This is the place most people mean when they talk about “hippos in Makgadikgadi”. The Boteti River forms the entire western boundary of the national park and, in the dry season, becomes one of the greatest wildlife spectacles in Botswana.

Daily Rhythm (Dry Season)

• Dawn: Elephants and zebras come down in huge numbers to drink  
• Mid-morning to afternoon: Hippos mostly submerged, grunting and blowing  
• Late afternoon & sunset: The absolute highlight — hundreds of elephants line the banks while hippos yawn and spar right below you  
• Night: Hippo “laughter”, lion roars, and hyenas calling

In short: Forget the salt pans if hippos are your priority. Head straight to the Boteti River at Khumaga/Khuma between June and November and you’ll see one of the densest concentrations of hippos and elephants in southern Africa.