Nxai Pan National Park: A Kalahari Oasis

Explore Botswana's dramatic salt pan landscape, abundant wildlife, and the iconic Baines' Baobabs in Nxai Pan National Park.

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Botswana
Kgatleng District
Nxai Pan National Park

Nxai Pan National Park, located in northeastern Botswana, is a captivating landscape of vast salt pans that comes alive with wildlife during the rainy season. Known for its dramatic skies, abundant game, and the iconic Baines' Baobabs, it offers a unique safari experience distinct from the Okavango Delta.

A brief summary to Nxai Pan National Park

Local tips

A 4x4 vehicle is essential for navigating the sandy roads, especially during the rainy season.
Visit during the wet season (Dec-Apr) for the best wildlife viewing, but be prepared for potentially challenging road conditions.
Pack layers, as temperatures can fluctuate dramatically between day and night, especially in winter.
Bring plenty of water and supplies, as there are no fuel stations or restaurants within the park.
Book campsites in advance, particularly if traveling during peak season (March-August).

Getting There

Road

The primary access to Nxai Pan National Park is via the A3 highway connecting Maun and Nata. The main entrance lies approximately 140 km east of Maun and 160 km west of Nata. A 4x4 vehicle is essential due to the sandy conditions within the park. From Maun: Take the A3 highway eastward towards Nata. After approximately 140 km, watch for the Nxai Pan National Park entrance gate on the northern side of the road. From Nata: Head west on the A3 highway towards Maun. Travel for about 160 km until you reach the park entrance on the northern side of the road. Park Entry Fees: International visitors typically pay around $10 USD per person per day, plus approximately $4.20 USD per vehicle. Fees are subject to change, so it's best to confirm current rates upon arrival. Payment can be made in Botswana Pula (BWP). Note: There are no fuel stations or supply shops within the park, so ensure you have adequate fuel and provisions before entering.

Discover more about Nxai Pan National Park

Nxai Pan National Park, a part of the greater Makgadikgadi Pans complex, presents a stark yet stunning contrast to Botswana's more well-known watery landscapes. Covering approximately 2,578 square kilometers, the park features expansive salt pans, open grasslands, and scattered islands of acacia trees. Formed from an ancient lakebed, Nxai Pan transforms dramatically with the arrival of the rains (typically November to April). The dry, barren landscape bursts into life as the pans fill with water and lush grasses emerge, attracting massive herds of zebra, wildebeest, and springbok. This surge of wildlife, in turn, draws predators such as lions, cheetahs, and hyenas, creating exceptional game-viewing opportunities. Even outside the rainy season, Nxai Pan offers a unique beauty. The vast, open spaces and clear skies provide stunning panoramic views and breathtaking sunsets. Resident wildlife, including giraffe, kudu, impala, and bat-eared foxes, can be spotted year-round. A highlight of Nxai Pan is the Baines' Baobabs, a cluster of seven ancient baobab trees that stand sentinel on the edge of the Kudiakam Pan. Named after the artist Thomas Baines, who immortalized them in a painting in 1862, these majestic trees provide a striking contrast to the surrounding landscape and offer a tangible link to the area's history. Nxai Pan's remote location and relatively low visitor numbers contribute to a more intimate and tranquil safari experience. Whether you're witnessing the great zebra migration, marveling at the Baines' Baobabs, or simply soaking in the vastness of the Kalahari, Nxai Pan offers an unforgettable journey into Botswana's wild heart.

Iconic landmarks you can’t miss

Kudiakam Pan

5.8 km

Discover Kudiakam Pan: Botswana's hidden gem offering serene landscapes, diverse wildlife, and the iconic Baines' Baobabs.

South camp Nxai Pan

18.0 km

Experience Nxai Pan's wildlife spectacle from the comfort of South Camp, your gateway to Botswana's natural wonders.

Nxai Pan North Camp

24.2 km

Experience the Kalahari's raw beauty at Nxai Pan North Camp, a remote campsite in Botswana's wildlife-rich Nxai Pan National Park.

Kwando Nxai Pan Lodge

26.5 km

Experience the magic of Nxai Pan at this exclusive lodge, offering unparalleled access to Botswana's dramatic landscapes and wildlife.

Leroo La Tau

47.0 km

Luxury safari lodge on the Boteti River, offering exceptional wildlife viewing and a unique Kalahari experience in Botswana.

Gweta Lodge

48.5 km

Your comfortable base for exploring the Makgadikgadi Pans, offering wildlife encounters and cultural experiences in the heart of Botswana.

Khumaga Camp Sites

50.3 km

Experience Botswana's wild beauty at Khumaga Camp Sites, your gateway to the Makgadikgadi Pans National Park and the great zebra migration.

Planet Baobab

52.9 km

Experience Botswana's quirky side at Planet Baobab: Authentic lodging, Kalahari adventures, and unforgettable desert nights near the Makgadikgadi Pans.

Camp Kalahari

53.4 km

Experience the magic of the Kalahari at Camp Kalahari: Adventure, wildlife encounters, and cultural immersion in Botswana's stunning desert landscape.

San Camp

56.0 km

Experience the magic of the Makgadikgadi Pans in luxurious style at San Camp, a unique desert oasis in Botswana's Kalahari.

Jack's Camp

59.3 km

Experience the magic of a 1940s-style safari in the heart of Botswana's Makgadikgadi Pans at the luxurious and iconic Jack's Camp.

Boteti River

89.9 km

Experience Botswana's dramatic landscapes and abundant wildlife along the Boteti River, a vital artery connecting the Okavango Delta and Makgadikgadi Pans.

Unmissable attractions to see

Baines Baobabs

4.6 km

Discover the enchanting beauty of Baines Baobabs, home to ancient trees and breathtaking landscapes in Botswana's wilderness.

Nxai Pan

23.3 km

Explore Botswana's Nxai Pan: Witness dramatic wildlife migrations, iconic baobabs, and vast landscapes in this unique national park.

Makgadikgadi Pans National Park

39.5 km

Explore the breathtaking landscapes of Makgadikgadi Pans National Park, renowned for its unique salt pans and diverse wildlife encounters in Botswana.

NG/47 Concessionaire

44.4 km

Discover Botswana's hidden gem: NG/47 Concessionaire, a state park offering tranquility, diverse wildlife, and stunning natural beauty.

Boteti River Camp

51.7 km

Explore Botswana's salt pans and wildlife from Boteti River Camp, your comfortable gateway to Makgadikgadi, Nxai Pan, and the Kalahari.

Kumaga Entrance to Makgadikgadi Pans National Park

51.8 km

Discover Botswana's wild heart: Explore the Makgadikgadi Pans through the Kumaga Entrance for unmatched landscapes and wildlife encounters.

Kumaga Entrance to Makgadikgadi Pans National Park

Aardvark

52.2 km

Discover Aardvark in Tutume, Botswana: A blend of culture, nature, and adventure in a welcoming village setting.

Meno-A-Kwena Tented Camp

57.0 km

Experience Botswana's wildlife at Meno-A-Kwena Tented Camp: stunning views, diverse activities, and a commitment to sustainable tourism on the Boteti River.

Green’s Baobab

57.3 km

Discover Green's Baobab in Botswana: A historical landmark where explorers left their mark on an ancient African icon.

Baobab Chapmana

63.5 km

Explore Baobab Chapmana in Tutume, Botswana - a historical landmark featuring majestic baobab trees and rich local culture.

Flughafen

67.0 km

Your starting point for exploring the stunning landscapes and wildlife of Nxai Pan National Park in Botswana.

Nwetwe Pan

84.8 km

Discover Botswana's Nwetwe Pan: a seasonal spectacle of wildlife, stunning landscapes, and serene solitude in the heart of the Makgadikgadi.

CT/1 Concessionaire (hunting)

85.9 km

Experience Botswana's untamed beauty at CT/1 Concessionaire: a premier wildlife and safari destination for adventurers and nature lovers.

Makgadikgadi Pans

97.4 km

Explore the surreal beauty and vast landscapes of Makgadikgadi Pans, Botswana: wildlife migrations, ancient baobabs, and stark, stunning scenery.

Markets, malls and hidden boutiques

Wings

47.1 km

Explore the vibrant local flavors and artisanal products at Wings in Gweta, a must-visit grocery store for every traveler.

Saverite Gweta

48.5 km

Discover the essence of Botswana with local products at Saverite Gweta - your grocery haven in the heart of Gweta.

China Shop

48.8 km

Discover local flavors at China Shop in Gweta, a vibrant grocery destination offering a taste of Botswana's culinary delights.

TauTswana

52.4 km

Experience the authentic taste of Botswana at TauTswana, a premier butcher shop in Xhumaga, specializing in locally sourced meats and culinary treasures.

Essential bars & hidden hideouts

Bludot Liquor Store

48.2 km

Discover Bludot Liquor Store in Gweta, Botswana – a serene bar offering excellent service and a perfect retreat for travelers seeking relaxation.

Kwa Ga Xhubus Bar and Grill

48.4 km

Savor the vibrant taste of Botswana at Kwa Ga Xhubus Bar and Grill, the perfect dining destination for tourists in Gweta.

Veracity

48.6 km

Experience the vibrant nightlife and local flavors at Veracity Bar in Gweta, Botswana, a must-visit for all travelers.

Center Bar

52.0 km

Experience the vibrant nightlife at Center Bar in Xhumaga, where great drinks and an inviting atmosphere await every visitor.

Your Ultimate Free Travel Guide

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