Background

Kudiakam Pan: A Serene Botswana Lake

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

4

Kudiakam Pan, a large salt lake within Botswana's Nxai Pan National Park, offers stunning natural beauty and tranquility. Part of the Makgadikgadi Pan complex, it's known for its serene atmosphere, diverse birdlife, and the iconic Baines' Baobabs.

A brief summary to Kudiakam Pan

  • BW

Local tips

  • Visit during the dry season (March to October) for easier access to the pan and to witness the vast, open landscapes.
  • Bring binoculars for optimal birdwatching, especially during the rainy season when migratory birds flock to the pan.
  • Pack layers of clothing as temperatures can fluctuate significantly between day and night.
  • Consider visiting Baines' Baobabs at sunrise or sunset for stunning photo opportunities.
widget icon

Getting There

  • Car

    From the Nxai Pan National Park entrance, follow the main park road and signs for Kudiakam Pan, approximately 50 km northeast of the entrance. The road is generally maintained but sandy, requiring a 4x4 vehicle. Once near Kudiakam Pan, follow signs to the pan's location at coordinates -20.1294319, 24.7677196. Parking is available near the viewing area. Park entry fees are approximately 120 BWP per person per day, plus a vehicle fee of around 50 BWP.

  • Public Transport

    Public transportation to Kudiakam Pan is limited. Arrange a guided tour or shuttle from lodges or camps near Nxai Pan National Park. These services typically cost $50-100 USD per person, depending on the provider, and should be booked in advance.

Unlock the Best of Kudiakam Pan

Buy tickets

    No tickets available

Book tours with entry

    No tours available

Book tours without entry

    No tours available

Discover more about Kudiakam Pan

Kudiakam Pan, nestled within the Nxai Pan National Park in northeastern Botswana, is a captivating destination renowned for its expansive landscapes and tranquil ambiance. As part of the greater Makgadikgadi Pan complex, Kudiakam Pan presents a unique opportunity to immerse oneself in the serene beauty of the Kalahari Desert. The pan itself is a fossil lakebed, a remnant of the ancient Lake Makgadikgadi that once spanned a vast area. Today, it is a broad grass plain that attracts diverse wildlife. During the rainy season (November to March), the pan can fill with water, drawing migratory birds like flamingos, pelicans, ducks, and geese, creating a spectacular avian spectacle. One of the main attractions at Kudiakam Pan is Baines' Baobabs, a cluster of ancient baobab trees located on the eastern edge of the pan. These trees were immortalized in a painting by British artist Thomas Baines in 1862, and they remain a striking landmark, their massive trunks bearing witness to centuries of history. Archaeological surveys in the area have also unearthed stone tools and other artifacts dating back to the Middle Stone Age, indicating human presence around the ancient lake. Visitors to Kudiakam Pan can enjoy game viewing, bird watching, and exploring the unique landscape. The pan offers a sense of remoteness and isolation, allowing for a peaceful retreat into nature. The sunsets over the pan are particularly breathtaking, painting the sky with vibrant colors.

Popular Experiences near Kudiakam Pan

Popular Hotels near Kudiakam Pan

Select Currency