Nxai Pan National Park is located in north-eastern Botswana. First declared a game reserve in 1970, and later a National park in 1992 after the extension of its boundaries to include Baines Baobabs, Nxai Pan National Park stretches over an extensive area of 80,000 sq km. Although often underrated because of the unpredictability of its game, the Park offers one of the finest destinations for game safaris in Africa.
The focal point of Nxai Pan National Park is the Nxai Pan, a water hole located about 2.5 kilometres from the main access gate of the Park. It lies in the midst of a large grassy plain dotted with a few clumps of umbrella thorn trees. Nxai Pan is a much smaller depression than Makgadikgadi Pan and has a size of 2,578 sq km. It is particularly known for its sizeable numbers of springbok and once the rains have started they migrate in their thousands. Other pans include Kudiakam and Kgama-Kgama
The Park is dominated by short, sweet grass that provides the springbok with grazing. Islands of umbrella thorn provide shade and a number of large baobabs dot the pan. The baobab tree is capable of living for more than 4,000 years and can attain a height of over 25 metres, with a circumference of some 30 metres. The clumps of trees on the pan consist mostly of Umbrella thorn and Bustard umbrella thorn. Mopane trees are found on the clay soils and a variety of Combretum trees on the mixed sand and clay. Other tree species in the pan areas include Lekkerbreek, Coffea Bean, Silver Terminalia, Brandy bush, Kalahari taaibos, Sickle bush, Camphor bush and the beautiful purple-flowered legume commonly known as the fish poison bush.
During the rains, the Park boasts a large array of wildflowers, of which the large Brumsvigia lily is probably the most spectacular.
Nxai Pan National Park is well known as one of the finest places in Botswana to sight the secretive leopard, which often lies out in the open catching the morning sun. Lion, the cheetah, spotted and elusive brown hyena, honey badger, gemsbok, zebra, giraffe, kudu, hartebeest, black-backed jackal, rare wild dog and in summer even the occasional elephant are seen in the park. This is one of the few places where impala and springbok cohabit, as they are normally separated by habitat preferences. Also present in the Park are large numbers of a bat-eared fox. At times rhinos have also been sighted. Since the park is not enclosed, wildlife wanders in and out at will that it is not common to find high numbers pitched at one point like it may be in Chobe National Park although at times impala, gemsbok, hartebeest and kudu may appear in large numbers during the migrations. Game is usually exceptional between December and late March when most animals drop their young
The Nxai Pan area is also excellent for birding, especially during the rains as several raptors congregate around the plains preying on rodents and reptiles. Approximately 250 species of migratory birds including wild birds inhabit the Pan areas. This rich bird checklist makes the park a frequent stop for bird enthusiasts. The world’s largest living bird, the ostrich is most prominent here. Some of the other bird species found in the park are the greater kestrel, pale chanting goshawk, Red-billed Francolins, etc.
Other attractions
Boteti River; the Boteti River is a natural watercourse that stretches from Ngamiland to the main Boteti District. It is particularly scenic during the dry season when most other seasonal ponds and drainages have dried up because wildlife congregates here to quench.
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Mokolane Palm Islands; Mokolane Palm is an archipelago with the park with a diverse range of vegetation species. It is widely known for the white nut carves commonly used in making jewellery and crafts. The palm liquid is also distilled to make palm wine.
There is a clearly marked road access route 138 km from Maun and 167 km from Nata. Visitor can also charter a light aircraft to Maun, or hire a 4X4 Safari vehicle from the several Botswana tour operators and safari agent available.
There is more game to be seen between October and March. Best game viewing months at Nxai Pan is during the rainy season from December to April. During the rains, Nxai Pan becomes transformed to a green wonderland abounding with a massive concentration of animals, accompanied by their newly born offspring. During the winter dry season, animals concentrate around the Boteti River. Veld flora is also spectacular during this time.
The best facility is the Nxai Pan Lodge with 8 ideally built tents that can accommodate up to 18 visitors. It has a dining room; lounge area; and viewing deck enabling easy game viewing. The lodge also offers a swimming pool, library and curio shop. Other places where to stay are nearby Xwaraga Camp, Nata Safari Lodge and Gweta Rest Camp. Two other bush campsites at Njuca Hills, 20 km from the game scout camp equally good especially for the true wild experience.
— Birding Tours; particularly
— Game Drives; usually offered in 4×4 vehicles.
— Camping Safaris
— Walking Trails
— Historical Tours; these are organised to Baines Baobabs.