Plizio Visual Lab

Nxai Pan National Park

Plizio editorial teamUpdated: Jun 2026Data Sources

Animal habitat

Weather…

Nxai Pan National Park in northern Botswana is part of the vast Makgadikgadi salt pan complex and has a surreal landscape of fossilized lake beds and short-grass plains. The park's centerpiece is Nxai Pan, a former prehistoric lake bed now covered in nutrient-rich grasses that attract thousands of zebras and wildebeests during the annual migration. A significant historical feature within the park is 'Baines' Baobabs,' a cluster of seven massive trees immortalized by the explorer and painter Thomas Baines in 1862, which look remarkably similar today. Unlike many other parks in Botswana, Nxai Pan provides a unique opportunity to witness desert-adapted species like springbok and brown hyenas alongside more traditional savanna wildlife. The rainy season, occurring from December to March, transforms the parched pans into a lush paradise for migratory birds and predators. The climate is semi-arid with high diurnal temperature variations, dictating the resilient survival strategies of the local flora and fauna.

Location: Botswana
Top sights: waterhole · Waterhole #2 · waterhole #1

Best time to visit & climate

The most pleasant time to visit is May, Jun, Aug.

	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec
Avg °C	27	27	26	24	21	18	17	20	25	28	29	28
Rain mm	118	105	67	25	3	4	0	0	4	20	54	111

📋 Practical info

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Best season

The best time for Nxai Pan National Park is the green season from November to March, when after rains the plain turns green and attracts many animals. In the dry season from April to October, water sources are scarce and animals concentrate there.

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Best time of day

Morning hours just after sunrise are good, when predators are on the move after hunting. Late afternoon, when temperatures drop, herbivores become more active again and are easier to observe.

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Etiquette

Always stay in your vehicle, as wild animals can be unpredictable and the flat landscape provides little cover. Do not feed animals and keep distance from elephants and lions - at least 50 metres, more if possible.

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What to bring

Good binoculars and a camera with a telephoto lens are essential to photograph animals from a safe distance. Sun hat, sunscreen and plenty of water are vital, as there is little shade outside the vehicle on the open plain.

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Getting there

Nxai Pan National Park is located in Botswana, about 30 kilometres south of Makgadikgadi Pans National Park. Access is via the A3 highway, which passes through the park - a four-wheel-drive vehicle is required.

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What to expect

The flat, vast plain may seem empty at first - patience is key, as animals often appear on the horizon. Give yourself at least half a day to explore different areas and enjoy the silence of the pan.

Geography

Coordinates

-19.91000, 24.83000

Facts

The park was established in 1992 and covers 2,100 square kilometers.
Nxai Pan was once part of the massive prehistoric Lake Makgadikgadi.
Baines' Baobabs are estimated to be over 1,000 years old.
The park hosts the longest documented zebra migration in Africa.
It is a reliable location for spotting the elusive brown hyena.
The only permanent water source is an artificial waterhole for wildlife.

Explore nearby

Notable places around

Makgadikgadi Zebra Migration60 km · WExplore →

Makgadikgadi Pans62 km · WExplore →

Boteti River85 km · SWExplore →

Mababe Depression108 km · SEExplore →

Boteti River Region134 km · WExplore →

Boteti River Birdwatching137 km · WExplore →

Kubu Island148 km · NWExplore →

Route planner — Car & Motorhome

Where do you start? We build the route here, with stops and country notes along the way.

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Overnight stops

Vehicle

Only stops with (optional): 💧 Water ♻️ Disposal 🔌 Power 🚻 Toilets 🚿 Shower

Sights in the town Nxai Pan National Park (3)

waterhole 🌿 nature

A vital viewing spot in the Nxai Pan where desert-adapted wildlife gather to drink.

Waterhole #2 🌿 nature

An essential watering point for elephants and lions roaming the Nxai Pan.

waterhole #1 🌿 nature

A critical water source viewpoint in the arid national park landscape, excellent for game viewing.

Sights nearby

Frequently asked questions

What are Baines' Baobabs?

A group of seven giant, ancient baobab trees made famous by Thomas Baines' 1862 paintings.

What animals can be seen in Nxai Pan?

Springbok, giraffes, and large zebra herds during the rainy season.

When is the zebra migration?

Usually between December and March when the rains fill the pans.

Are there waterholes there?

Yes, there are artificial waterholes that attract animals year-round.

Are the roads in the park navigable?

Deep sand makes a 4x4 vehicle absolutely necessary for all visitors.

Nxai Pan National Park: where is it located?

Nxai Pan National Park is located in Botswana.

Nxai Pan National Park: what is there to see?

Highlights include waterhole, Waterhole #2, waterhole #1.

Nxai Pan National Park: when is the best time to visit?

The most pleasant time to visit is May, Jun, Aug.

Nxai Pan National Park: why is it worth visiting?

Nxai Pan National Park in northern Botswana is part of the vast Makgadikgadi salt pan complex and has a surreal landscape of fossilized lake beds and short-grass plains.

View on map → The Top 50 Attractions → OpenStreetMap →