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Nxai Pan National Park Botswana flag

5 Tours 0 Hotels & Lodges

Starting from

$1200PP

Overview

Nxai Pan National Park is a national park in northeastern Botswana, comprising Nxai Pan, which is one of the Makgadikgadi Pan salt flats. This genuinely barren scene includes vast areas that make it simple to catch sight of wildlife. Nxai Pan is most popular for its huge springbok populace, the seasonal zebra migration and the group of usually solitary baobab trees.

High Season
December to May
Best Time to Go
December to March

Pros & Cons

  • Amaznig desert scenery
  • Zebra breeding ground and migration route
  • The only place in Botswana where springbok and impala range overlaps
  • Off-the-beaten-track and very little visited
  • Open plains make wildlife viewing easier
  • Comparatively less wildlife than in more popular parks, such as Chobe or Moremi
  • Few options for accommodation in and outside the park
  • Very hot and dry climate

Map in Botswana

Nxai Pan National Park map

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Wildlife & Animals

Nxai Pan is an ungracious desert, where the animals are sufficiently able to overcome the desolate scene and battle against nature and each other for their lives. Springbok, cheetah and lion participate in heart-beating dramatizations over the practically dry water openings. The earth shudders as tremendous groups of zebra jog south through Nxai Pan to the flooding Boteti River. In addition to the fact that zebras partake of the abundance of the rain-doused scene, however, wildebeests additionally join the migration. Such huge groups call forward their predators, including lions, leopards, cheetahs, jackals, and spotted and brown hyenas.

Zebra

Zebra

Abundant
Wildebeest

Wildebeest

Abundant
Springbok

Springbok

Abundant
Giraffe

Giraffe

Common
Elephant

Elephant

Occasional
Hyena

Hyena

Occasional
Lion

Lion

Occasional
Cheetah

Cheetah

Occasional

Wildlife Highlights

Numerous animals travel through the rain-drenched pans, including gemsbok, elephants, giraffes, red hartebeest and bat-eared foxes. On rare events, even buffalo and rhinos meander through the unfenced park. Nxai Pan is the area of probably the biggest group of springbok, and curiously, one of the main spots where the territories of springbok and impala cross over, giving a review of the two species. Cheetahs and wild dogs sometimes follow the groups of herbivores giving birth at the pan. Other little predators that are available, yet hard to see, are aardwolf and honey badger.

Best Time for Wildlife Viewing

Nxai Pan National park has very seasonal wildlife viewing. However, the Best time to visit Nxai Pan is in the Wet season from December to March, when animals are attracted to the green grasses around the pans. This is also when many new animals are born. At this time, the roads can be difficult to navigate.

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Birds

Nxai Pan has incredible bird-watching opportunities, particularly in the wet season. More than 200 species of birdlife can be seen during the green season, going from groups of the enormous ostrich to little however brilliant tree-dwelling birds and from raptors to ground fowl. There are numerous raptors nearby and Kori bustards, Korhanns and Red-necked falcons can all be spotted. When the pans top off after the rainfall - there is an enormous influx of Flamingo.

Ostrich

Ostrich

Common
Guinea Fowl

Guinea Fowl

Common
Kori Bustard

Kori Bustard

Common
Red-necked falcons

Red-necked falcons

Common

Best Time for Birding

Nxai Pan can be visited around the year for Bird watching. However, the best time to visit is from November to April. During this time migratory birds are present. Also, during these months a lot of birds are breeding and show their breeding plumage. 

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Best Time to Visit – Nxai Pan National Park

Nxai Pan National park has very seasonal wildlife viewing. However, the Best time to visit Nxai Pan is in the Wet season from December to March, when animals are attracted to the green grasses around the pans. This is also when many new animals are born. At this time, the roads can be difficult to navigate.

High Season
December to May
Low Season
Seasonal rains can affect access in some areas
Best Weather
Typically during dry months; check local patterns
Worst Weather
Peak of Wet season; very hot months vary by region

May to October (Dry Season)

  • Less vegetation and animals concentrate around water, making them easier to spot
  • The skies are clear, rain is rare, and there are fewer mosquitoes
  • Even though most tourists visit during the Dry season, the parks still feel uncrowded, except for the bustling Chobe riverfront area
  • Early morning and evening drives are cold in June, July and August

November to April (Wet Season)

  • The scenery is greener, and there are lower rates during this season
  • Although wildlife is easier to spot in the Dry season, you'll still see plenty
  • There are many newborn animals and migratory birds
  • Except for January and February, rains seldom interfere with your trip
  • During January and February, the rains can be continuous for days
  • It gets very hot in October and November
  • Some lodges and camps close down during part of the Wet season

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Activities

Explore popular activities available in and around Nxai Pan National Park.

Birding Safari

Birding Safari

Eager bird-watchers won't be disappointed on an African safari! This gray crowned crane was seen in the core of the Serengeti, Tanzania.
Boating Safaris

Boating Safaris

Explore the aquatic wildlife by boat, canoe, dhow or kayak. In Botswana, it is feasible to go down the Okavango Delta in a burrow kayak called a moko.
Cultural

Cultural

It is possible to take part in a cultural safari if you desire to spend your time visiting local schools, clinics, orphanages, and markets.
Farm Visits

Farm Visits

An incredible addition to any safari is taking the time to visit some of the local farms or plantations and sample some local produce.
Game Drives

Game Drives

A game drive is an adventure that involves viewing wildlife from the comfort of a 4x4 open vehicle, providing you with a true safari experience.
Hiking & Trekking

Hiking & Trekking

Trekking massive mountains such as Mt. Kilimanjaro, Mt. Meru, and Mt. Kenya, as well as hiking in the foothills, are all options in Africa.
Night Drives

Night Drives

Night game drives provide an opportunity to observe wildlife in action at night. Predators like lions, hyenas, and leopards become active at night.
Photography

Photography

Photography safaris are frequently led by experienced photographers who are dedicated to capturing the best shot possible.
Sightseeing

Sightseeing

Market visits are worthwhile before or after a safari. Locally made and sourced items make excellent souvenirs and great way to keep memories alive.
Walking Safaris

Walking Safaris

A safari bush walk is the best way to get some exercise and experience nature up close. Set out on an adventure with the wild inhabitants of Africa.

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