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Jonty

Eve

Kristin

4.9 out of 5 stars Average guest rating

About Nxai Pan Camp

Some places you simply must see. Located in the northeastern block of Botswana, Nxai Pan is a fossil lakebed that once formed part of the ancient Makgadikgadi Lake (a body of water the size of Switzerland). With seasonal rains—falling roughly from November to April—the bare pans grow thick with grass, becoming productive sites for game viewing. During the dry season, the wildlife retreats into the vast hinterlands. No matter what season, the landscape is a dramatic spectacle. Visit the iconic Baines' Baobabs, a cluster of seven gnarled, ancient trees looming imposingly above the flat expanse.

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From $830 person/night

Lodge

9 Rooms

Makgadikgadi, Botswana

What you'll love

There are no barriers between the camp and the wild, which means game viewing from the pool and elephant wandering past your room.

Insiders tip

A permanent, wildlife-frequented waterhole is within view of the main lodge, but between November and April, the rains bring migrating zebra and flocks of flamingo to the pan.

Something to think about

As the camp is within Nxai Pan National Park, off-road and night drives aren't allowed.

The property

Open spaces with thatched roofs and bleached wood floors create a soothing, monochromatic ambiance. From the lounge, a raised deck spreads out to an open pan, which reaches toward an uninterrupted horizon. A waterhole sits within view of the main area, attracting wildlife year-round.

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The rooms

Lots of natural light floods into these airy, spacious rooms, of which there are nine in total. An al-fresco shower (in addition to an indoor shower) and a sliding screen door allow for plenty of nature viewing from the comfort of your own room. The minimalist design is comfortable without tons of embellishments. This is the only permanent camp in the Nxai Pan National Park.

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Activities

Game Drives

Walking safari

Mokoro

Boat Cruises

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For greener vistas and the chance to see large concentrations of game, including migrations of zebra, elephant and flamingos, visit this region in the rainy season (roughly November through May). However, any time of year you can stand in the shadows of some of Botswana's most iconic living monuments, Baines' Baobabs, or enjoy mind-bending star-gazing. Take a guided walk with a San Bushman to hear the stories and survival techniques of this ancient culture. Since the camp falls within a national park, game drives are restricted to daylight hours.

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Positive impact

Owned by Kwando Safaris, this property prioritises local employment with a staff comprising of 98% citizens. Their Maun headquarters ensure personalised service, reflecting a commitment to Botswana's tourism capital. Kwando offers careers, supports the Lady Khama Charitable Trust, and initiates projects like the Bucket Project and Mummy's Angels. They're also involved in Pack for a Purpose, encouraging travelers to make a lasting impact by bringing supplies for local initiatives.

About Makgadikgadi

Makgadikgadi

A vast, shimmering salt pan of horizon-bending landscapes where the magic is in the minimalism.

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Wildlife in Makgadikgadi

Elephant

Rare

Giraffe

Rare

Hippo

None

Black Rhino

None

White Rhino

None

Lion

Occasional

Cheetah

Occasional

Leopard

Rare

Hyena

Occasional

Wildebeest

Abundant

Buffalo

None

Zebra

Abundant

Warthog

None

Wild Dog

Rare

Meerkat

Abundant

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This harsh desert environment is transformed during the wet season, attracting wildlife from far and wide. Africa's second largest migration of wildebeest and zebra can be seen here, followed by the infamous Kalahari Black-maned lions and stalking cheetah. An added bonus is the impressive list of unique birds, and a sea of pink flamingos, feeding on the algae-rich waters of the pan.

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