Nxai Pan National Park

Adjacent to Makgadikgadi Pans, Nxai Pan is characterized by its fossilized pans and acacia woodlands, offering excellent wildlife viewing, especially...

Nxai Pan National Park at a Glance

Location
Makgadikgadi & Nxai Pans, Botswana, Southern Africa
Coordinates
-19.914822, 24.778809
IUCN Category
II
Crowds
Quiet
Malaria Risk
Low
Best Time to Visit
May to October (dry season) for the Okavango Delta floods and wildlife. November to March for birding and green season rates.

Getting to Nxai Pan National Park

Nearest airport: Nxai Pan Airstrip, 11 km away.

Nearest international airport: Phillip Gaonwe Matante International Airport (FRW), 313 km away.

Big Five in Nxai Pan National Park

4 of the Big Five can be found here: Lion, African Buffalo, Leopard Tortoise, White Rhinoceros.

Weather & Climate in Nxai Pan National Park

The warmest temperatures in Nxai Pan National Park occur in October, averaging 28.3°C (up to 36.1°C). The coolest conditions are in July at 17.1°C.

The driest weather conditions are typically in August with average rainfall of 0.0mm. Average humidity: 30.5%.

Monthly Temperatures

  • January: 24.6°C (rainfall: 125.2mm)
  • February: 25.6°C (rainfall: 73.7mm)
  • March: 24.9°C (rainfall: 40.8mm)
  • April: 23.4°C (rainfall: 7.3mm)
  • May: 20.4°C (rainfall: 1.2mm)
  • June: 17.4°C (rainfall: 0.2mm)
  • July: 17.1°C (rainfall: 0.2mm)
  • August: 21.0°C (rainfall: 0.0mm)
  • September: 25.4°C (rainfall: 0.5mm)
  • October: 28.3°C (rainfall: 3.2mm)
  • November: 28.0°C (rainfall: 34.0mm)
  • December: 26.4°C (rainfall: 108.2mm)

Best Time to Visit Nxai Pan National Park

The best months to visit Nxai Pan National Park are April, August, September, based on temperature, rainfall, weather conditions, and wildlife viewing opportunities.

Month-by-Month Safari Conditions

  • January: Great, temperature 24.6°C, rainfall 125.2mm, sunshine 11 hrs, humidity 67.6%
  • February: Great, temperature 25.56°C, rainfall 73.7mm, sunshine 11.1 hrs, humidity 60.6%
  • March: Great, temperature 24.85°C, rainfall 40.8mm, sunshine 10.6 hrs, humidity 58.3%
  • April: Great, temperature 23.43°C, rainfall 7.3mm, sunshine 10.6 hrs, humidity 49.9%
  • May: Great, temperature 20.44°C, rainfall 1.2mm, sunshine 10.7 hrs, humidity 40.2%
  • June: Great, temperature 17.44°C, rainfall 0.2mm, sunshine 10.6 hrs, humidity 41.4%
  • July: Great, temperature 17.15°C, rainfall 0.2mm, sunshine 10.7 hrs, humidity 36.4%
  • August: Great, temperature 21.01°C, rainfall 0mm, sunshine 10.9 hrs, humidity 30.5%
  • September: Great, temperature 25.4°C, rainfall 0.5mm, sunshine 11.4 hrs, humidity 27.5%
  • October: Great, temperature 28.31°C, rainfall 3.2mm, sunshine 11.6 hrs, humidity 27.6%
  • November: Great, temperature 28.03°C, rainfall 34mm, sunshine 11.3 hrs, humidity 43.2%
  • December: Great, temperature 26.38°C, rainfall 108.2mm, sunshine 11.1 hrs, humidity 57.7%

Wildlife in Nxai Pan National Park

Home to 82 recorded species including 23 iconic birds, 20 birds of prey, 17 waterbirds, 4 big five, 4 antelope & gazelle, 4 big herbivores.

Recommended Packing List for Nxai Pan National Park

Based on average temperature of 23.6°C, typical conditions, humidity 45%.

  • Light layers - comfortable for 24°C weather
  • Binoculars - essential for every game drive
  • Sun hat & sunscreen - protection from the African sun
  • Sturdy walking shoes - for bush walks and uneven terrain
  • Neutral-coloured clothing - khaki, olive, and tan blend with the bush
  • Insect repellent - essential in most safari regions
  • First aid kit - basic medical supplies for remote areas
  • Torch / headlamp - useful for evenings at camp
  • Camera with telephoto lens - capture your safari memories

Notable Species

Safari Lodges in Nxai Pan National Park

8 safari lodges available.

Other

Similar Parks in Makgadikgadi & Nxai Pans

Visitor Tips - Nxai Pan National Park

We love the stark, expansive beauty of Nxai Pan, a place where the horizon stretches endlessly and the silence is profound. The iconic Baines' Baobabs are a must-see, their ancient forms standing as timeless sentinels, especially captivating at sunrise or sunset. For a truly unique experience, we recommend visiting during the green season when the zebra migration transforms the pans into a vibrant spectacle.

Gate Times

Nxai Pan National Park generally operates from sunrise to sunset, typically around 6:00 AM to 6:30 PM, though exact times vary seasonally. We recommend confirming current gate times with your tour operator or the Department of Wildlife and National Parks, as these can shift. All permits and bookings for park entry and camping must be secured in advance; spontaneous visits are not practical or usually permitted.

Tipping

Tipping is an important part of the safari economy in Botswana, and we recommend budgeting for it. For your safari guide, a customary tip is around USD 10-20 per person per day, given directly to them at the end of your stay. For general camp staff, a communal tip box is often available, and we suggest USD 5-10 per person per day. This is shared among housekeepers, chefs, and other support staff. Always tip in local currency (Botswana Pula) or US dollars, and ensure it's done discreetly and respectfully.

Health & Travel Info

Health & vaccination info for Botswana

Travel advisory for Botswana

Nxai Pan National Park FAQs

When is the absolute best time to witness the spectacular zebra migration in Nxai Pan National Park?

While the green season (December to April) is generally recommended, the peak of the zebra and wildebeest migration typically occurs from December to March. During this period, the pans fill with water, attracting massive herds and their predators, creating spectacular wildlife viewing opportunities.

What unique natural features or activities can I experience at Nxai Pan beyond typical game drives?

Nxai Pan is renowned for Baines' Baobabs, a cluster of ancient, majestic baobab trees immortalized by explorer Thomas Baines. Visiting these iconic trees, often combined with a picnic, offers a serene and historically rich experience distinct from the park's wildlife viewing.

How accessible is Nxai Pan National Park, and what are the typical accommodation options within or near the park?

Nxai Pan is primarily accessible by 4x4 vehicles, often requiring self-drive expertise or guided safari transfers due to sandy tracks and remote conditions. Visitors should be well-prepared with supplies. Accommodation within the park is limited to a few exclusive mobile safari camps and designated public campsites, offering an authentic wilderness experience.

Besides the migrating zebras and their predators, what other unique wildlife can I hope to encounter in Nxai Pan?

Beyond the large migratory herds, Nxai Pan is home to a variety of desert-adapted species, including springbok, gemsbok, and often large herds of elephants that move between the pans. Birdwatchers will also appreciate the diverse avian life, especially around the water sources during the wet season.

What are the typical entry fees and permit requirements for visiting Nxai Pan National Park?

As a national park in Botswana, visitors are required to pay daily park entry fees, which vary for citizens, residents, and international tourists. Additionally, if self-driving, vehicle entry fees apply, and campsite bookings must be secured in advance through the Department of Wildlife and National Parks or accredited operators.

Recommended Books

  • The Handbook of Bird Photography by Markus Varesvuo, Jari Peltomäki & Bence Máté - Excellent for birding photographers on safari - covers technique, equipment, fieldcraft, and post-processing with stunning example images.
  • Photographing Wildlife in Africa by Paolo Torchio - Practical guide specifically for African safari photography - camera settings, lens choices, composition techniques, and how to make the most of game drives.
  • Fodor's The Complete Guide to African Safaris by Fodor's Travel - Country-by-country planning guide with lodge reviews, practical logistics, packing lists, and insider tips. Often cited as the best all-in-one safari planning resource.
  • Lonely Planet Botswana & Namibia by Lonely Planet - Covers the Okavango Delta, Chobe, Etosha, Sossusvlei, and the Skeleton Coast. Essential for self-drive safaris through two of southern Africa's wildest destinations.
  • Lonely Planet Zambia & Mozambique by Lonely Planet - From Victoria Falls and South Luangwa to Mozambique's pristine coastline. Practical advice for two of Africa's most rewarding off-the-beaten-path destinations.
  • National Geographic Kids: Safari by National Geographic - Age-appropriate wildlife facts with stunning photographs. Great for getting children excited about the animals they'll see on safari.
  • Bradt Guide: Botswana by Chris McIntyre - Gold standard for Okavango Delta and Chobe planning - self-drive routes, camp reviews, and detailed maps. Essential for anyone planning a Botswana safari.
  • Lonely Planet Southern Africa by Lonely Planet - Covers South Africa, Botswana, Namibia, Zambia, Zimbabwe, and Mozambique. Practical planning information with detailed park and city guides.
  • The Last Elephants by Don Pinnock & Colin Bell - Conservation-focused book combining beautiful photography with urgent storytelling about the threats facing Africa's elephant populations.
  • Here Is the African Savanna by Madeleine Dunphy - Beautifully illustrated picture book about the savanna ecosystem. Teaches children about the interconnected web of life on an African plain.
  • Safari: A Photographic Journey by Art Wolfe - Large-format coffee-table book from one of the world's most celebrated nature photographers. Stunning images from across the African continent.
  • The Kingdon Field Guide to African Mammals by Jonathan Kingdon - The definitive mammal field guide for Africa covering over 1,150 species with detailed illustrations. Considered the gold standard for safari-goers and researchers alike.
  • The Behavior Guide to African Mammals by Richard Despard Estes - Goes beyond identification to explain why animals behave as they do. Essential reading for safari-goers who want to understand the wildlife they observe.
  • Roberts Bird Guide by Hugh Chittenden, Greg Davies & Ingrid Weiersbye - Comprehensive southern African bird guide covering 960+ species with detailed range maps and illustrations. The birder's bible for safaris in South Africa, Botswana, and Namibia.
  • Cry of the Kalahari by Mark & Delia Owens - Riveting account of wildlife research in Botswana's Central Kalahari. An adventurous tale of two young researchers living among the wild animals.
  • Remembering Lions by Various Photographers - Part of the acclaimed Remembering Wildlife conservation book series. Features contributions from world-class wildlife photographers, with proceeds supporting lion conservation.
  • African Animals ABC by Stella Blackstone & Petr Horacek - Simple alphabet book with bold, colourful animal illustrations. Perfect for toddlers and young children preparing for their first safari. Ages 2–5.
  • Beat About the Bush: Mammals by Trevor Carnaby - The single best book for understanding animal behaviour on safari. Explains why animals do what they do - feeding, mating, territory, predator-prey dynamics. Makes every game drive infinitely more rewarding.
  • Sasol Birds of Southern Africa by Ian Sinclair, Phil Hockey & Warwick Tarboton - The southern Africa birding bible. Covers over 950 species with detailed illustrations, distribution maps, and habitat notes. The most trusted bird field guide for South Africa, Botswana, Namibia, Zimbabwe, Zambia, and Mozambique.
  • Africa's Top Wildlife Countries by Mark W. Nolting - The most respected safari planning book in print. Detailed country-by-country guide covering parks, lodges, best times to visit, and what wildlife to expect. Updated regularly. The first book every safari planner should read.
  • The Safari Companion: A Guide to Watching African Mammals by Richard D. Estes - Part field guide, part planning tool. Explains mammal behaviour in a way that transforms game drives. Covers tracks, signs, social structures, and habitat preferences. A must-pack for serious safari-goers.
  • The Shadow of the Sun by Ryszard Kapuscinski - Widely considered the greatest book ever written about Africa. Kapuscinski spent 40 years reporting from across the continent. Vivid, poetic, and deeply insightful. Essential pre-safari reading for understanding the continent.
  • Elephant Company by Vicki Constantine Croke - The extraordinary true story of James Howard Williams and the elephants who helped him build bridges, extract teak, and ultimately rescue refugees across the Burmese jungle during WWII. Gripping and moving.
  • When the Last Lion Roars by Sara Evans - An urgent, accessible account of the African lion's decline from 200,000 to under 20,000 in a century. Covers the science, politics, and human stories behind lion conservation. Eye-opening pre-safari reading.
  • Ivory, Horn and Blood by Ronald Orenstein - The definitive book on the poaching crisis devastating African elephants and rhinos. Covers the criminal networks, the rangers fighting back, and what travellers can do. Important context for any safari visitor.
  • Last Chance to See by Douglas Adams & Mark Carwardine - Witty and heartbreaking tour of endangered species by the Hitchhiker's Guide author. Combines humour with urgent conservation messaging.
  • Owen and Mzee by Isabella Hatkoff, Craig Hatkoff & Paula Kahumbu - True story of an orphaned hippo befriending a 130-year-old tortoise in Kenya. A heartwarming tale of unlikely friendship that teaches empathy.
  • Remembering Elephants by Various Photographers - Stunning coffee-table book from the Remembering Wildlife series. All proceeds go to elephant conservation - beautiful photography with a purpose.
  • Whatever You Do, Don't Run by Peter Allison - Hilarious memoir from a Botswana safari guide - true stories from the bush that will have you laughing out loud. A favourite among safari enthusiasts.
  • Poached by Rachel Love Nuwer - Gripping investigation into the illegal wildlife trade - from African poaching networks to Asian markets. Essential reading for understanding the threats to safari wildlife.
  • Safari Nation by Jacob S. T. Dlamini - Fascinating history of South Africa's national parks and their complex colonial legacy. Academic but accessible - changes how you think about safari tourism.
  • Safari: A Photicular Book by Dan Kainen & Carol Kaufmann - Mesmerising book with moving photographic images of African animals. Kids and adults love the magical moving pictures - perfect pre-trip gift.