employment opportunities for local residents.

In his response, the Minister revealed that the salt pans—particularly Masetlheng Pan, Name Pan, Xaa Pan, Towe Pan, and Peach Pan—fall within Controlled Hunting Areas KD1 and KD2 in the Kgalagadi Wildlife Management Area (WMA). These areas are part of Tourism Development Area 8 (TDA 8), also known as the Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park.

“These salt pans are currently untapped potential that aligns well with our objective of diversifying away from traditional wildlife-based tourism,” the Minister said. “They offer strong prospects for both consumptive (hunting) and non-consumptive (photographic) tourism.”

Mmolotsi said the government has already developed a campsite and ablution block at Masetlheng Pan in partnership with various stakeholders. This, he said, is part of an initiative to ensure local communities benefit directly from tourism.

Through the Community-Based Natural Resource Management (CBNRM) Programme, the KD1 and KD2 areas are earmarked for the benefit of surrounding communities. KD1 benefits the villages of Ukhwi, Ncaang, and Ngwatle through the Nqwaa Khobee Xeya Trust (NKXT), while KD2 supports the Zutshwa community through the Qhaa Qhing Conservation Trust (QQCT).

However, both community trusts are currently unable to operate due to expired leases—KD1 expired in 2014 and KD2 in 2017. The delay in lease renewals has been attributed to the lapse of required Land Use Management Plans.

“To address this, an Integrated Land Use Management Plan is being developed for the Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park and surrounding areas, funded through a project supported by African Parks and Nature Africa,” the Minister said.

Once completed, the plan will facilitate the issuing of new leases and help communities enter joint venture partnerships aimed at developing the region for tourism. Expected benefits include employment creation, capacity building, economic upliftment, and participation in the tourism value chain.

“As we continue to drive tourism development in all Tourism Development Areas, we are confident that exploring the salt pans of Kgalagadi North will transform local livelihoods,” the Minister added.