An Untamed Safari in the Makgadikgadi

Discover the only permanent camp within Nxai Pan National Park, an extraordinary landscape of salt pans, open grasslands and ancient baobabs. Nxai Pan Camp is perfectly positioned for experiencing the spectacular zebra migration, exploring the legendary Baines’ Baobabs and discovering the enduring traditions and knowledge of the San people.

Nxai Pan Highlights

• Witness the Zebra Migration: From December to March, summer rains transform the plains into vibrant grasslands, drawing thousands of zebra on one of Africa’s great wildlife migrations.
• Explore Baines’ Baobabs: Visit the remarkable island of ancient baobabs rising from the surrounding salt pans and discover the history associated with 19th-century explorer David Livingstone.
• Watch elephants gather: Follow the seemingly endless procession of elephants as they make their way to the camp’s waterholes.
• Discover San traditions: Join guided walks with local Bushmen and learn about generations-old survival techniques, medicinal plants and traditional knowledge, including the fascinating concept of the “Soulful Five”.

The Nxai Pan Story

Nxai Pan Camp is the sole permanent camp inside Nxai Pan National Park, a remarkable wilderness known for its seasonal zebra migration, ancient baobabs and vast landscapes where silence dominates.

During the dry season, the stark plains are crossed by gemsbok and springbok, while elephants make regular journeys to the waterholes. With the arrival of summer rains, the landscape undergoes a dramatic transformation. Green grasslands emerge and attract thousands of zebra, followed by predators taking advantage of the abundance.

The region was once part of the enormous Superlake Makgadikgadi, an ancient inland sea that disappeared thousands of years ago. What remains is a fascinating landscape of salt flats, grasslands and traces of an extraordinary geological past. Desert guides and trackers offer insight into the stories and secrets preserved across this ancient terrain.

A visit to the iconic Baines’ Baobabs offers another journey into the past. The towering trees stand on what was once the shoreline of the great inland lake. Painted by artist and explorer Thomas Baines in 1862, these ancient trees remain remarkably unchanged, offering a powerful connection to the explorers and landscapes of centuries gone by.

Activities

Explore the fossilised salt pans in search of wildlife, discover traditional San survival techniques or venture to Kudiakam Salt Pan and its island of ancient baobabs. Guests can also enjoy a picnic lunch surrounded by this extraordinary scenery.

Activities operate according to national park opening hours, and off-road driving is not permitted.

• Bushman walks
• Game drives
• Visits to Baines’ Baobabs
• Helicopter safaris.

The Camp

Inspired by the soft, pale tones of the surrounding salt pans, Nxai Pan Camp features an airy, open-plan design with a relaxed and harmonious feel. An elevated viewing deck offers uninterrupted views towards the waterhole, where wildlife gathers throughout the year.

Facilities

• Spacious open-sided dining, lounge and bar areas beneath canvas roofing
• Sandy firepit area
• Swimming pool overlooking the waterhole
• Safari shop
• Complimentary laundry service
• Solar power with generator backup
• Limited Wi-Fi connectivity.

Accommodation

Designed to maximise views across the surrounding plains while maintaining privacy, the spacious thatched suites are filled with natural light and offer a peaceful retreat after a day of exploration.

The eight Suites and one Family Suite each include:

• Private viewing deck with outdoor seating and direct waterhole views
• Spacious lounge with armchairs
• Ceiling fan
• Tea and coffee facilities
• International charging points
• Writing desk
• Open hanging space and clothing shelves
• En-suite bathroom
• Indoor and outdoor showers
• Flushing toilet and double vanity
• Gowns
• Hot and cold running water.

Location

Nxai Pan Camp is located within Nxai Pan National Park, part of the immense and otherworldly Makgadikgadi Salt Pan system in Botswana.

The Nxai Pan airstrip is approximately a 15-minute drive from camp. Light-aircraft flights take around 40 minutes from Maun and approximately one hour from Kasane. For self-drive travellers, the journey from Maun takes around three hours by 4WD, with transfers also available from the park gate.