Main image

Ralf Ellerich CC BY-SA 4.0 Wikimedia Commons

Nxai Pan National Park

National Park

In northeastern Botswana, Nxai Pan National Park contains salt pans framed by flat grassland and ancient baobabs; seasonal rains attract large herds and guided safari drives or walking safaris.

Nxai Pan National Park GaboroneOkavango DeltaChobe National ParkNxai Pan National Park
In this guide

Nxai Pan National Park essentials

Country: Botswana
Driest months: Jun-Aug
Pay in: Pula (P)
Language: English

Nxai Pan National Park at a Glance

About Nxai Pan National Park

Nxai Pan National Park is a protected area in central Botswana that forms part of the greater Makgadikgadi salt pan region. It is characterised by broad salt pans and sparse acacia and baobab stands.

The park’s main attractions are its open salt pans and wildlife concentrations that follow seasonal rains. Short grasslands around the pans sustain herds of zebra and other grazers which, together with predators and numerous waders and waterbirds, are the primary draw for game drives and birdwatching.

The area is part of the wider Makgadikgadi ecosystem and has been managed for wildlife conservation and tourism by Botswana authorities. Traditional land use and the seasonal rhythms of the pans continue to shape how the landscape is used.

The park sits within Botswana’s Central District in the Makgadikgadi region and is accessed from regional gateways such as Maun and Nata. The terrain is dominated by flat pans, surrounding grassland and scattered baobab trees.

  • Best time to visit: Seasonal rains transform the pans and attract large concentrations of grazing animals and waterbirds, while the dry season exposes the salt flats for walking and scenic drives.
  • Photo point: The cluster of baobabs near the pan is a popular sunset photography spot and one of the park’s most recognisable features.

What to See#

  • Nxai Pan: The central salt pan that gives the park its name; a broad flat pan of seasonal salt crust and clay, exposed in the dry season and often covered by shallow water after rains.
  • Baines’ Baobabs: A small cluster of large baobab trees on the western edge of the pans that is a well known photographic landmark and local navigation point.
When to Go

Best Time to Visit Nxai Pan National Park

The dry season (May-October) is usually the best time for game viewing in Nxai Pan National Park.

Dry season / Winter
May-Oct · 10-28°C (50-82°F)
Best wildlife viewing as animals concentrate around water sources and vegetation is lower.
Wet season / Summer
Nov-Apr · 20-35°C (68-95°F)
Hotter and greener; some species give birth in the early rains and birding is excellent, but roads can be difficult.

Weather & Climate near Nxai Pan National Park

Climate

Nxai Pan National Park's climate is classified as Hot Semi-Arid - Hot Semi-Arid climate with hot summers (peaking in October) and mild winters (coldest in July). Temperatures range from 9°C to 37°C. Semi-arid with limited rainfall with a pronounced dry season.

Air Quality: AQI 54 Moderate
Best Time to Visit
SeptemberMayJune
Temperature & Rainfall
Temperature Range
43°
Warmest Month
2°
Coldest Month
Monthly Conditions
Month Comfort Temp Feels Rain Sky Humidity Wind UV Daylight
January Very Good 20° - 33° 27° 108 mm partly cloudy 54% 2.4 m/s 3.0 extreme 13.1h
February Very Good 20° - 33° 27° 82 mm partly cloudy 57% 2.5 m/s 2.8 extreme 12.7h
March Excellent 19° - 33° 26° 54 mm some cloud 53% 2.4 m/s 2.5 extreme 12.1h
April Ideal 16° - 32° 24° 18 mm mostly sunny 46% 2.5 m/s 2.0 extreme 11.5h
May Ideal 12° - 31° 21° 3 mm clear 37% 2.3 m/s 1.6 very high 11.0h
June Ideal 9° - 28° 18° 0 mm clear 39% 2.4 m/s 1.2 high 10.8h
July Ideal 9° - 28° 18° 0 mm clear 37% 2.6 m/s 1.3 high 10.9h
August Ideal 11° - 31° 21° 0 mm clear 29% 2.8 m/s 1.6 very high 11.3h
September Ideal 16° - 35° 25° 4 mm clear 25% 3.3 m/s 1.9 very high 11.9h
October Ideal 20° - 37° 28° 19 mm mostly sunny 28% 3.3 m/s 2.3 extreme 12.4h
November Excellent 21° - 36° 28° 42 mm partly cloudy 39% 3.1 m/s 2.6 extreme 13.0h
December Very Good 20° - 34° 27° 67 mm partly cloudy 52% 2.7 m/s 2.8 extreme 13.2h
Getting There & Around

How to Get to Nxai Pan National Park

Access is usually by road from Maun or Nata, with 4x4 vehicles required for many routes; some lodges offer light aircraft charters. Travel times are weather-dependent and can be long on rough tracks.

Tips for Visiting Nxai Pan National Park

  • Visit during the dry season (May-Oct) for better game viewing and to see the pans as open grassland rather than floodplain.
  • Bring binoculars and a good zoom lens-Nxai Pan is known for wide plains where predators and migratory herds are seen at a distance.
  • Stay at lodges that offer guided drives and mokoro or walking safaris to get the best wildlife interpretation.