Description
Nxai Pans and Baines Baobabs
Nxai Pans is a stunning area of vast open plains stretching towards infinity. Situated on the northern edge of the Makgadikgadi, it is fringed by Kalahari scrub with majestic Baobabs at the periphery. One of Botswana’s smallest National Parks, Nxai Pans is an amazing place.
Exceptional game viewing with most of the Big 5 as well as being able to see the rare spectacle of impala side by side with springbok. The mighty zebra migration moves through here from Linyanti, Chobe and Okavango during the rainy season. They head south to the Makgadikgadi because there is fresh grazing towards the edge of the salt pans.
Enjoy morning and afternoon game drives through this desolate area and discover an amazing array of animals that have adapted extremely well to their environment. Animals congregate at the waterholes for the precious water. Predators lurk for the prey that must drink. Spend a few hours or a full day watching and waiting for the action to begin.
Sleep out under the stars after your private chef has produced a delicious meal for you to enjoy. With four wheel drive vehicles there is no place we cannot go and explore. During the hotter parts of the day, a chair, book and shade are all you may need to relax. Elephant and Leopard have been known to wander through the campsites by day and night.
Read our Country Information for advice on travel to Botswana. Read our Country Information for travel advice to Zambia.
For more information on our 4X4 tours read our blog on Safari Questions. Read our safari story on why you should never shoot a lady…
Read more information about the Makgadikgadi Pans.
If you are looking for a great safari lodge in the deserts of Botswana then explore Kwando Nxai Pan or Kwando Tau Pan.
Getting There
Fly In
You can fly directly into Maun with either Botswana Airways or Airlink (South Africa).
On arrival in Maun a driver/guide will be waiting for you in arrivals, he will have a small board bearing your name.
Contact Us for travel advice.
Full Itinerary
Day 1 – Maun
On your arrival at Maun International Airport, Pierre will meet you off your aircraft and drive you the short distance to Maun Rest Camp set on the banks of the Thamalakane River. Here you can relax in the shade of a Real Fan palm tree while the team prepares the vehicles for the next days expedition. A scenic flight over the Okavango Delta is highly recommended, the perspective is fantastic and well worth it, we have included this in your tour cost. We will dine together as a group to get to know one another and for Pierre to explain the plan for the following day. (D)
Day 2 – South Camp
After a delicious breakfast overlooking the Thamalakane River we will do some last-minute shopping, departing Maun we head East towards Nata. After about an hours drive we will find the entrance to Nxai Pan National Park. Once park fees’ have been paid and all the formalities completed we will game drive to our first campsite for the evening. Set amongst trees there are hot and cold ablutions and elephants wandering through the campsite. Dinner will be a delicious meal around the camp fire. (BLD)
Day 3 & 4 – Nxai Pans
With a relaxed start to the day and a delicious breakfast we will spend some time doing a guided walk this morning with the guides. We will be looking for small animals and spoor from the late night visitors that prowl while we are all asleep. Once we are packed up and ready to move we will begin heading towards Khama Khama North East of our camp. This park is well known for its large herds of Zebra, wildlife sightings will certainly exceed your expectations! (BLD)
Day 5 – Baines Baobabs
Dating back to 1862 the baobabs are an exceptional sight at sunrise or sunset. Spending most of the day game driving through the acacia woodlands and short savannah grasses we will retire to Camp 1 for our first night amongst these ancient trees’. (BLD)
Day 6 – Baines Baobabs
Black Backed Jackal, Honey Badger, Bat Eared Foxes are just some of the smaller predators that will make early mornings one of the best times to be awake. As the sky lightens, the night sounds become tangible creatures still foraging for a meal. Jackal may howl but if you come across a Honey Badger its best to retreat rapidly. They’re known as the fiercest creatures in Africa! And for good reason, they will attack or challenge any animal of any size. (BLD)
Day 7 – Baines Baobabs
After so much discovering today we will have a more relaxed start and take some time to relax and enjoy ourselves as we spend a half day in the campsite. We will explore the many tracks in the park, visit the watering holes and so some walks. (BLD)
Day 8 – Maun
With another glorious sunrise over the pans with coffee and a delicious breakfast prepared by our private chef we slowly start packing up the camp while you relax in your chair, we will take care of it all! A morning game drive will see us exiting the park after lunch and arriving back in Maun in the late afternoon. A Meru tent has been booked for you, wifi is once again available and while we prepare your dinner you can get back in touch with loved ones and send them all the fantastic photographs. (BLD)
BLD – Breakfast, Lunch or Dinner
