NXAI PAN NATIONAL PARK
Botswana

Nxai Pan National Park

Nxai Pan National Park, situated in Botswana, is adjacent to the Makgadikgadi Pans National Park and is approximately 2,578 km² in size. Self drives are possible into the park, however only 4x4 vehicles should attempt the journey. The area was originally government land and was declared a game reserve in 1970. In 1992 the borders were extended and status was granted to make it a National Park of 2578 km². The highlight of the Nxai Pan is the water hole, situated in the centre of the park in a large grassy plain. Approximately 20km south-east of Nxai Pan, is the beautiful Kudiakam Pan complex. Apart from the abundance of wildlife, Kudiakam Pan is also significant as the site of 'Baines' Baobabs', a clump of seven Baobab trees, known as the 'seven sisters' or the 'sleeping sisters' commemorated on canvas by painter and explorer Thomas Baines on 22 May 1862. It is commonly believed that if Thomas Baines were to repaint these Baobabs today, 140 years later, there would be no visible difference.

Game Viewing

Nxai pan is renowned for its beautiful scenery that is unique to this area as well as spectacular game viewing. Once the rains start, wildebeest, gemsbok, elephant and zebra migrate to the region. At the same time zebra's come in their thousands to give birth to their young. Massive herds of giraffe can be seen with up to 30 in a group. These large herds of zebras, springbok, and wildebeest attract many predators like lion, cheetah, jackal, both spotted and the elusive brown hyena, as well as the endangered wild dog and the secretive leopard which in return offers incredible game viewing. There are large numbers of bat-eared fox and raptors that prey on the rodents and reptiles. At times, Rhino's have also been sighted. Also to be seen are the eland, greater kudu and red hartebeest. The birdlife is incredible, once the rains have started.

Seasons

Rainy season: Summer is from November to April and is classified as the rainy season. The days are hot and wet and the Nxai Pan is considered at its best this time of year. The game viewing is spectacular from December to April and the zebra migration of the Magkadigkadi often spills over into the Nxai Pan area. If the rainfall has been heavy, however, the area will become inaccessible for self-drive vehicles. Midday summer temperatures average around 35°C and reach a maximum of 44°C.

Dry season: The dry winter months are from May to September when the days are cooler. It is also a time when the area and roads become more accessible. Winter is a long, dry period of sunshine and cloudless days with midday temperatures reaching up to 17°C and dropping to a low of - 8°C at night.