Nxai Pan National Park
Nxai Pan National Park, well known for its huge giraffe and Springbok population, covers over 810 square miles (2100 km2) and is located north of the Maun-Nata road in Northern Botswana.
The Nxai Pan is a fossil lake bed about 15 square miles (40 km2) in size; it is covered with grass during the rains. The landscape is dotted with trees. Kgama-Kgama Pan is second to Nxai Pan in size.
In addition to Southern giraffe, wildlife includes gems-bok, eland, greater kudu, blue wildebeest, red hartebeest, springbok, steenbok, brown and spotted hyena, cheetah, and other predators.
During the rains, elephant and buffalo may also be seen. After the rains have fallen, game viewing can be excellent (i.e., December-April). Birdlife is excellent during the rains.
Baines’ Baobabs, situated in the park not far from the Maun-Nata road, were immortalized by the famous painter Thomas Baines in 1862. His painting, entitled “The Sleeping Five,” is of the five baobabs, one of which is growing on its side. Seldom are baobab trees found growing so closely together. Baines’ Baobabs were later painted by Prince Charles.
This park is seldom visited by international travelers as there are no permanent fully catered camps. A four-wheel-drive vehicle is necessary.
Accommodation:
Camping:
Related Information
Makgadikgadi Pans Game Reserve
Makgadikgadi Pans Game Reserve Makgadikgadi Pans Game Reserve includes a portion of the 4600-square-mile (12,000 km2) Makgadikgadi Pans, which are the size of Portugal. The pans are nearly devoid of human habitation and give one a true feeling of isolation. Once one of the world's largest prehistoric lakes, the Makgadikgadi Pans are salt plains covered with grasslands and isolated "land islands" of vegetation, baobab and palm trees. The reserve itself covers about 1550 square miles (3900 km2) and is located south of the Maun-Nata road in northern Botswana, and borders Nxai Pan National Park to the north. Large herds of blue wildebeest, zebra,