Nxai Pan National Park is the most approachable part of the Makgadikgadi complex, which is both its attraction and its warning: approachable here still means a long drive on sand. The Botswana Tourism Organisation says the park covers 2,100 square kilometres and lies about 50 kilometres off the Nata to Maun road. It contains several larger pans, including Nxai Pan, Kgama-Kgama Pan and Kudiakam Pan, all of them ancient salt lakes. Kudiakam is now grassed and scattered with islands of acacia trees, a soft and golden landscape that photographs beautifully in morning and evening light. Wildlife viewing here is seasonal and depends on rainfall and animal movements. Artificial watering points supplement the natural water and attract wildlife in the dry months, and smaller pans fill in the rainy season. Commonly seen species include zebra, wildebeest, springbok, impala, gemsbok, hartebeest and giraffe, with lion, cheetah, wild dog, brown hyena and bat-eared fox among the predators. Elephant and buffalo are sometimes seen. Check with your operator what is accessible on your dates, because conditions change with the rains.
Seasons and sightings
The tourism board suggests December to April as the best time to visit if the rains are good. The pans hold water, the grass is green, and thousands of flamingos, pelicans, ducks and geese can gather. Large herds of zebra and wildebeest are often drawn to the plains in this period, and the predators follow them.
In the dry months the park is quieter and the animals concentrate at the artificial water points, which can give very good viewing for patient visitors. Heat can be intense in the middle of the day, so most drives happen early and late, with a long rest in the middle.
Nata Sanctuary
On the road to the park, Nata Sanctuary is a 250 square kilometre area of grassland and pans that offers easy access to the pans, an elevated viewing hide with a wide panorama and camping facilities the board describes as pleasant and reasonably priced. It is Botswana's first community-based conservation project, managed and staffed by four local communities: Nata, Maphosa, Sepako and Manxotae.
About three thousand head of cattle belonging to those communities were moved voluntarily to create it, and it opened to the public in 1993. Tourism proceeds are shared between the four villages, so a visit directly supports community development. In a good year the birdlife is spectacular, especially flamingos on the water.
Planning from Maun
Nxai Pan is usually visited as part of a loop with the Makgadikgadi Pans or the Central Kalahari rather than as a stand-alone day trip. Maun operators offer camping and lodge-based itineraries that include Nxai Pan, often for two to four days, and some travellers drive themselves in a suitably equipped 4x4. The sand tracks need care, and wet-season mud can trap vehicles, so carry recovery gear and plenty of water, or go with a guide.
Check current access arrangements and camping rules before you travel, because conditions change with the rains. Bring binoculars, a long lens and warm layers for chilly dawns. If you want an easy pairing with the Delta, combine two nights here with a few days around Maun and you will see two utterly different faces of northern Botswana.
What to expect
The experience
A planning overview of a 2,100 square kilometre park of ancient salt lakes, with seasonal wildlife and the community-run Nata Sanctuary nearby.
Best time
December to April if the rains are good; the dry months for water-point game viewing.
How long
Two to three days, usually as part of a Makgadikgadi loop.
Tips
Check access and camping rules before you travel, carry recovery gear on sand and mud, and take binoculars for the birds.
Quick picks
- Best for
- Travellers who want a manageable taste of the Makgadikgadi with wildlife and birdlife.
- Families
- Good for adventurous families with older children; camping and long drives need planning.
- Couples
- Acacia islands and wide skies make good sunrise and sunset photography.
- Pair with
- Makgadikgadi Pans, the Central Kalahari and a Delta trip from Maun.
- Time needed
- Two to three days.
Good questions
Where is Nxai Pan National Park?+
It is part of the Makgadikgadi complex, about 50 kilometres off the Nata to Maun road, and covers 2,100 square kilometres.
What wildlife can I see?+
Zebra, wildebeest, springbok, impala, gemsbok, hartebeest and giraffe are common, with lion, cheetah, wild dog and brown hyena among the predators. Elephant and buffalo are sometimes seen.
When should I go?+
December to April if the rains are good, when the pans hold water and birds and herds gather.
What is Nata Sanctuary?+
A 250 square kilometre community-run sanctuary of grassland and pans with a viewing hide and camping. It was Botswana's first community-based conservation project.
Can I visit on a day trip from Maun?+
It is a long drive, so most visitors stay at least one or two nights and combine it with the Makgadikgadi Pans.
