Nxai Pan National Park, Chobe District Travel Guide

4.4 (97)

Explore Botswana's unique salt pan landscape, witness the zebra migration, and discover the iconic Baines' Baobabs in Nxai Pan National Park.

Home
Travel Guides
Botswana
Chobe District
Nxai Pan National Park

Nxai Pan National Park, part of the greater Makgadikgadi complex, offers a unique Botswana safari experience centered around vast salt pans, seasonal wildlife migrations, and the iconic Baines' Baobabs. It's a landscape of striking contrasts, where arid plains meet dramatic skies, and where wildlife flourishes 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 tracks within the park, especially during the rainy season.
Visit during the rainy season (Dec-Apr) for the best wildlife viewing opportunities, including the zebra migration and abundant birdlife.
Pack for both hot days and cold nights, as temperatures can fluctuate dramatically, especially during the winter months.
Bring sufficient supplies, including water and fuel, as there are limited facilities within the park.
Consider a guided game drive or mobile safari for a more immersive and comfortable experience, especially if you're not comfortable driving in sandy conditions.

Do you manage this location?

Take control to get all the benefits, like improved information, better appearance, and stronger visibility across AI-powered discovery. Learn more

Activate your presence

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.

Chobe National Park

Chobe Crocodile Farm

Chobe Safari Lodge

Savute Elephant Lodge, A Belmond Safari, Botswana

Chobe National Park Stretch Point

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

Nxai Pan National Park is primarily accessed by road from the A3 highway between Maun and Nata. The turnoff to the park is located approximately 140 km east of Maun and 160 km west of Nata. From the A3, a sandy track leads 37km to the park's main entrance gate, requiring a 4x4 vehicle. Note that the nearest fuel supply is in Gweta, about 65km from the turnoff. Park entry fees are approximately $10 USD per person per day, plus $4.20 USD per vehicle. Camping fees at South Camp are around $38 USD per person per night. It is advisable to have Botswana Pula (BWP) in cash for smaller purchases.

Discover more about Nxai Pan National Park

Nxai Pan National Park, located north of the Maun-Nata highway in Botswana, is a captivating destination characterized by its expansive salt pans, grasslands, and unique wildlife. As part of the greater Makgadikgadi complex, the park covers approximately 2,100 square kilometers and includes Nxai Pan, Kgama-Kgama Pan, and Kudiakam Pan, all remnants of ancient salt lakes.Originally established as a game reserve in 1970, the park was expanded in 1992 to include the iconic Baines' Baobabs and granted national park status. These baobab trees, a cluster of seven giants on the edge of Kudiakam Pan, were immortalized by painter Thomas Baines in 1862 and remain virtually unchanged today.The park's landscape transforms dramatically with the seasons. During the rainy season (November to April), the pans fill with water and lush grasses, attracting massive migrations of zebra, wildebeest, and other herbivores. This period offers exceptional game viewing opportunities as predators like lion, cheetah, and hyena follow the herds. Birdlife also flourishes during the summer months. In the dry season (May to October), wildlife concentrates around artificial waterholes, providing excellent opportunities for spotting elephants, giraffe and other resident species.Nxai Pan offers a more secluded and tranquil safari experience compared to other Botswana parks. Visitors can explore the park on guided game drives or self-drive safaris (4x4 essential), and camping is permitted at designated sites. The park is also known for the opportunity to walk with San Bushmen, offering cultural insights into their traditional way of life.