Nxai Pan National Park

Nxai Pan National Park Introduction

Nxai Pan National Park is adjacent to the Makgadikgadi Pans National Park and is approximately 2,578 km² in size. Visitors are able to self-drive into the park, however only 4x4 vehicles should attempt the journey.

The area was initially 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.

Nxai Pan National Park Game Viewing and Activities

Nxai Pan National Park is renowned for its magnificent scenery unique to this area as well as incredible 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.