Camp Douglas Officers Club | Douglas

Nxai Pan National Park is a protected area located in the Central Kalahari region of Botswana, north of the main Maun-Nata road.

Visual Characteristics

The park consists primarily of large, flat salt pans, interspersed with acacia woodlands and grasslands. During the dry season, the pans are barren salt crusts. Following rains, vegetation emerges, attracting wildlife. The landscape is generally flat with minimal elevation changes.

Location & Access Logistics

Nxai Pan National Park is situated approximately 150 kilometers north of Maun. Access is via a dirt track originating from the main Maun-Nata road (A3). The turn-off is clearly marked. The park entrance is approximately 30 kilometers from the main road. A 4x4 vehicle is recommended, especially during the wet season, due to sandy conditions. There is no public transport directly to the park. Limited parking is available at the main campsite and waterholes.

Historical & Ecological Origin

Nxai Pan is part of a larger ancient lake system that once covered much of the Kalahari. The pans themselves are remnants of these prehistoric lakes, formed by geological processes over millennia. The area is classified as a semi-arid savanna ecosystem.

Key Highlights & Activities

Wildlife viewing is the primary activity. Specific areas of interest include Baines' Baobabs, a cluster of seven large baobab trees. Game drives are conducted on designated tracks. Birdwatching is also a significant activity, particularly during the wet season when migratory birds are present. Photography opportunities are concentrated around waterholes and the baobab trees.

Infrastructure & Amenities

Basic facilities are available at the main campsite, including pit toilets and designated camping areas. There are no permanent food vendors within the park. Cell phone signal is unreliable and generally absent throughout most of the park.

Best Time to Visit

The best time for wildlife viewing is during the dry season, from May to October, when animals congregate around the few remaining water sources. The wet season, from November to April, brings lush vegetation and migratory birds, but can make some tracks impassable. The best time of day for photography is generally early morning and late afternoon due to softer light.

Facts & Legends

The Baines' Baobabs are named after the artist and explorer Thomas Baines, who sketched them in 1862. A specific tip for visitors is to carry sufficient water and fuel, as services are non-existent within the park boundaries.

Nearby Landmarks

• Makgadikgadi Pans National Park (15km Southeast)
• Kubu Island (40km East)
• Central Kalahari Game Reserve (50km Southwest)
• Moremi Game Reserve (100km West)