Visiting Nxai Pan & Baines Baobabs
Botswana’s Hidden Desert Gem
When most people think of a safari in Botswana, the Okavango Delta or Chobe National Park usually come to mind, but if you’re looking for something off-the-beaten-path, then Nxai Pan National Park and the famous Baines Baobabs are 100% worth the detour.
Getting there isn’t the easiest, but if the kind of silence that makes you hear your own heartbeat is your thing, it is worth it.
What (and Where) Is Nxai Pan?
Nxai Pan (pronounced “Nigh Pan”) is a national park in northeastern Botswana, just north of the more famous Makgadikgadi Pans. It’s part of the ancient salt flats that once formed a giant prehistoric lake, and it’s known for its massive open pans, iconic baobab trees, and seasonal wildlife migrations.
From Maun, it takes about 2.5–3 hours by 4WD to reach the park’s entrance. You’ll want a proper off-road vehicle, especially during or after the rainy season, when the roads can get pretty muddy and unpredictable.
Why You Should Go
Wildlife Without the Crowds
During the wet season (roughly December to April), lush grass covers the pans, drawing in herds of zebra, wildebeest, springbok, and oryx. And where prey goes, predators follow. Lions, cheetahs, and even leopards are known to pass through. Birdwatchers will love it too, this place is a seasonal haven for migratory birds.
The dry season, on the other hand, offers dramatic scenery and solitude. Fewer animals, but also fewer tourists. You might drive for hours without seeing another vehicle, which honestly feels like a luxury in itself.
The Landscapes Are Out of This World
Open plains that stretch endlessly, interrupted only by distant silhouettes of acacia trees and the occasional grazing animal. When you first arrive, you might even wonder where all the wildlife is—but give it time. Nxai Pan is quiet and slow, but that’s part of the magic.
Baines Baobabs: Ancient Giants Frozen in Time
A short drive south of the main pan takes you to Baines Baobabs, a group of seven monumental baobab trees named after British explorer and painter Thomas Baines, who painted them in 1862. The coolest part? The trees haven’t changed much since he painted them—like, at all.
It’s kind of wild to stand in front of something that’s been there for over a thousand years. Surrounded by white, cracked salt flats and total silence, these trees feel sacred. If you can, try to visit at sunrise or sunset—the light on the baobabs is next-level.
What You’ll Need to Know
Getting There
The park is accessible only by 4WD, and it’s recommended you travel with a second vehicle or with a guided tour, especially if you’re not an experienced off-roader.
From Maun, the drive to Nxai Pan’s South Gate is about 140–160 km, mostly on sandy or gravel roads.
Where to Stay
There’s a basic campsite near the baobabs and one near the main pan, run by the Department of Wildlife and National Parks (DWNP). They’re rustic—think pit latrines and no running water—so come prepared.
There are also luxury safari camps, like Nxai Pan Camp, if you want a more comfortable (and catered) experience.
Best Time to Visit
Rainy Season (Dec–April): Great for wildlife and green landscapes.
Dry Season (May–October): Hot, dry, and dusty—but fewer bugs and more accessible roads.
What to Pack
- Light, breathable clothes for the day
- A jacket or hoodie for chilly mornings and nights
- Tons of water, food, and fuel if you’re self-driving
- GPS or a reliable offline map
- Printed confirmations (you might not have any signal)
A Quick Word on Wildlife
Nxai Pan might not have the density of wildlife that Chobe or Moremi do, but its beauty lies in its rhythm. It’s peaceful, unpredictable, and wild in a way that feels untouched. If you’re lucky, you might spot a cheetah lounging on a termite mound, or a lion pride crossing the pan in the early morning light.
Are you ready to start discovering Botswana?
Here are the tours I did and personally recommend!
Are you ready to start discovering Botswana?
Here are the tours I did and personally recommend!
