​Best Time To Visit – Nxai Pan NP

Anthony Ham
Expert
By Anthony Ham

Anthony is a renowned Africa expert and author of many Lonely Planet guidebooks, including the guide to Botswana.

Anthony is a renowned Africa expert and author of many Lonely Planet guidebooks, including the guide to Botswana.

Anthony is the author of the Lonely Planet guide to Botswana.

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Nxai Pan National Park can be visited year-round, although the best time for wildlife viewing is generally from December to March. It is a seasonal park and animals migrate here in the wet summer months, but the exact timing is erratic and depends on rainfall (which can be unpredictable, if it arrives at all). Wildlife is more scarce during the Dry season (April to October), but often found not far from the few remaining waterholes.


11 Nxai Pan Safaris
Best Time December to March (Best wildlife viewing)
High Season December to May (High-season rates apply in the lodge, but it never gets busy)
Low Season June to November (Low-season rates apply in the lodge)
Best Weather May to August (Less hot during the day and dry conditions)
Worst Weather January to March (It is hot, and it can rain a lot)

April to October –Dry Season

  • The park roads are in better condition, so driving is easier
  • Daytime temperatures are cooler (though still warm) from May to August
  • Low-season rates apply from June to November when it’s high season elsewhere
  • There is almost no rain, and it is always sunny
  • There are fewer animals around
  • It can get very dry and dusty

Wildlife Photos

View Photos (15)
+13 Photos Want To Visit

November to March –Wet Season

  • Animals migrate to the pans, including zebra and wildebeest
  • Many herbivores give birth to their young
  • Predators are numerous and more commonly seen
  • Best time for birding with migrants around
  • The landscape is green and there are many flowers
  • Daytime temperatures can be uncomfortably hot
  • Roads can become boggy after heavy rains
  • Afternoon showers and thunderstorms can interfere with your plans

Wildlife Photos
+13 Photos

Best Time To Go by Major Park

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Want To Visit Nxai Pan NP?

11 Nxai Pan Safaris