​Birds – 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.

Nxai Pan National Park is a very good destination for safari-goers interested in birding: more than 200 bird species have been recorded here. The different habitats, including grassland, mopane woodland and acacia shrub, ensure a wide range of species. Many migrants from Europe and North Africa are added to the mix in the wet summer months, from November to April. During this time, resident kori bustards, ostriches and secretary birds mingle on the open pans with visiting white storks.

Notable Birds in Nxai Pan NP
Northern black korhaan
Common
Common ostrich
Common
Pale chanting goshawk
Common
Pin-tailed whydah
Common
Saddle-billed stork
Common

Birding Rating

Birding Specials Treats for Avid Birders

Facts & Figures

Birds in Nxai Pan NP
Bird Species
200+
Migratory Birds
Nov to Apr

Best Time for Bird Watching

Nxai Pan is great for bird watching at any time of the year, but is at its finest during the wetter months, from November to April. This is when large numbers of migrants are present in the park. It’s also when many birds are breeding and show their mating plumage. Conveniently, wildlife viewing at the pans is at its best around the same time.

Want To Visit Nxai Pan NP?

Nxai Pan Safaris

Birding Rating

Facts & Figures

Birds in Nxai Pan NP
Bird Species
200+
Migratory Birds
Nov to Apr