Kwando

Nxai Pan Camp

Nxai Pan, Botswana

Baobabs, Bushman & desert adapted wildlife

Kwando Nxai Pan Camp is located on the western edge of the fossil pan from which the camp takes its name. Nxai Pan is an ancient 40km² lakebed and is the centerpiece of Nxai Pan National Park. Much of the habitat is open grassland with clusters of umbrella acacia trees and permanent herds of springbok. This is also one of the best locations in Botswana for spotting cheetah.

The camp faces east over the open grasslands of the pans and accommodates a maximum of 18 guests in purpose built structures that stay cool in the heat and warm in the cold, essential with the large fluctuating temperatures of the Kalahari.  The central area has a lounge, dining area, library, pool and viewing deck over the waterhole in front of camp.

There are two distinct seasons in the Kalahari – the wet and the dry. The wet season (Dec-Apr) attracts huge springbok populations, large herds of giraffe, gemsbok, elephant and thousands of zebra who come to drop their young at Nxai Pan. These large herds attract many predators – lion, cheetah, jackal and both spotted and the elusive brown hyena, as well as the endangered wild dog and the secretive leopard. The dry season (May-Nov) brings some of the most dramatic action on the continent as the hardy desert adapted animals congregate around the remaining waterholes where the resident cheetah and lion lie in wait.

Regardless of the season game drives, day trips to the famous Baines’ Baobabs and Khama Khama Pan, star gazing, as well as nature walks with traditional Bushman trackers are offered from Nxai Pan Camp.

You will love

  • Eco Friendly Camp
  • Desert Ecosystem
  • Seasonal Zebra Migration
  • Nature walks with San Bushmen
  • Surreal Landscapes
Kalahari eco-friendly camp accommodation with thatched roof, wooden deck, and patio, surrounded by grasslands and desert vegetation.
Sundowner drinks set on a table in the Kalahari grasslands at sunset, showcasing a serene landscape with vibrant skies, ideal for eco-friendly camp experiences.
Person photographing elephants at a waterhole in the Kalahari, showcasing the desert ecosystem and wildlife experiences available at the eco-friendly camp.
Eco-friendly camp with a swimming pool, lounge area, and wooden deck overlooking Kalahari grasslands, designed for comfort and relaxation.
Lounge area of eco-friendly camp in Kalahari, featuring wooden furniture, open space, and views of grasslands, ideal for relaxation and observing wildlife.
Patio view of eco-friendly camp in Kalahari, wooden deck with folding chair, open grasslands and distant baobab tree under sunset sky.
Elephant herd gathering near a waterhole with safari vehicle in Kalahari grasslands, showcasing the region's wildlife and natural beauty.
Kwando Nxai Pan main lodge in the evening, featuring a thatched roof, outdoor seating around a fire pit, and a spacious dining area with warm lighting, set against the backdrop of the Kalahari grasslands.
Zebras crossing a wet dirt road in the Kalahari grasslands, showcasing the seasonal zebra migration and the region's unique desert ecosystem.
Lounge area of eco-friendly camp in Kalahari, featuring wooden furniture, soft seating, and a dining area, designed for comfort in fluctuating temperatures.
Giraffes standing in the open grasslands of the Kalahari, showcasing the unique desert ecosystem and wildlife of the region.
Luxury campfire setting at Kwando Nxai Pan Camp, featuring telescope, seating around a central fire pit, and expansive grasslands under a dramatic sky.
Elephant walking through Kalahari grasslands, showcasing the desert ecosystem and wildlife experiences available at the eco-friendly camp.
Spacious Kalahari camp bedroom with twin beds, natural light, and views of open grasslands and a baobab tree, reflecting eco-friendly design and comfort for guests.
Elephant standing in the grasslands of the Kalahari, viewed through a doorway with a silhouette of a person, highlighting the connection to nature and wildlife experiences at the eco-friendly camp.
Spacious Kalahari safari camp bedroom with natural decor, large windows showcasing grassland views, and eco-friendly design elements.
Elephant standing by a waterhole at sunset, with a herd of zebras grazing nearby in the Kalahari grasslands.
Dining area of an eco-friendly camp in the Kalahari, featuring a large wooden table set for meals, comfortable seating, and a warm, inviting atmosphere with natural decor and views of the surrounding landscape.
Baobab trees in the Kalahari landscape, showcasing the unique desert ecosystem and surreal surroundings of the Nxai Pan area.
Colourful wooden bird sculptures in the lounge area of an eco-friendly camp in the Kalahari, showcasing vibrant designs and a warm, inviting atmosphere.

Thank you for putting together the ancestral adventure of a lifetime. I cannot speak highly enough of the trip. The transfers went smoothly, the accommodation was excellent, the drivers were amazing as they manoeuvred through the traffic and every tour guide had a great deal of knowledge and information. Nothing was too much trouble for them. The contrast of poverty and riches of the country was striking, from the beggars in the street and struggles of the poor to the spectacular, impressive sights of the forts and monuments. There were so many highlights. A moment in time that will never happen again.

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Exellent and wonderful, reaching way above expectations.

Elizabeth Mackintosh

We wanted the opportunity to see as many wildlife parks as possible and the Classic Safari Company provided an action-packed itinerary that included six, with 11 tiger sightings and nine leopard. This was overlaid with an introduction to Jaisalmer, Jaipur and the 'real' India. Pench and Panna were the hidden gems of a really great trip, very well organised, seamless and enjoyable. As a solo traveller I felt incredibly safe at all times. I want to go back!

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You can't improve on perfection. I had my best birthday and holiday with my family celebrating my 80th birthday in Africa. Everything that Julia organised was perfect and the whole trip was a highlight!

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Classic Safari Company has done it again! A unique experience that ticked all the boxes - wildlife, culture and dining experience. A dream come true!

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Their experience and knowledge of Africa is evident and we couldn't have been happier with the total package. This has given us a taste for Africa - now we are ready for more.

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