Zebras at a waterhole in Nxai Pan National Park

Nxai Pan National Park

Wide open pans, ancient baobabs and seasonal herds give Nxai Pan National Park a clear, spacious beauty. It is quieter than many of Botswana's famous safari regions, but during the green season it can be wonderfully alive.

Zebras at water in Nxai Pan National Park
Baobabs near Nxai Pan
Open plains around Nxai Pan
Elephants crossing Nxai Pan
Zebra herd in Nxai Pan National Park
Ancient baobab trees in Botswana
Baines' Baobabs Baines' Baobabs
Green season Green season
Medium price level Medium price level
1 - 2 days 1 - 2 days

Nxai Pan National Park lies north of the Makgadikgadi Pans and protects open fossil lakebeds, grasslands, acacia woodland and the famous Baines’ Baobabs. The landscape feels broad and bright, with long views across the pans and beautiful skies.

The park is especially interesting during and after the rains, when fresh grass attracts zebras, springboks, giraffes and other herbivores. Elephants may also move through the area, and predators follow the seasonal movement of prey.

Nxai Pan is a strong choice for travellers looking for a quieter Botswana safari with a sense of space, a connection to the Makgadikgadi ecosystem and excellent photographic potential.

Zebras in Nxai Pan National Park

Wildlife in Nxai Pan National Park

Nxai Pan is strongly seasonal. After rainfall, zebras, springboks and other grazers move into the area to feed on fresh grass. Giraffes, elephants, jackals and many smaller species can also be seen.

Lions are present in the park and may follow the herds during productive periods. Cheetahs can occur on the open plains, while brown hyenas and bat-eared foxes are part of the wider dryland ecosystem.

Birdlife improves during the green season, when water and grass bring more activity to the pans.

Highlights

  • 01

    Baines' Baobabs

    This famous cluster of ancient baobab trees is one of Botswana’s most atmospheric natural landmarks.

  • 02

    Green-season wildlife

    After the rains, zebras and antelopes move into the park and bring new energy to the open plains.

  • 03

    Wide horizons

    Nxai Pan offers beautiful light, open views and a quieter atmosphere than many better-known safari areas.

  • 04

    Makgadikgadi combination

    The park pairs well with Makgadikgadi Pans National Park, creating a varied desert-and-pan safari.

Activities

Game Drive

Search for zebras, elephants, giraffes and predators across the open pans.

Elephants in Nxai Pan National Park

Baobab Visit

Visit the iconic Baines’ Baobabs and experience a classic Botswana landmark.

Baobabs in Nxai Pan

Photography

Capture wide skies, clean horizons and seasonal wildlife on the pans.

Open plains around Nxai Pan

Bird Watching

Look for seasonal birds and raptors during the wetter months.

Zebras at water in Nxai Pan

Getting there

By car

By car

Nxai Pan is usually reached by 4x4 from Maun, Nata or the Makgadikgadi region, depending on routing and road conditions.

By plane

By plane

Fly-in access may be possible through nearby lodge airstrips as part of a tailor-made itinerary.

Are you ready for your adventure?

Whether you want to glide through the Okavango Delta by mokoro, follow elephants along the Chobe River or experience the silence of the Kalahari - we will help you plan the right Botswana safari.

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