Nxai Pan National Park

Botswana, Africa

Nxai Pan National Park is a breathtaking expanse of arid beauty and dramatic landscapes, known for its striking salt pans and seasonal wildlife migrations. Visitors can witness a wealth of biodiversity, including elephants, lions, and the iconic springbok, especially during the rainy season. The park is also home to the historic Baines' Baobabs and offers stunning sunsets that are perfect for photography. Adventurers will find a unique and remote African wilderness that offers a genuine escape into nature.

Quick facts

Target stay

3-5 days

Type

Nature Reserve

Vibe

Active

Airport

Orapa

Known for

Beach

Hiking

Leisure

Wildlife

Best time to visit
Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec

7 Best Things to Do in Nxai Pan National Park

1

Est. 3 hrs

Year round

Family-friendly

Game Drives

Explore diverse wildlife on thrilling game drives.

Booking required
2

Est. 1 hr

Year round

Family-friendly

Kalahari Salt Pans

Witness stunning landscapes at Nxai Pan's salt flats.

No booking required
3

Est. 2 hrs

Seasonal

Family-friendly

Birdwatching

Spot unique bird species in their natural habitat.

No booking required
4

Est. 1.5 hrs

Year round

Family-friendly

Camping Under the Stars

Experience magical nights under the African sky.

Booking required
5

Est. 2 hrs

Year round

Family-friendly

Visit Baines Baobabs

See iconic baobab trees named after explorer Baines.

No booking required
6

Est. 3 hrs

Year round

Family-friendly

Photography Safaris

Capture breathtaking wildlife and landscapes.

Booking required
7

Est. 2 hrs

Year round

Family-friendly

Cultural Experiences

Engage with local communities and their traditions.

No booking required

Need to know, before you go

Country info

Tipping

Expected (~10%)

Tapwater

Not safe to drink

Safety

1 2 3 4 5

High

LGBTQ+ safety score

-4 (#84 globally)

Cost

Expensive

Currency

Pula

Majority religion

Christian

Language

Tswana

(50-80% speak English)

Best dishes to try

Seswaa

Shredded beef dish, slow-cooked. (National dish)

Pap

VE

Maize porridge, staple food in Botswana.

Morogo

VE

Wild spinach, often cooked with onions.

Vetkoek

Fried bread, often filled with meat or jam.

Ditloo

Traditional dish made from cow's intestines.

Phrases to learn

English

Tswana

Hello

Dumela

(Doo-meh-lah)

Yes/No

Ee / Nnyaa

(Eh / Nyaah)

Thank you

Ke a leboga

(Ke ah leh-boh-ha)

Excuse me

Ntshwarele

(N-tswah-reh-leh)

How much?

Ke bokae?

(Keh boh-kah-eh)