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Deks Safaris & Tours Ltd

trip to East Africa

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NXAI PAN NATIONAL PARK

The Nxai Pan National Park is a protected Area in north-eastern Botswana consisting of Nxai Pan, which is part of the Makgadikgadi Pan salt scapes. Nxai Pan National Park lies in the northern parts of Maun Nata main road adjacent to the Makgadikgadi Pans National Park on its northern border. Although it is not a primary draw for visitors in Botswana, this safari park is a remarkable destination to visit during your Africa Safari Holiday.

The Nxai Pan National Park is part that forms the Makgadikgadi Pans National Park, known for its stunning array of landscapes from salt pans, vegetation, Mopane and acacia forests with remarkable Baobab trees all of which offer refuge to a wide range of wildlife and birdlife that inhabits the region. Safaris here are remarkable and offer visitors a unique experience contrary to most safari parks in Africa, especially those in East Africa (Serengeti National Park in Tanzania and Masai Mara National Reserve in Kenya).

Just like the Makgadikgadi Pans National Park, the Nxai Pan is mostly dry during the year; however, during the rainy season, it comes to life as its vast plains usually get flooded with water. The Nxai Pans formed thousands and thousands of years ago. The Nxai Pan National Park is also known for the fascinating landscapes that are dotted with the giant baobab trees, well known as the Baines baobabs, and a high concentration of waterhole sceneries occupied by lions.

Unique Facts and History of Nxai Pan National Park

The word “Nxai” as termed by the San (Bushmen), refers to curved sticks used for digging springhares out of their burrow. The Nxai Pan National Park was initially established as a Game Reserve in 1970, however, it was later upgraded to the National Park status in 1992. This National Park covers about 2,578kilometers per square of Botswana’s Kalahari region, protecting the fossil lake bottom system and vital wildlife migrating routes. The National Park is most popular for the Baines’ Baobabs painted in 1862, and acts as a seasonal vegetated sanctuary in Botswana. The Baobab trees are located on the southern banks of the park, especially at the Kudiakam pan. The area covered by the park was expanded in the 1992 to the southern main parts of Maun-Nata road, that add on to the Makgadikgadi Pans. In 22^nd May 1862, an explorer named Thomas Baines painted a ground of seven baobabs, which were later named Baines’ Baobabs after him that give the park its fame up to today.

The pans in the park included Nxai, Kudiakam, and Kgama, which are a dried-up vestige of a massive ancient lake system (Lake Makgadikgadi) that once covered the central Botswana Area. During safari in the park, visitors are guaranteed a sight of the stunning landscapes, the giant baobab trees and a number of wildlife and birdlife species.

Activities done at Nxai Pan National Park- attractions

The Nxai Pan National Park activities centre on game viewing during specific seasons, such as between November and April, which is a rain season. The highlights of safaris here include zebra migration, visiting the ancient Baines’ Baobabs, and bird watching. The dry season, which is between May and October, is the best for observing predators and wildlife congregating around the permanent waterholes. The Zebra Migration in the park happens during the wet season, from November to April as thousands of zebras migrate to the area to feed on the rain-fed grasslands.

For wildlife enthusiasts visiting Botswana for an African Safari, the Nxai Pan National Park offers an extraordinary game viewing experience with one of the few wildlife migrations on earth happening here each year round. Between December and March is also a good period to explore the park. The top activities to do in Nxai Pans include guided game drives, bird watching, walks with the San Bushmen, visiting Baines’ Baobabs and helicopter scenic flight safaris. Helicopter safaris take offer visitors an opportunity to witness the vast area from above, witnessing the beautiful scenery and with birds’ eye view of the Makgadikgadi salt pan system.

During the rainy seasons, the pans fill with water, attracting large numbers of water birds and migrating species, and wildlife. Engaging in nature walks with the San bushman guiding while sharing traditional knowledge on survival skills, and tracking is also a good experience, especially for those interested in culture and ways of life away from home.

Visitors who travel to the southern edge of the park can explore a remarkable site where seven baobab trees stand, a place famously captured in a painting by Thomas Baines in 1862. These ancient trees hold both historical and cultural significance, offering a glimpse into the past while showcasing the timeless beauty of the landscape.

Game drives are a major highlight of the experience, taking place in both the morning and afternoon. Guided by skilled trackers, visitors have the chance to explore different parts of the park while searching for wildlife such as lions, cheetahs, elephants, gemsbok, and zebras. These drives provide close encounters with animals in their natural environment, making each outing unique and exciting.

At night, the park offers a completely different experience. The wide, open pans and lack of light pollution create perfect conditions for stargazing, allowing visitors to enjoy the clear southern African skies filled with countless stars.

Between December and March, the park becomes even more lively during the zebra migration. Large herds of zebras move through the area, often accompanied by wildebeests and closely followed by predators, creating a dramatic and unforgettable wildlife spectacle.