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Nxai Pan lies North of the road between Maun and Nata and adjoins the Makgadikgadi Pans National Park on its Northern border.
Nxai Pan (the pan itself) is another lake bed, which is approximately 40 square kilometers in size. The landscape comprises of umbrella acacia trees and mopane woodlands. The pans become covered in grass during the rainy season, which is between November and April.
Nxai Pan was originally state land and was declared a game reserve in 1970. In 1992 the boundaries were extended to included Baines Baobabs and today the total area is approximately 2,578 square kilometers. During the same year, 1992, the game reserve became a National Park.
Nxai Pan National Park is open to visitors throughout the year, however, road conditions may become difficult during a heavy rainy season.
During the middle of the 19th century, David Livingstone passed this way. Thereafter other traders and explorers followed. This area became an important trade route. Kgama Kgama pan in the centre of the park held water during that time and many travelers used to rest here and replenish their water supply before continuing their journey.
Thomas Baines, a famous artist came to the area in 1861 and painted a group of Baobab trees, which is now known as Baines Baobabs. It is unusual to see a group of these trees so close to each other and because one of the trees was growing on its side, Thomas Baines named his painting ‘The Sleeping Five’. Other explorers such as the Green brothers also passed through this area and today their inscription in the bark ‘Green’s Expedition 1858-1859’ can be seen. Baines Baobabs are definitely worth a visit as they are not far from the main road, however becareful in visiting them when the ground is wet. Please note that a permit is needed which can be obtained from the Nxai Pan gate.
Wildlife:
Two kilometers from the entrance gate is a waterhole which is a main attraction to anyone visiting the Nxai Pan National Park . Here and in between the mopane woodland one can see lion, giraffe, kudu, impala, ostrich, springbok, jackal, bateared fox, blue wildebeest, gemsbok, eland, red hartebeest and fascinating birdlife such as the black Korhaan, kestrel and goshawks, to name a few. Predators include spotted hyena, cheetah, leopard, wild dog and jackal. Buffalo and elephant may also be seen during the rainy season.
Once the rains begin, gemsbok, wildebeest and zebra migrate to the area and can be seen in their thousands. During this time, zebra occur in thousands and it is here that they drop their young, which mingle with the large amount of young springbok. Nxai Pan is also well known for its huge springbok population due to the short cropped grasses. Also large herds of giraffe with up to 30 in a pack can be seen.
Game viewing is therefore amazing. Visiting Nxai Pan during the rainy season can be a most wonderful experience.
The large number of zebra can be seen during the Southern migration when they migrate from Nxai Pan in the North to Ntwetwe Pan in the South. It is also one of the few places where impala and springbok can be seen together.
Seasons:
The rainy season is from November to April and this is during the summer months. Game viewing is abundant from December to April. The Dry season is during the cooler, dry winter months from May to September.
Unique characteristics of Nxai Pan:
* Springbok, giraffe, zebra, wildebeest and gemsbok in large numbers.
* Baines Baobabs.
* Wide variety of raptors.
Access to Nxai Pan National Park :
The Nxai Pan National Park lies between Maun and Nata, along the Maun/Francistown road, and access is by road. The turn off to Nxai Pan is approximately 136 kilometers from Maun or 65 kilometers from Gweta if travelling from Nata. After turning off the main road, drive for 37 kilometers on dirt road until you reach the Nxai Pan entrance gate.
Please note that a 4×4 vehicle is required in order to access the park. It is advisable to make sure you have enough fuel, food, drinkable water, tools/spares and well as medical equipment with you. It is also suggested that you travel in a group of 2 vehicles or more. There are no filling stations in the park, with the nearest being in Gweta.
Accommodation options in the Nxai Pan National Park area:
There are no camps or lodges inside the National Park. However, there are public camping sites in the park. There are also camp sites and lodges outside the National Park.
Lodges outside the Nxai Pan National Park :
Click on the lodge name for more info!
Nata Lodge
Sua Pan Lodge
Gweta Rest Camp
Planet Baobab
Jack’s Camp
San Camp
Meno A Kwena
Leroo La Tau
Camp Sites inside the Nxai Pan National Park :
Nata Lodge and Sua Pan Lodge offer camping facilities, as does Planet Baobab and Gweta Rest Camp.
There are 2 public camp sites with ablution facilities in the park. The one is situated towards the South of the park about 2 kilometers from the parks entrance gate, and has 4 camping sites. The other is situated approximately 8 kilometers from the entrance gate, in the North of the park and this site have 3 camp sites.
*Please note that reservations for public camping sites must be made with the Department of Wildlife and National Parks.
Their contact details are as follows:
Maun office:
Tel: (+267) 6861 265
Fax: (+267) 6861 264
Gaborone office:
Tel: (+267) 318 0774
Fax: (+267) 318 0775
Visitors must please be aware that firewood can be problem in the park and it is advisable to bring wood in with you, or bring a small gas cooker along.
Water standpipes and ablution facilities at both sites with flush toilets and showers are available at both sites. Please do not use this water for drinking. Rather drink bottled mineral water.
There is also an informal camping site at Baines Baobabs which has 3 informal and completely undeveloped sites. Please note that there are no ablution facilities at this site, so you need to make sure you bring your own water with you. You must burn all your rubbish and bury the ashes from your fires. Please make sure you check in at the gate when entering the park.
Camp Sites outside the Nxai Pan National Park :
*Please note that reservations for public camping sites must be made with the Department of Wildlife and National Parks.
Their contact details are as follows:
Maun office:
Tel: (+267) 6861 265
Fax: (+267) 6861 264
Gaborone office:
Tel: (+267) 318 0774
Fax: (+267) 318 0775
Another public camping site is available at Kumaga, which is 48 kilometers South West of the main entrance. This site is situated on the banks of the Boteti River, across from Kumaga Village. This site is an alternative entry point to the park and is equipped with an ablution block and water standpipe. For drinking though, please do drink bottled mineral water. The camping ground has 5 camp sites with an ablution block containing showers, hand basins and flush toilets.
Notes:
* When camping, please make sure you burn all litter that can be burnt.
* Litter that cannot be burnt, please take with you and deposit at the Wildlife Camp upon your exit, if possible.
* When having made a fire, please bury the ashes.
* When driving in a national park, please drive only on the tracks.
* Do not go off road.
* No night drives are permitted within a national park.
* Please camp only at designated campsites.
* Consideration for other peoples as well as for the environment should be of paramount concern.