Nxai Pan National Park: Botswana's Untamed Beauty

Discover Botswana's hidden gem: Nxai Pan National Park, where ancient baobabs meet dramatic migrations in a stunning Kalahari landscape.

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Botswana
Linyanti Wildlife Reserve
Nxai Pan National Park

Nxai Pan National Park, in northern Botswana, offers a unique safari experience centered around vast salt pans that transform into lush grasslands during the rainy season. This transformation attracts massive migrations of zebra, wildebeest, and springbok, followed by predators like lion and cheetah. The park is also home to the iconic Baines' Baobabs, a cluster of ancient trees immortalized by the artist Thomas Baines in 1862.

A brief summary to Nxai Pan National Park

Local tips

Visit during the rainy season (Nov-Apr) to witness the spectacular zebra and wildebeest migrations and the lush green landscape.
A 4x4 vehicle is essential for navigating the park's roads, especially during the wet season.
Book campsites in advance, especially if traveling during peak season (May-Aug).
Bring binoculars for optimal wildlife and bird viewing.
Be self-sufficient with food, water, and fuel, as facilities within the park are limited.

Getting There

Road

The main entrance to Nxai Pan National Park is located off the A3 highway, which connects Maun and Nata. From Maun, the gate is approximately 138 kilometers east. From Nata, it is about 160 kilometers west. The A3 is a tarred road, but a 4x4 vehicle is highly recommended once inside the park, especially during the rainy season. Park entry fees are approximately $10 USD per person per day, plus $4.20 USD per vehicle. It is advisable to have Botswana Pula (BWP) in cash for payment at the gate, as credit card facilities may not always be available. Check in time is from 14:00 PM.

Discover more about Nxai Pan National Park

Nxai Pan National Park, located in northern Botswana, is a captivating destination defined by its expansive salt pans and dynamic seasonal changes. Established as a game reserve in 1970 and later expanded to national park status in 1992, Nxai Pan encompasses 2,578 square kilometers of Kalahari Desert landscape. The park's dominant feature is the Nxai Pan itself, a fossil lakebed that becomes a vibrant grassland after seasonal rains. This transformation, typically occurring between November and April, triggers a remarkable migration of zebra, wildebeest, and springbok, drawing predators such as lions, cheetahs, and hyenas. The sheer scale of these migrations rivals the spectacle of the Serengeti, offering unparalleled game-viewing opportunities. During the dry season, Nxai Pan presents a starkly beautiful landscape of shimmering mirages and acacia trees. Wildlife congregates around waterholes, providing excellent opportunities for spotting resident species like giraffe, kudu, impala, and bat-eared fox. Birdlife is also abundant, with kori bustards, kestrels, and goshawks frequently sighted. A highlight of Nxai Pan is the Baines' Baobabs, a group of seven giant baobab trees on the edge of the Kudiakam Pan. These ancient trees, estimated to be over 1,000 years old, were immortalized in a painting by Thomas Baines during his 1862 expedition with Livingstone. The Baines' Baobabs provide a striking contrast to the surrounding landscape and serve as a poignant reminder of the region's history. Nxai Pan offers a more secluded and intimate safari experience compared to Botswana's more popular destinations. Visitors can explore the park on self-drive safaris or guided game drives, immersing themselves in the raw beauty of the Kalahari and witnessing the circle of life unfold.

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.

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