Historic Trade Route

David Livingstone passed through the area in the 19th century and formed a trade route. In those days the pan had water in it and the travellers would stop to replenish their water supplies.

Ancient Lake

The pan is now dry, but it was once part of the great Lake Makgadikgadi that once covered most of central Botswana.

Location of Nxai Pan Camp

Nxai Pan Camp Accommodation Location Activities Images Map

Nxai Pan Camp is situated on the banks of an ancient pan which becomes a vast plain of rippling grassland which attracts many grazers after the rains - as well as their predators.

Nxai Pan Camp is situated on the edge of the fossil pan from which it takes its name in the Nxai Pan National Park, Botswana. In the 19th century David Livingstone passed through and established a trade route through the region. In 1861 the famous painter Thomas Baines passed through and painted an unusual grouping of Baobabs which have become known as Baines’ Baobabs which are a major attraction in the region.

The area was once part of a great lake that covered most of central Botswana and the Pan itself is an ancient fossil lake bed that is about 40km in size. The area is largely grassland with clusters of Acacia and Mopane trees. The area is renowned for its large Springbok population and after the rains; Gemsbok, Elephants, Wildebeest and Zebra migrate into the region, as well as many predators.

Fly In

The easiest way to get to Nxai Pan Camp is by air. You can catch a flight to Johannesburg from where you can catch a connecting flight to Maun, Kasane or Victoria Falls. You will then catch a light aircraft flight to an airstrip near the camp.

By Road

Nxai Pan Camp is accessible to self-drive guests, though you need a 4x4 vehicle and ideally should be experienced at driving in Botswana’s rough terrain. Once you have reached camp, you are not allowed to do self-drive game drives within the park, and will explore the region on guided game drives.

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