Nxai Pan National Park : Nxai Pans was designated as a game reserve in 1970, having formerly been government land. However, it wasn’t until 1992 that it expanded its borders to reach its current size of 2,578 square kilometres and achieved national park status. The expanse of grassy plains is dotted with acacia ‘islands’ that offer shade to a variety of species. Nxai Pan spans around 40 square kilometres; it is a fossil lakebed that was formerly part of the vast Makgadikgadi super-lake, characterized by fertile clay-like soils and dense sand dunes along its edges. Located approximately 30 kilometres from the park’s entrance, Baines Baobabs is a site where the renowned 19th Century explorer Thomas Baines once stood to capture the landscape through his paintings.
Encircled by and gazing over the rugged white Kudiakan Pan, the seven grand, twisted baobabs appear to be untouched when compared to Baines’s painting. The park is home to lion, giraffe, kudu, ostrich, and jackal, typically residing near the large waterhole. Interestingly, both springbok, which are plentiful, and impala coexist in this area, despite their typical preferences for different habitats. One may spot large herds of zebra, wildebeest, gemsbok, and eland, along with more unusual animals like the bat-eared fox, hartebeest, brown hyena, and even cheetah.
What to do in Nxai Pan National Park
Go for a cultural walk around the park
Cultural walks around Nxai Pan National Park will guide you to the Bushmen, also known as the San, who are thought to be the original inhabitants of Botswana. The Bush men will guide you through the various ways to thrive in semi-arid conditions, share insights into their cultural practices and traditions, lead you on a journey through the park while tracking animals, and instruct you on hunting techniques with their bows. The trip will focus on an academic exploration of one of the diverse cultures present in the country.
Explore the salt pans
The largest salt pans in the world can be found within Nxai Pan National Park. The salt pans present a stunning landscape, particularly in the wet season when they brim with water and a variety of wildlife, including hippos and numerous bird species.
However, be aware that accessing the salt pans can be quite challenging during this time, as they are often flooded, especially if you are driving. The dry season offers an excellent opportunity to explore the salt pans, but be prepared for the afternoon heat. It is advisable to time your visit and consider going during the morning hours or in the evenings, particularly if you are simply walking to the Pans.
Boat excursions
Boat cruises in Nxai Pan National Park typically occur in the wetlands surrounding the park and along the Okavango River. Here, you will closely observe the bird life that inhabits the swamps, the abundant aquatic life, and enjoy fishing, all while navigating in a Mokoro, a canoe handcrafted by locals from wood. Occasionally, boats are available for a small fee, allowing you to explore Nxai Pan National Park by water and access areas of the park that are invisible by van.
Birdwatching
Nxai Pan National Park is home to numerous bird species that inhabit the salt pans, particularly during the wet season when they are abundant with water. Approximately 220 bird species have been recorded in this area. Birding in the Pans can be enjoyed while cruising on a boat, riding a Mokoro, walking within the park, and during game drives. In Nxai Pan, one can readily observe various bird species, including the saddle-billed stork, ostriches, pin-tailed whydahs, black bustards, Egyptian geese, yellow-billed ducks, red-billed francolins, red-eyed doves, and numerous other species.
Game viewing
Game drives through Nxai Pan National Park primarily occur during the wet season, when the grass is abundant and animals have ample food, facilitating the spotting of various species roaming the park. The wet season is initially felt between November and December, when the rains flood the salt pans with water, transforming the entire area into a lush green safari paradise. During game drives, you can encounter a variety of animals such as lions, giraffes, elephants, buffalos, bat-eared foxes, black jackals, impalas, wildebeests, springboks, cheetahs, zebras, gemsboks, kudus, ostriches, and wild dogs. These animals are often seen at the water holes, where they typically gather in groups. An experienced tour guide and a four-wheel drive vehicle are essential for navigating the park, given the poor condition of the roads.
Photography excursions
A safari through Nxai Pan National Park captured through the lens is an experience you won’t want to miss at least once in your lifetime, as nothing compares to still photos that preserve the memories created in the National Park.
All you need is a camera and the necessary equipment, and if you don’t own one, there are always cameras available for hire. Photo safaris primarily occur in the mornings and evenings, taking advantage of the lighting. Some of the tourist attractions you can capture include animals, the landscape, and various bird species.
Night game drives
Night drives in Nxai Pan National Park are permitted, providing a unique opportunity to observe many nocturnal animals, particularly the cats that hunt after dark. Some birds are active at night, and unlike daytime game drives, it’s essential to bring warm clothing since the temperatures drop significantly after sunset.
Enjoy the annual Zebra migration
The Nxai Pan National Park hosts the second largest annual migration of zebras, typically occurring between November and December. During these months, many of the animals residing in the park engage in breeding. For those eager to witness young animals, this period offers the best opportunity. With the presence of numerous naive young creatures, predator animals are often nearby, positioned to hunt.
Bush walks through the park
Bush walks through Nxai Pan National Park with a tour guide along the dusty, narrow paths adorned with grass and trees, offering tourists a taste of the wild in Botswana. This immersive experience allows visitors to observe various animals and birds up close. Trackers will accompany you, ensuring you steer clear of dangerous animals while still observing them discreetly. During the bush walks guided by the San, you will have the opportunity to delve deeper into the culture of the Bush men, exploring their history and way of life.
If fortune smiles upon you, they may also demonstrate their hunting skills. There is certainly no more enjoyable way to experience nature than while absorbing a touch of history.
