Nxai Pan National Park

Part of the Makgadikgadi complex, Nxai Pan Nantional Park comprises several large pans. Unlike the salt-encrusted pans at Makgadikgadi, Nxai Pan is a waterless, fossil pan covered in grass with acacia islands. The area comes to life after the summer rains in December, when big herds of migrating zebra and wildebeest, accompanied by other grazers, arrive to feast on the new grasses.

Pros & Cons

Stunning desert scenery
Off-the-beaten-track and little visited
Open plains make wildlife viewing easier
Animals migrate to the pan in the wet months
Less wildlife than in more popular parks, such as Chobe or Moremi
Very little accommodation in and outside the park
It is very hot and dry

Nxai Pan is not a conventional safari destination. The arid environment doesn’t support a huge variety of animals. Small groups of springbok are resident throughout the year, as are lion. After the rains, large herds of herbivores arrive at the scene, many of them giving birth. Burchell's zebra and blue wildebeest are the most numerous, but others include eland, red hartebeest and oryx.

Wildlife Highlights

Cheetah and wild dog sometimes follow the herds of herbivores giving birth at the pan. Spotted hyena are often heard at night, and the elusive brown hyena can be found scurrying around looking for food. Other small predators that are present, but difficult to see, are aardwolf and honey badger. Bat-eared fox are more active in the daytime and thus easier to spot. The woodland supports a lot of tree squirrels.

Best Time for Wildlife Viewing

Nxai Pan National Park has very seasonal wildlife viewing. As opposed to most African parks, the best wildlife viewing months are in the Wet season, from December to March, when animals are attracted to the green grasses around the pans. This is also when many new animals are born. At this time, the roads can be difficult to navigate.

Wildlife Viewing

It’s common sense to be cautious of wild animals – their behavior is often unpredictable. Lodges usually have a safety briefing – take any warnings seriously and listen to the advice given.

When on an organized safari, you should always listen carefully to the instructions of the guide. When on a self-drive safari, it is essential to stay in your car inside the park except in areas designated as safe to leave your vehicle.

For more information, please read the 'wildlife viewing safety precautions' below.

Further advice on limiting dangers and annoyances when traveling:

• Wildlife Viewing Safety Precautions

• General Travel Safety Precautions

• Cities & Urban Areas: Safety Precautions

• Safety & Security – Botswana

• Malaria & Vaccinations – Botswana

Nxai Pan is a very good destination for safari-goers interested in birding. More than 200 bird species have been recorded here. The different habitats – ranging from grassland, mopane woodland and acacia scrub – ensure a wide range of species. On the open pan, kori bustards and secretary birds mingle with the visiting white storks. Many migrants are added to the mix in the wet summer months, from November to April.

Birding Specials–Treats for Avid Birders

Best Time for Bird Watching

Nxai Pan is a great park for bird watching any month of the year. The wetter months, from November to April, is when the park is at its finest for birders. This is the best time for migrants in general, and also the time when a lot of birds are breeding and show their breeding plumage. Wildlife viewing at the pans is at its best around the same time.

Nxai Pan can be visited year-round. It’s a seasonal park and wildlife migrates to the park in the wet, summer months – but the exact timing is erratic and depends on rainfall. Little wildlife is left in the dry months, from June to September.

Best Time December to March (Best wildlife viewing)

High Season December to May (High-season rates apply in the lodge, but the park never gets busy)

Low Season June to November (Low season rates apply in the lodges)

Best Weather May to August (Less hot during the day and dry conditions)

Worst Weather January to March (It is hot, and it can rain a lot)

April to October –Dry Season

The roads are in good condition, so driving is easier in the park
It is cooler in the middle of the day, from April to August
Low season rates apply from June to November
There is almost no rain, and it is always sunny
There is very little wildlife around
It gets very dry and dusty

November to March –Wet Season

Many animals migrate to the pans, including large herds of zebra and wildebeest
A lot of the herbivores give birth to their young
Predators are numerous
Best time for birding with migrants around
It is green, and there are many flowers
It is very hot
Roads become boggy
Afternoon showers will sometimes interfere with your plans

Nxai Pan has well-defined Dry (April to October) and Wet (November to March) seasons, as well as a hot, desert climate. As the Dry season progresses, the park becomes more and more parched, with the heat reaching its peak in October. When the rains break, signaling the beginning of the Wet season, it cools down immediately.

Dry season–April to October

April sees the tail-end of the Wet season, with the last of the rains. June and July are the coolest months; however, the temperature will begin to climb in August, with a peak in October and November.

April & May – The start of the Dry season. It is mostly sunny and dry. It is warm in the middle of the day, with temperatures rising to 29°C/84°F.
June, July & August – These months see little rain. Conditions are cooler with afternoon temperatures hovering around 26°C/79°F on average. It gets chilly in the morning at about 7°C/45°F. It is recommended to bring warm clothing for early morning game drives.
September & October – The end of the Dry season is notable for the heat reaching its peak before the rains break. October is uncomfortably hot, with average daytime temperatures of 34°C/93°F. Nights and mornings are much better.

Wet season–November to March

It doesn’t usually rain all day, although afternoon thunderstorms and short showers become a consistent pattern. The season stays hot throughout, with afternoon temperatures of about 31°C/88°F. Mornings are cooler.

November & December – Conditions are hot with plenty of sunshine. Rain is inconsistent but comes as a relief because temperatures tend to build up before the rain and drop afterward. The average temperature during the early morning is about 19°C/65°F.
January & February – During the wettest time of year, it often rains in the afternoon, but it is usually over in a few hours. Thunderstorms are typical.
March – The rains are slackening off. Rainfall mostly comes as a thunderstorm, and it can still rain every couple of days. At 17°C/63°F, mornings are slightly cooler.

Entry into Botswana is usually through Maun Airport (MUB) or Kasane Airport (BBK) for safari-goers.

Nxai Pan NP is located 162km/100mi east of Maun. The park can be reached on a self-drive safari, an organized mobile safari or a fly-in safari. There are several campsites in the park, and one lodge.

Flying by chartered plane from Maun or Kasane, or from any safari camp to the airstrip of the only lodge in the park, is the easiest way to get here.

Domestic Flights

Tour operators usually book charter flights between parks as part of the tour package. There are no scheduled flights to Nxai Pan.

Safety

It’s very rare for a visitor to Botswana to experience crime – especially in the parks and reserves, such as Nxai Pan. It’s a safe African destination to visit, in our opinion.

Nxai Pan NP is often visited on a mobile or self-drive safari, but visitors need to be very careful in the wet season because roads can become treacherous.

Vaccinations are necessary for a visit to Botswana, so seek advice from your travel clinic or local doctor. Nxai Pan lies in a high-risk malaria zone, and the risk is highest in the rainy season. Taking antimalarial medication is recommended. Other safety measures that can be taken include applying insect repellent (that contains at least 30% DEET) and covering up in the evening.

Botswana is in our opinion a very safe and politically stable country. If you are traveling on an organized trip and staying at lodges and camps, safety problems are very rare. As is the case all over the world, most crime occurs in the cities, and basic safety precautions (such as locking away your valuables at your accommodation) is advisable.

Below are tips on staying safe in Botswana.

Staying Safe on Wildlife Viewing Activities

To stay safe on safari, just follow your safari guide’s instructions. When on a self-drive safari, get familiar with the rules of the parks and reserves, never approach animals too close and don’t leave your car outside designated safe areas. For additional tips:

• Wildlife Viewing Safety Precautions

Staying Safe in Cities and Towns

Although crime is rare in Botswana, there are incidents of petty theft and pickpocketing in the cities. You are mostly sheltered from any risk on guided activities. When going out in the city unguided, you can easily avoid problems by following simple safety precautions: seek advice from your hotel before heading out; only take the money you need with you and never wear any valuables; take a taxi after dark. For more safety tips that apply to African cities in general:

• Cities & Urban Areas: Safety Precautions

Other Tips on Staying Safe

Please read the pages below regarding malaria and vaccination information for Botswana and general travel safety precautions.

• Botswana: Malaria & Vaccinations

• General Travel Safety Precautions

Malaria & Vaccinations – Botswana

The information on this page is just a brief guide and should not be used to replace a consultation with your travel doctor. The government organizations and travel clinics below are trusted resources for complete and up-to-date info regarding travelers' health in Botswana.

Malaria Risk

High risk in central and northern Botswana and low risk in the rest of the country. The highest risk of transition is in the rainy season, from November to June.

Wildlife viewing is generally very safe in our opinion. A professional guide will ensure your safety on a guided safari. Self-drive safaris are safe as well, as long as you treat animals with respect and follow all park rules. It is extremely rare for incidents to occur. Below are some general safety guidelines and tips.

Always follow your guide’s instructions and guidelines
Always keep your voice down when close to animals
Stay in the car during game drives except at designated areas where you are allowed to get out
Don't stand up in the car, hang out of the window or sit on the roof
Don’t drive too close to animals if you are on a self-drive safari and back off if the animals seem disturbed
Don’t drive between elephants in a herd, especially females and their young
Stay together as a group close to your guide on a walking safari and always walk in single file
Never run or jog in a wildlife area as it entices predators to attack
Never walk between a hippo and water; it may panic and charge because its safety route to the water is blocked
Never leave food in your tent; it will attract wildlife
Cover your arms and legs in the evening and use insect repellent to protect against mosquitoes
Wear a hat, use sunscreen and drink plenty of water
Don't wear bright and colorful clothes or too much perfume – especially on walking safaris
In tsetse-fly areas it is recommended not to wear dark-colored clothing – such as black or dark blue – since it attracts these stinging flies
Bring warm clothes for morning game drives in open vehicles

African safaris are generally safe in our opinion. Especially if your visit is primarily an organized tour. Your tour operator and guide will ensure your safety at all times. Self-drive safaris are generally safe as well, but it is recommended to seek advice about the safety of the areas you intend to visit. Below are some general safety tips:

Buy good travel and health insurance
Check the passport and visa requirements for your destination
Get all the required vaccinations, antimalarial medication and insect repellent (those containing DEET are most effective)
Lock all your travel bags and keep all valuables in your hand luggage
Make duplicates of important travel documents or keep copies online
Bring appropriate clothing to protect against the sun, mosquitoes and to stay warm on open vehicle game drives
Check luggage restrictions on all your flights (including domestic flights)
Don't drive at night
Put your valuables in the safety deposit box of the hotel
Always be polite and respectful to police officers and military personnel. In the rare instance that you might get asked for a bribe (on a self-drive safari only), a light attitude and a joke might well get you off the hook.

Travel in Africa is generally safe in our opinion. Especially if on an organized tour or safari. However, as is the case all over the world, there is an increased risk of crime in large cities and urban areas. Visitors on guided activities are mostly shielded from these risks and their guide will ensure their safety. When unguided, normal safety precautions and common sense should keep you safe. Below are some general tips:

Ask at your hotel if it is safe to walk around the local area; when new in a place it’s always good to seek local advice on safety issues
Don’t wear jewelry when walking in cities and leave all valuables in a safety deposit box at your hotel
Avoid walking alone in a large, unfamiliar city
Don’t walk around at night; take a taxi
Avoid getting engaged with people approaching you in the street
Be careful when drawing money from an ATM; go elsewhere if you suspect people hanging around
Always lock your car doors and close windows when driving in busy towns
Never leave a car unattended with valuables or luggage visible