Nxai Pan National Park

Nxai Pan National Park protects a vast salt pan that is part of the ancient Makgadikgadi lake system, contiguous with its larger neighbour, Makgadikgadi Pans National Park. Declared a game reserve in 1970 and upgraded to national park status in 1992, the park is best known for Baines' Baobabs — a cluster of millennia-old baobab trees painted by the artist-explorer Thomas Baines in 1862. The park spans a mix of open grassland, acacia woodland, and the stark white pan surface. Wildlife is abundant during the rainy season (December–April), when zebra, wildebeest, elephant, giraffe, lion, leopard, cheetah, and wild dog congregate on the seasonal grass.

By Plane

Maun Airport (MUB IATA) is the nearest major airport, about 150 km west. Charter flights can land at the park's airstrip. Letlhakane Airport also offers domestic connections.

By Car / Road

From Maun, drive east on the A3 highway, then north on gravel tracks to the park entrance (about 2.5 hours). From Gaborone, take the A1 north to Palapye, then the A3 west to the park turn-off (about 7 hours total). A 4×4 is mandatory. A campsite reservation is required for entry.

By 4×4 vehicle on sandy tracks. The park is smaller than its neighbour Makgadikgadi, making day trips from Maun or Gweta feasible. Self-drive requires a GPS — tracks are unmarked and can be confusing after rain. Organised tours are recommended for first-time visitors.

• Baines' Baobabs — a cluster of seven ancient baobabs dramatically silhouetted against the salt pan; one of Botswana's most photographed landmarks.

• Nxai Pan — the main salt pan, a vast white expanse that floods after heavy rain, attracting flamingos and waterbirds.

• Game-viewing loop — the main track circles the pan's edge, passing waterholes where elephant, zebra, and giraffe gather.

• Game drives — the park has excellent dry-season game viewing, with lion, cheetah, wild dog, and abundant plains game.

• Photography at Baines' Baobabs — sunrise and sunset are the best times for capturing the baobabs against the changing light.

• Birdwatching — over 200 species including ostrich, kori bustard, bateleur eagle, and migratory waterfowl.

• Stargazing — the pan's flat horizon offers exceptional night-sky views.

Self-catering is required at the campsites. Safari camps and organised tours provide full-board meals. Bring cooking equipment and sufficient food for your stay.

Bring all drinking water. There are no facilities inside the park. Safari operators provide drinks on full-board packages.

• Budget: Nxai Pan Campsite — basic designated camping with pit toilets; book through DWNP in Gaborone or Maun, P100–200 per person per night.

• Makgadikgadi Pans National Park — adjacent to the south, with similar stark landscapes, zebra migrations, and Kumaga Camp.
• Gweta — 50 km west, gateway village with budget accommodation, quad-biking, and meerkat tours.
• Maun — 150 km west, the safari capital and launch point for Okavango Delta trips.