Nxai Pan

North of the Makgadikgadi Pans National Park lies the Nxai Pans National Park separated only by the road which connects Nata and Maun. The Nxai Pans National Park is situated on the migration route of large animal herds moving between the Okavango Delta, the Hwange National Park in Zimbabwe and the grasslands in and aroud the Magkgadikgadi Pans National Park.

Wildlife viewing is seasonal and dependent on the rains and animal migration. December to April is the best time to visit if rains are good. However, several artificial watering points supplement natural features and attract some wildlife. Common species to be sighted are zebra, wildebeest, springbok, impala, gemsbok, hartebeest, giraffe, lion, cheetah, wild dog, brown hyena, bat-eared fox, and sometimes elephant and buffalo.

At the onset of the rains usually in late November, wildlife migrations occur with Elephant, Gemsbok and thousands of Zebra arriving. Many have their young at this time in particular the Springbok and Zebra - a game viewing feature. The Wet Season in Nxai Pan National Park is a spectacular time, bringing a lush transformation and a celebration of life.

Nxai Pan National Park adjoins the Makgadikgadi Pans National Park on the northern border and can be reached on the Maun-Nata road by means of a modest turnoff. This leads onto a deeply sandy track travelling 37km (23 miles) to the main entrance (4x4 vehicles only). From Maun it is 136km (85 miles) travelling east to the turnoff. From Gweta it is 65km (40 miles) travelling west to the turnoff. Road conditions in the Nxai Pan National Park can be difficult during heavy rains.

It is most unusual to see Baobab trees growing close to each other, let alone seven in a cluster. The Seven Sisters, as they are also known, occupy a spot on the edge of the Kudiakam Pan, Nxai Pan National Park, this pan is waterless most of the year except between December and March when the rains create a shallow lake and water lilies rise to the surface. Water birds are in their element and visitors can witness the stunning transformation.

See Destination Tsodilio Hills