Attraction Guide: Nxai Pan National Park, Maun, Botswana

Nxai Pan National Park Guide

Witness the Great Zebra Migration at Nxai Pan Guide

Nxai Pan National Park, located a few hours drive from Maun, is a stunning landscape of vast salt pans and grasslands, offering a unique safari experience. Famous for its dramatic seasonal changes, the park transforms from a dry, arid expanse to a lush, green paradise during the rainy season, attracting a spectacular array of wildlife. It's a must-visit for those seeking a different perspective on Botswana's natural beauty. Nxai Pan is part of the larger Makgadikgadi Pans complex, one of the largest salt flats in the world. The area was once a vast lake that dried up thousands of years ago, leaving behind the expansive salt pans. The park is also home to the iconic Baines' Baobabs, a group of seven ancient baobab trees painted by the artist Thomas Baines in 1862, providing a historical landmark within the park. The primary activity in Nxai Pan is wildlife viewing. During the rainy season (November to April), the park comes alive with the great zebra migration, one of the largest animal migrations in Africa. You can also spot wildebeest, springbok, gemsbok, and predators such as lions, cheetahs, and wild dogs. Birdwatching is also excellent, with a variety of migratory and resident species. Game drives, guided walks, and camping are popular ways to experience the park. While there are no specific culinary traditions within the park itself, most safari operators provide meals as part of their tours.