Established in the early 1970’s and extended in 1992 to include the land to the south adjoining what was Makgadikgadi Pans Game Reserve. This combined area, covering almost 7,500km2, was renamed Makgadikgadi and Nxai Pans National Park. The section of the park north of the Nata – Maun road includes Nxai Pan and Baines’ Baobabs and has good wildlife sightings particularly in the summer.
Nxai Pan is a grassy pan which, during the rains, attracts large herds of Wildebeest and Zebra on their migration from the Makgadikgadi Pans. Gemsbok and Springbok are also seen on the pan with Impala frequenting the pan fringes. Giraffe are common, sometimes in herds of 20 or more, and Elephant are attracted to the waterhole, particularly in the dry season. Predator sightings are good with Lion, Cheetah, Bat-eared Fox and Black-backed Jackal occurring in good numbers.
Bird watching is rewarding with numerous Pipits, Coursers and Larks seen as well as Kori Bustard, Redcrested & Black Korhaans and Secretarybird. Look out for raptors such as Dark Chanting Goshawk and Greater Kestrel which occur here.
