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Nxai Pan is a vast salt pan located in northern Botswana, forming part of the greater Makgadikgadi Basin. It is situated within Nxai Pan National Park, which spans approximately 2,578 square kilometers and is known for its striking landscapes, seasonal wildlife migrations, and iconic baobab trees.
Geography & Landscape
Nxai Pan is a fossil lakebed, covered in short grasslands and acacia trees. Unlike the harsh, dry Makgadikgadi Pans, Nxai Pan retains some vegetation and water during the wet season, attracting large numbers of wildlife. The area is also famous for Baines’ Baobabs, a cluster of seven ancient baobab trees painted by British explorer Thomas Baines in the 1860s.
Wildlife & Best Time to Visit
Nxai Pan is best known for its seasonal zebra migration, one of Africa’s longest land migrations. Other wildlife includes:
- Elephants, lions, cheetahs, leopards, giraffes, wildebeest, springbok, and oryx.
- Large predator activity, especially lions and cheetahs, which hunt in the open plains.
- Birdlife is abundant, with species such as lilac-breasted rollers, kori bustards, and secretary birds.
The best time to visit is during the wet season (November to April), when the pans fill with water, attracting herds of zebras, wildebeests, and predators. The dry season (May to October) is excellent for spotting resident species near remaining water sources.
Activities
Visitors to Nxai Pan can enjoy:
- Game drives (both self-drive and guided safaris).
- Camping in the national park.
- Photography, especially at Baines’ Baobabs and during the zebra migration.
- Birdwatching, particularly in the wet season.