Nxai Pan, Makgadikgadi Pans Travel Guide

4.9 (7)

Explore Nxai Pan National Park: Witness the great zebra migration and ancient baobabs in Botswana's captivating Kalahari landscape.

Nxai Pan National Park, situated on the northern edge of the Makgadikgadi basin in Botswana, is a captivating landscape of vast grass-covered pans dotted with acacia islands. This unique park comes alive with wildlife, especially during the rainy season, offering an unforgettable safari experience.

A brief summary to Nxai Pan

From Eve

Know before you go

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

A 4x4 vehicle is essential for navigating the sandy roads, especially during the rainy season.
Book campsites in advance, especially if traveling during peak season.
Bring sufficient water and supplies, as there are limited facilities within the park.
Carry cash in Botswana Pula (BWP) for park fees and smaller purchases.
Be prepared for extreme temperature variations, with hot days and freezing nights, especially in winter.

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 about listing your business on Evendo

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.

Nata Bird Sanctuary

Makadikadi Basin

Makgadikgadi adventure camp

Sua Pan

Kumaga Entrance to Makgadikgadi Pans National Park

Explore Nxai Pan on the Map

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

Getting There

Driving

Nxai Pan National Park is primarily accessed by road from Maun or Nata via the A3 highway. The main entrance is located off the A3, approximately 138 km east of Maun and 160 km west of Nata. A 4x4 vehicle is essential due to sandy conditions. Once at the gate, park fees can be paid. Note that there are no fuel stations within the park, the nearest being in Gweta, 65km away. Park entry fees are approximately $10 USD per person per day, plus $4.20 USD for the vehicle. It is advisable to have Botswana Pula (BWP) in cash to pay for park fees. Remember to inquire about current road conditions, especially during the rainy season.

Discover more about Nxai Pan

Nxai Pan National Park, a hidden gem in Botswana, offers a safari experience unlike any other. Located on the northern border of the Makgadikgadi Pans, Nxai Pan encompasses 2,578 square kilometers of ancient lakebed transformed into grassy plains and dotted with islands of acacia trees.Declared a game reserve in 1970 and later expanded to a national park in 1992, Nxai Pan provides refuge to diverse wildlife. The park's name is believed to originate from a hooked stick used by the San people for digging out springhares.The landscape is dominated by the expansive Nxai Pan and the smaller Kudiakam Pan. During the rainy season (December to April), the pans transform into lush grasslands, attracting massive herds of zebra, wildebeest, and springbok. This migration is one of the largest in Southern Africa, offering a spectacle rivaling the famous migrations of East Africa. Predators such as lions, cheetahs, and hyenas follow the migrating herds, creating thrilling game-viewing opportunities.Nxai Pan is also home to the iconic Baines' Baobabs, a group of seven giant baobab trees that have stood for over a thousand years. Immortalized by artist Thomas Baines in 1862, these majestic trees provide a striking landmark and a testament to the enduring beauty of the African landscape.During the dry season, wildlife concentrates around artificial waterholes, offering excellent opportunities for spotting elephants, giraffes, and various antelope species. Birdwatchers will also be delighted by the diverse avian life, including migratory birds and unique species endemic to the region.