Nxai Pan Camp has quietly become one of my go-to recommendations lately. I’ve always loved this camp, especially as the owner is one of my oldest friends. However, the heavy regional rainfall through 2025/2026 has pushed wildlife numbers up noticeably, and predator sightings out there have been pumping with lion and other cats working the plains around camp far more consistently than in drier years. Combined with the ancient baobabs and that particular stillness the pans are known for, it’s an underrated spot that I think doesn’t get enough credit next to the bigger Okavango names.
Located close to the Makgadikgadi Pans, Nxai Pan Lodge is the only permanent camp in the Nxai Pan National Park and is located on the western edge of the fossil pan from which it takes name, facing open grasslands. The biggest draw to the park are the zebras that migrate by the thousands to the area to drop their young – the second largest land animal migration in Southern Africa, during the summer after the rains have fallen. The pan is also known for its huge springbok population, wildebeest, elephants and large groups of giraffe. Activities include a day trip to Baines’ Baobabs, which have changed little in the 150 years since Thomas Baines immortalized them in his paintings. Another favourite is the bushman walk where guests learn how the San used to hunt, gather food and collect water.
The camps’ nine spacious tents all have a relaxed lounge area, indoor and outdoor showers and viewing deck which faces onto the waterhole. One room has an additional twin bedroom for family use. The camp has a plunge pool, and both bedrooms and the open-air lounge, dining area and bar are thatched to maintain a comfortable temperature year round.
Nxai Pan is located on the western edge of the fossil pan from which the camp takes its name. The camp faces east over the open grasslands of the pans. The biggest draw to Nxai Pan National Park are the zebras that migrate by the thousands to the area – the second largest land animal migration in Southern Africa.
The lodge belongs to the Kwando Safaris portfolio.
Day trips to Baines’ Baobabs are highly popular, and include a picnic lunch at the site. These age-old trees were immortalised in paintings by the artist and adventurer Thomas Baines in 1862. If you were to compare Baines’ paintings to the scene today, you would find that after 150 years, the trees are nearly identical – testament to the age of these magnificent giants.
Another classic activity at Nxai Pan is a walk with one of the San bushmen trackers, an informative walk that takes place within the camp’s footprint. Learn about how the San used to live nomadically: how they used to hunt, gather food, water sources, and which plants were used for medicinal purposes. Their wealth of true bush knowledge is unparalleled, and one of our guests’ favorite experiences at our desert camps.
Location
Quick Facts
- 9 luxury thatched tents, including one family tent for 4
- Only permanent camp in Nxai Pan National Park, run by Kwando Safaris; open year-round except June
- Activities: game drives, stargazing, day trips to Baines’ Baobabs, walks with San bushmen trackers
- Facilities: lounge, dining room, viewing deck, swimming pool, library, curio shop
- Park known for the December–March zebra/wildebeest migration and ancient baobabs
Personal Thoughts on Nxai Pan
Nxai Pan Lodge Layout
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