Kwando Nxai Pan Camp

• Superb summer game-viewing at Nxai Pan from November to April
• Nxai Pan Camp has special desert-adapted rooms
• Witness the massive herds of zebra during the migration
• Enjoy game drives, nature walks and visits to the famous Baines Baobabs

Kwando Nxai Pan camp lies in the heart of Nxai Pan National Park to the north of its more famous sister the Makgadikgadi Pans. The Nxai Pans were once part of the great lake that covered the whole of central Botswana.

Game viewing

The Nxai Pan itself is a fossil lake bed about 40 sq km in size. During the summer rains from November to April - the pans become covered in nutritious grasses. Nxai Pan is known for its huge springbok population and once the rains begin, gemsbok, elephant and zebras migrate into the region. Thousands of zebras come to drop their young here. Extraordinarily large herds of giraffes - up to 30 in a group – are also seen. These large herds of zebras, springbok, and wildebeest attract many predators - lion, cheetah, jackal and both spotted and the more elusive brown hyena, as well as wild dog and the secretive leopard (rarely seen). There are also large numbers of bat-eared foxes and raptors around. Once the rains have started the bird life in the area is also excellent. Thus Nxai Pan is unusual in that the best time for game-viewing here is actually during, and just after, the summer rains from November onwards. (The dry season is typically the best time for game-viewing in the nearby Delta).

After summer, the game-viewing is less certain but the experienced guides are adapt at finding interest everywhere, showing you the desert-adapted wildlife and enjoying the magnificent landscapes of this wilderness area.

Accommodation at Kwando Nxai Pan Camp

The lodge faces east so that you can enjoy the rising sun over the reserve. Kwando Nxai Pan camp comprises nine purpose-built desert rooms connected to the lodge by raised walkways. Each room is en suite with an additional alfresco shower and a private viewing deck. The lodge is solar-powered with fans in all the rooms. (All rooms have thatched roofs and insulation to keep it cooler in the summer and warmer in the winter). The main area consists of a dining room, lounge area, library, curio shop and a viewing deck with swimming pool. One room is a family room sleeping 4 people. Families with children under 12 years are welcome at Kwando Nxai Pan camp, but you do need to take a private safari vehicle.

Activities include game drives in open 4 x 4 vehicles, nature walks and also historical tours to the famous Baines' Baobabs. In 1861 - the famous painter Thomas Baines arrived to paint an unusual group of baobab trees and since then these beautiful trees have been known as the 'Baines Baobabs'. These are located on the southern side of the park so this is a full day excursion (ideal if you are staying three nights during the summer months).

Please note: Nxai Pan National Park is an ecological sensitive area so no off-road driving or night drives are permitted.