Salt Pans Ultra Marathon 2026

The World's Only Ultra on Salt Flats

The Salt Pans Ultra Marathon is one of the most unique trail running events on the planet — the world's only ultra-trail race run entirely on salt flats. Set on the vast Makgadikgadi Salt Pans in Botswana, this extraordinary event takes runners across one of the largest salt pans in the world, a shimmering white expanse that stretches to the horizon in every direction.

The Makgadikgadi Pans cover approximately 12,000 square kilometres — the remnants of an ancient super-lake that once covered much of northern Botswana. Today, the pans are a vast, flat, crystalline landscape that transforms from blinding white in the dry season to shallow lake in the wet season. Running across this surreal landscape is an experience like nothing else in world trail running.

Courses and Formats

100 km — The Ultra

The 100-kilometre ultra is the flagship distance, described as a "gorilla in chimp's clothing" — the flat terrain is deceptive, and the relentless monotony, heat, glare and salt crystal surface make this an exceptionally demanding race. Only 20% of runners typically finish the 100 km, testament to the extreme conditions. The flat terrain offers no shade, no relief and no landmarks — runners must maintain mental fortitude across 100 km of seemingly infinite white space.

50 km — The Salt Pan Challenge

The 50-kilometre distance offers a more accessible but still formidable salt pan experience. The same extreme conditions apply — flat, exposed, and utterly unique.

Terrain and Conditions

The salt pan surface is hard and crystalline — a crunchy layer of salt crystals over compacted mud. While flat, the surface is uneven enough to demand constant attention to foot placement. The reflected sunlight from the white surface doubles the UV exposure, and the glare can be overwhelming without proper eye protection. Temperatures during September can reach 35°C with no shade anywhere on the course.

The extreme flatness creates an extraordinary visual effect — the horizon appears infinite, and mirages shimmer in the distance. Navigation is by GPS only, as there are no landmarks of any kind on the pans. The psychological challenge of running in this featureless landscape is as significant as the physical demands.

Practical Information

• Eye protection: high-quality sunglasses are essential — the salt pan glare is extreme
• Getting there: fly into Maun (MUB) or Nata, both accessible from Gaborone or Johannesburg
• Visa: many nationalities do not need a visa for Botswana
• Wildlife: the Makgadikgadi region is home to zebra, wildebeest, meerkats and flamingos during the wet season