Part of the greater Makgadikgadi complex, Nxai Pan National Park spans an area of 2,578 sq. km and includes several large pans—Nxai Pan, Kgama-Kgama Pan, and Kudiakan Pan—which were once ancient salt lakes. These larger pans are non-grazed and dotted with islands of acacia trees, as well as smaller pans that fill with water during the rainy season, providing rich resources for wildlife.
Wildlife viewing is seasonal and depends on the timing and extent of the rains, as well as animal migration patterns. There are several artificial water points in the park, and if the rains have been good, the best time to visit is from December to April.
Commonly sighted species include zebra, wildebeest, springbok, impala, gemsbok, hartebeest, giraffe, lion, cheetah, wild dog, brown hyena, bat-eared fox, and occasionally elephant and buffalo.
In the southern part of the park lie the famous Baines' Baobabs—an iconic cluster of ancient trees painted by the explorer Thomas Baines in the 19th century.
