Nxai Pan National Park

Nxai Pan National Park | Botswana Desert Safari

Nxai Pan National Park features open grasslands, seasonal zebra migrations, and dramatic baobab trees in central Botswana.

Nxai Pan National Park is a protected area located in northeastern Botswana, known for its expansive salt flats, the iconic Baines' Baobabs trees, and diverse wildlife including large herds of zebra and elephants. The park offers unique safari experiences, particularly during the wet season when the landscape transforms into lush grasslands.

• Baines' Baobabs: A cluster of millennia-old baobab trees on the edge of the Kudiakam Pan, made famous by the explorer and painter Thomas Baines in 1862. They are a popular spot for photography and camping.
• Wildlife Viewing: The park is home to a variety of animals, including elephants, giraffes, zebras, lions, leopards, cheetahs, and springboks. The open plains make wildlife spotting easier, and a waterhole near the entrance is a focal point for animal activity.
• Seasonal Zebra Migration: The park is renowned for the second-largest land mammal migration in Southern Africa, which occurs during the wet season (December to April) when thousands of zebras migrate to the area for fresh grazing.

• Location: The park is located north of the Maun-Nata main road, adjoining the Makgadikgadi Pans National Park to its south.
• Access: A 4x4 vehicle is required to enter the park due to the sandy road conditions, which become particularly challenging during the rainy season.
• Accommodation: Options include the luxury Nxai Pan Camp lodge and two public campsites: South Camp and Kudiakam Pan. It's essential to be self-sufficient if camping, as there are no shops or fuel stations within the park. The nearest fuel is in Gweta, about 65 km away.
• Best Time to Visit: Wildlife viewing is seasonal. The wet season (December to March) is best for seeing the zebra migration and lush scenery, while the dry season (July to October) concentrates animals around the few available waterholes, making sightings easier.