Nxai Pan National Park: Botswana's Untamed Wilderness

Explore Botswana's unique Nxai Pan National Park: Witness seasonal migrations, iconic baobabs, and tranquil wilderness in the heart of the Kalahari.

4.4

Looking to book tours, experiences or hotels? Let me help you...

Home
Botswana
Moremi Game Reserve
Nxai Pan National Park

Nxai Pan National Park, north of the Maun-Nata road in Botswana, is a captivating landscape of vast salt pans, open grasslands, and iconic baobab trees. Known for its seasonal wildlife migrations, especially during the rainy season, it offers a tranquil safari experience with diverse wildlife and stunning scenery.

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 (November to April) to witness the spectacular zebra migration and lush landscapes.
Book campsites in advance, particularly if visiting during peak season (March to August).
Bring all necessary supplies, including food, water, and firewood, as there are limited facilities within the park.
Keep an eye out for wildlife along the A3 highway when driving to the park.

Getting There

Driving

The main entrance to Nxai Pan National Park is off the A3 highway, which connects Maun and Nata. From Maun, the gate is approximately 240 km away, a drive of about 4-5 hours. From Nata, it's about 160 km. A 4x4 vehicle is highly recommended due to sandy and potentially challenging road conditions, especially during the rainy season. The park charges a daily entrance fee of $10 USD per person, plus $4.20 USD per vehicle. Payment can be made in Botswana Pula (BWP).

Discover more about Nxai Pan National Park

Nxai Pan National Park, located in northeastern Botswana, is a unique and relatively accessible wilderness, offering a different safari experience compared to the Okavango Delta or Chobe National Park. The park's dominant features are the expansive salt pans, remnants of an ancient super-lake, which attract large herds of animals, particularly during the wet season from November to April. During the rainy season, the pans transform into lush grasslands, drawing massive migrations of zebra, wildebeest, and springbok, as well as predators like lions and cheetahs. This period offers exceptional game viewing and birdwatching opportunities. The park is also home to permanent residents such as giraffe, kudu, impala, ostrich, jackal, and bat-eared fox. One of the park's most iconic attractions is Baines' Baobabs, a group of seven giant baobab trees located on the edge of Kudiakam Pan. These trees, named after the artist Thomas Baines who painted them in 1862, are estimated to be over 1,000 years old and provide a stunning backdrop for photography and camping. Nxai Pan National Park was initially established as a game reserve in 1970 and later expanded in 1992 to include the Baines' Baobabs. Today, it forms part of the Kavango-Zambezi Transfrontier Conservation Area, a vast conservation area spanning five nations. Visitors to Nxai Pan can enjoy game drives, bird watching, and camping under the stars. The park offers a sense of remoteness and tranquility, with fewer visitors compared to other popular destinations in Botswana.

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

Discover Nxai Pan National Park with Evendo, a 100% free app-based travel guide. Explore attractions, landmarks, restaurants, and more with ease and convenience.