Nxai Pan National Park, Central District Travel Guide

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Explore Botswana's Nxai Pan National Park: witness the zebra migration, iconic baobabs, and stunning Kalahari landscapes. A unique safari adventure.

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Nxai Pan National Park

Nxai Pan National Park, located in northeastern Botswana, is a captivating wilderness area known for its expansive salt pans, unique landscapes, and seasonal wildlife migrations. The park is home to the iconic Baines' Baobabs and offers excellent opportunities for game viewing, especially during the rainy season.

A brief summary to Nxai Pan National Park

From Eve

Know before you go

Hi, I'm Eve. Here are a few practical things to know before exploring Nxai Pan National Park.

A 4x4 vehicle is essential for navigating the sandy roads, especially during the rainy season.
The best time to visit for wildlife viewing is during the rainy season (December to April) when animals congregate around the pans.
Bring binoculars for birdwatching, especially during the rainy season when migratory species arrive.
Pack for both hot days and cold nights, as temperatures can fluctuate dramatically, especially in winter.
Be self-sufficient with supplies, as there are limited facilities within the park.

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Other nearby places you may find interesting

The closest places of the same kind, if this one is not quite what you had in mind.

Northern Tuli Game Reserve

Khama Rhino Sanctuary

Nata Bird Sanctuary

National Museum and Art Gallery

Baines Baobabs

Explore Nxai Pan National Park on the Map

A handpicked selection of must-see spots near Nxai Pan National Park, mapped for you.

Getting There

Driving

The main entrance to Nxai Pan National Park is off the A3 highway, which runs between Maun and Nata. From Maun, the gate is approximately 138 km (86 miles). From Nata, it is about 160 km (99 miles). A 4x4 vehicle is required to enter the park due to sandy roads. Daily park fees are approximately $10 USD per person, plus $4.20 USD per vehicle. It is advisable to have Botswana Pula (BWP) in cash to pay the entrance fees.

Discover more about Nxai Pan National Park

Nxai Pan National Park, a 2,578 sq km (996 sq mi) park in northeastern Botswana, is part of the greater Makgadikgadi Pan system. Unlike the salt-covered pans further south, Nxai Pan is a fossil lakebed covered in grass and dotted with acacia islands. The park's name is derived from a hooked metal rod, 'Nxa', used by the San people to dig out springhares.Nxai Pan boasts a striking contrast between its dry and wet seasons. During the rainy season (November to April), the pans transform into lush grasslands, attracting migrating zebras, wildebeest, and other grazers. This period also sees an influx of predators like lions, cheetahs, and hyenas. Birdwatching is exceptional during the wet season as well. The dry season (May to October) brings cooler temperatures and concentrates wildlife around remaining waterholes, making game viewing easier.Key attractions include the expansive Nxai Pan itself, a fossil lakebed that comes alive with wildlife after the rains. Baines' Baobabs, a group of seven giant baobab trees, are another highlight. Named after explorer and artist Thomas Baines, who painted them in 1862, these trees stand on the edge of the Kudiakam Pan.Visitors can enjoy guided or self-guided game drives, camping under the stars, and cultural experiences with the San Bushmen.