Baines Baobab (Campsite 2) - Nxai Pan National Park
Baines Baobab (Campsite 2) is a camp near Nxai Pan National Park.
- Location
- Nxai Pan National Park, Makgadikgadi & Nxai Pans, Botswana, Southern Africa
- Coordinates
- -20.139442, 24.770205
- Activities
- camp
PlnrScore: 21/100
Wildlife Near This Lodge
165 species observed within 20 km, 21 mammals, 82 birds.
- African baobab (Plantae, 34 observations)
- Steenbok (Mammalia, 15 observations)
- Gemsbok (Mammalia, 13 observations)
- Plains Zebra (Mammalia, 13 observations)
- Common Ostrich (Aves, 11 observations)
- Black-backed Jackal (Mammalia, 11 observations)
- Pied Crow (Aves, 10 observations)
- African Savanna Elephant (Mammalia, 10 observations)
- Northern Black Korhaan (Aves, 10 observations)
- Southern Giraffe (Mammalia, 10 observations)
Best Time to Visit Baines Baobab (Campsite 2)
The best months to visit Baines Baobab (Campsite 2) 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%
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best time of year to visit Baines Baobab (Campsite 2) for wildlife viewing and the iconic baobab experience?
The dry season, typically May to October, is ideal as wildlife congregates around water sources, including the Nxai Pan, making sightings more frequent. This period also offers clearer skies for stargazing and excellent photographic opportunities of the ancient baobabs.
What facilities can I expect at Baines Baobab (Campsite 2), and what should I bring for a comfortable stay?
Baines Baobab (Campsite 2) is a wilderness campsite, meaning it offers very basic facilities, typically just a long-drop toilet and no running water or electricity. Visitors must be fully self-sufficient, bringing all their own water, food, camping equipment, and fuel.
What unique wildlife can I hope to see around Baines Baobab (Campsite 2) and what safety precautions are recommended?
While Nxai Pan is known for its large zebra and wildebeest migrations during the wet season, around Baines Baobab itself you might encounter elephants, giraffes, and various antelope species, especially during the dry season when they seek shade. Always remain vigilant, keep food secured, and never approach wild animals on foot.
How far in advance should I book Baines Baobab (Campsite 2), and what are the typical access requirements?
Due to its popularity and limited availability, especially during peak dry season, it is highly recommended to book Baines Baobab (Campsite 2) several months in advance through Botswana's Department of Wildlife and National Parks or a licensed tour operator. Access requires a 4x4 vehicle, as the tracks can be sandy and challenging.
What makes the camping experience at Baines Baobab (Campsite 2) unique compared to other Botswana campsites?
The unparalleled uniqueness of Baines Baobab (Campsite 2) lies in its direct proximity to the iconic cluster of ancient baobab trees, immortalized by Thomas Baines. Camping here offers a truly remote, immersive wilderness experience with stunning sunrises and sunsets over the Nxai Pan, framed by these majestic giants.