Nxai Pan is a salt pan in northern Botswana, part of the wider Makgadikgadi complex. It is a wide, open landscape of flat, pale ground, and a visit here is as much about space and light as it is about any single sight.
What to look for
- Ancient baobabs. The pan is known for its old baobab trees, the most famous of which are the Baines' Baobabs. They were painted by the explorer Thomas Baines in 1862, and they remain among the landmarks people come to see.
- Seasonal wildlife. In the rainy season the pan can fill into a shallow lake. At that time it draws large herds of zebra and wildebeest, and the predators that follow them.
- Open skies. The flat terrain and wide horizons give the landscape a dramatic quality, especially at dawn and dusk.
Because the animals gather around the water in the wet months, the timing of a trip shapes what you will see. The dry season offers a different kind of experience, with the pan at its most stark and the wildlife more spread out.
Planning a visit
Nxai Pan suits visitors who enjoy wide, quiet landscapes and slow game viewing rather than busy attractions. It sits within a remote part of the country, so it works best as a stop on a longer journey through northern Botswana. Check conditions and access before setting out, as tracks across the pan can change with the seasons.