BOTSWANA - Nxai Pan Camp, Kalahari

Nxai Pan National Park lies just north of the Maun-Nata road and adjoins Makgadikgadi Pans National Park on its northern border. The park includes Baines' Baobabs which are located on the southern side of the Park.

The Pan itself is another fossil lakebed about 25 sq miles in size. The landscape is largely covered by grassland and dotted with clusters of acacia trees and mopane woodland in the north. The pans become covered in grass during the rains from November to April.

Nxai Pan has also achieved fame from the IMAX movie “Roar” – where Tim Liversedge and National Geographic filmed the epic documentary that showcases a battle between an aging male lion and a young challenger.

ACCOMMODATION:

Nxai Pan Camp is comprised of 8 purpose built desert rooms – all with thatched roofs for insulation in the summer months and warmth in winter. There are fans in the rooms and all areas are connected by low raised walkways. The main area includes a dining room, lounge area and a viewing deck. There is a swimming pool, library and a curio shop.

ACTIVITIES AND WILDLIFE:

- Guided wildlife excursions in 4x4 vehicles and on foot

- Visit Baines' Baobabs, which were immortalised in paintings by the artist and adventurer Thomas Baines in 1862.

As Nxai Pan Camp is located within the Park, no night or off-road driving is allowed.

Nxai pan is well known for its huge springbok population. When the rains arrive, gemsbok, elephant and zebras migrate to the region. The zebra herds are comprised of thousands and they come to Nxai Pan to give birth to their young. Extraordinarily large journeys of giraffe can be seen here too.

The predators – lion, cheetah, jackal and both spotted hyena and the elusive brown hyena follow the herds. There are large numbers of bat-eared foxes and raptors that prey on the rodents and reptiles. Eland, greater Kudu and Red Hartebeest are also seen and with the rains come magnificent diversities of birds.