Nxai Pan National Park
© Desert picnic with Nxai Pan Camp.
This is the sister to Makgadikgadi Pans National Park, Botswana, two were proclaimed together to protect resident wildlife and the complementary migratory systems. Nxai Pan National Park has a permanent waterhole and resident game are around to be seen.
Nxai Pan National Park
The waterhole is located in a grassy plain just 2km (about half a mile) from the main entrance. On the plain and in the Mopane woodland live Springbok, Kudu, Impala and Ostrich, and also predators such as Lion, Leopard, Cheetah, Wild Dog, Hyena, Jackal and Bat Eared Fox. The
birdlife here is also excellent.At the onset of the rains usually in late November, wildlife migrations occur with Elephant, Gemsbok and thousands of Zebra arriving. Many have their young at this time in particular the
Springbok and Zebra - a game viewing feature. The Wet Season in Nxai Pan National Park is a spectacular time, bringing a lush transformation and a celebration of life.
Nxai Pan National Park Attractions
- Resident game living around the waterhole year round
- Wet Season wildlife migrations (also Elephant)
- Baines' Baobabs
Nxai Pan Accommodation
Nxai Pan National Park, Botswana has
2 public campsites with ablution blocks, the first is 2km (about half a mile) from the entrance gate on the edge of the plain and the second is 8km (about 5 miles) north of the gate in a stretch of woodland. There are water standpipes at both sites. Bring your own gas camping stove.
Nxai Pan Camp offers eco-friendly accommodation in comfortable chalets.
Nxai Pan National Park Directions
Nxai Pan National Park
adjoins the Makgadikgadi Pans National Park on the northern border. Nxai can be reached on the Maun-Nata road by means of a modest turnoff. This leads onto a deeply sandy track travelling 37km (23 miles) to the main entrance (4x4 vehicles only). From Maun it is 136km (85 miles) travelling east to the turnoff. From Gweta it is 65km (40 miles) travelling west to the turnoff. The closest fuel supply for Nxai is in Gweta. Road conditions in the Nxai Pan National Park can be difficult during heavy rains.
Baines' Baobabs in Nxai Pan National Park
It is most unusual to see Baobab trees growing close to each other, let alone seven in a cluster. The Seven Sisters, as they are also known, occupy a spot on the edge of the Kudiakam Pan, Nxai Pan National Park. This pan is waterless most of the year except between December and March when the
rains create a shallow lake and water lilies rise to the surface. Water birds are in their element and visitors can witness the stunning transformation.
One such visitor was Thomas Baines, a well known painter and explorer who sat down to paint the Seven Sisters in 1862 whilst journeying through Southern Africa. These giant Baobabs were later named after him.
Baines' Baobabs in Nxai Pan National Park Attractions
- Seven Sisters
- Great scenic beauty in the Wet Season
Baines' Baobabs Accommodation
A permit is required to camp informally at Baines' Baobabs, Nxai Pan National Park. There are no facilities and the nearest water supply is at the main entrance to the Park.
Baines' Baobabs Directions
There is a turnoff from the main access road to the Park, about 20km (12 miles) from the Maun-Nata road. Baines Baobabs are situated about 17km (11 miles) from the main entrance of Nxai Pan National Park, Botswana.