Nxai Pan National Park, set on the northern fringe of the Makgadikgadi basin, includes several larger pans – Nxai Pan itself, Kgama-Kgama Pan and Kudiakam which were once ancient salt lakes. These larger pans are now grassed and scattered with islands of acacia trees.
At roughly 2,580 square kilometres this incredible destination offers stark contrasts between its dry and wet seasons. Once the rains start, Nxai Pan becomes a breeding ground for large herds of zebra, wildebeest, gemsbok, eland, etc., making it an important nature reserve for any African wildlife enthusiast.
During the dry season, visitors to the Nxai Pan National Park will be treated to sightings of wildebeest, springbok, impala, gemsbok, hartebeest, giraffe, lion, cheetah, wild dog, brown hyena, bat-eared fox, elephant, etc.
Nxai Pan also has great bird watching opportunities, especially in the wet months. There are many raptors in the area and Kori bustards, Korhanns and Red necked falcons can all be spotted. Once the pans fill up after the rains – there is a huge influx of Flamingo.
Nxai Pan is one of the best places in Botswana for excellent cheetah sightings. The flat expansive landscape is perfectly suited to these swift animals which can outrun any prey in these conditions. There are regular good sightings all year around, but cheetah activity also reaches a peak during the green season.
