Nxai Pan Camp
Nxai Pans, Makgadikgadi and the Kalahari, Botswana
At a Glance
Set right on the edge of the amazing Nxai Pan
Nine beautiful and spacious chalets spread out to either side of the main area
A permanent waterhole that attracts game all year round
Great game viewing from the comfort of your own room
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Best time to Visit
Good time to visit
Average time to visit
Botswana’s winter is May to October when the weather is hot during the day (not stiflingly hot) and cold at night. Botswana's summer months (November to April) can be hot and humid and there is a chance of rain. Botswana has one rainy season which runs between mid-December and runs through to mid-March.
Call us on 858 345 1761 to start planning your vacation to Nxai Pan Camp or take a look at our itineraries to Botswana
Description
Nxai Pan is situated on a fascinating fossil pan of the same name, overlooking beautiful grasslands so typical of this area. The game viewing is excellent, and the camp offers a true contrast to the Okavango Delta and other areas of Botswana.
Nxai Pan is the only permanent camp within Nxai Pan National Park and is situated right on the edge of the pan itself. When the rains start game flocks to this area and zebra in particular are present in their thousands and drop their young here which is amazing to witness. The camp itself has a water hole right in front of it that draws game in all year round. As well as incredible game drives and safari walks the camp also offers day trips to see the famous Baines' Baobabs and Khama Khama Pan so your days are never short of things to do.
The camp is built in a crescent shape with the whole of the front completely open to take advantage of the views. There are canvas blinds though that can be rolled down whenever the weather gets chilly and a wood viewing deck curves around an open firepit area which is perfect for guests enjoying sundowners before or after dinner. There is also a small plunge pool to relax in during the heat of the day and watch the action at the waterhole.
There are nine chalets spread out to either side of the main area and bar, each incredibly spacious and all linked to the main area by raised walkways. They all have their own viewing deck and en-suite bathroom as well as indoor and outdoor showers. There is also a family chalet with an additional bedroom.
Accommodation
8 one-bedroom chalets and 1 two-bedroom family chalet.
Childcare
Children of 6 years or more are welcome at Nxai Pan Camp but families are required to take a private vehicle on game drives.
Facilities
There is no mobile reception, direct phone, fax or internet. This is a real authentic safari camp that is not hampered by modern technology. Laundry service is provided though and there is a safe in each chalet.
Activities
Game Drives, Nature walks with Bushman trackers, star gazing, day trips to the famous Baines' Baobabs and Khama Khama Pan.
Reviews
Anna Hearn (Staff)
Nxai Pan Camp occupies a prime spot on the edge of the three gigantic salt pans which collectively make up the Makgadikgadi Pans; its a super little camp with a great watering hole in front; when we arrived there were no less than twenty elephant all gathered around drinking and jostling with each other. The camp itself feels very spacious and quite contemporary; cool whites and muted tones in the high-ceilinged main area lead out to a deck with a fire pit and a very refreshing plunge pool. All the rooms overlook the waterhole and at night this attracts a huge amout of elephants which can be heard trumpeting and rumbling as they drink. The focus here is on exploring the fascinating salt pans; created when the water which used to flow through Botswana was blocked, became a superlake and slowly dried up. The pans are a shimmering white with a delicate salt crust; exploring them is fascinating and dazzling. A trip to Baines Baobabs a stand of trees considered to be 5,000 years old is a real highlight; en route we were lucky enough to see three cheetah making a kill, and then a leopard quite rare in this area surveying his territory from a tall tree. Come here for the different wildlife you might see bat-eared fox, African wildcat, gemsbok and other desert species, and for the chance to explore a totally different part of Botswana, a real contrast to the lush green waterways of the Delta.
Experiences
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Game Drives in Botswana
Viewing wildlife from a vehicle is the best way to get up close to big game. Allow your professional safari guide to cover ground to guarantee you some unforgettable sightings in Africa's premier safari destination.
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Meerkats on the Makgadikgadi
Down in the Makgadikgadi Pans, and accessible from both Jack's and San Camp, is a very special, habituated clan of meerkats, which have been studied by scientists for years. Guests to Jack's and San are able to visit and observe quietly.
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Walking Safaris and Nature Walks
Walking in the African bush with a professional safari guide is a fantastic experience. Enjoy a completely different perspective on foot than from a vehicle.
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Walking with the Kalahari Bushmen
The San interpret the signs of the bush like no one else, all senses build a picture of their world. Beyond this, on the hunt, San tap into the spirit world, entering the minds of their quarry. This natural understanding has to be seen to be believed.
Vacation Ideas
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Imagine Botswana
Kalahari, Okavango Delta, Linyanti & Victoria Falls
from $8100 pp 10 nights
- Nxai Pan brings thousands of migratory plains game to the area, attracting predators such as cheetah and wild dog, making it a hive of activity.
- The Kwara Concession has a permanent waterway, meaning water-based activities can be enjoyed year-round.
- Float down the meandering, lush waterways of the Okavango Delta and spot little bee-eater birds flying past you.
Location & directions
Nxai Pans, Makgadikgadi and the Kalahari, Botswana
Situated in the Makgadikgadi Pans, an hour's charter flight from Maun.
- 24/7 concierge service
- 24/7 emergency assistance
- Firsthand knowledge
- Renowned service
- Award-winning tour operator