You are invited to join David in Botswana for an exceptional seven-night experience photographing the wildlife of Nxai Pan National Park. Here, you will have opportunities to capture stunning images of African wildlife in their natural habitat, set against a breathtaking backdrop of glittering salt pans & vast expanses of grasslands.
One of the most stunning sights at Nxai Pan is the migration of zebras each year. Thousands of these beautiful animals travel from the Okavango Delta to the park during the dry season in search of water & food. This migration provides excellent opportunities for wildlife photography, with the zebras creating a striking contrast against the stark white of the salt pans.
In addition to the zebras, Nxai Pan is home to various other animals that make for excellent photography subjects. We hope to be able to capture images of herds of elephants as they move through the grasslands or of lions lounging in the shade of acacia trees. The park is also home to many bird species, including ostriches, kori bustards, & secretary birds.
Nxai Pan National Park is a fantastic destination for wildlife photography. The unique landscape & diverse wildlife provide endless opportunities for capturing stunning images.
Where is Nxai Pan National Park?
Nxai Pan is located in the northern part of Botswana & encompasses an area of about 2,578 square kilometres. It is known for its unique landscape & diverse wildlife, including elephants, lions, zebras, giraffes, & many other species. The park is divided into two distinct areas – the Nxai Pan itself, & the surrounding grasslands, home to most of its wildlife.
What are the main wildlife species found in the Nxai Pan National Park?
Nxai Pan National Park is home to many unique species of African wildlife. The most notable species include elephants, zebras, impalas, springboks, warthogs, lions, jackals, bat-eared foxes, & giraffes. The park is also home to smaller mammals, such as meerkats, mongooses, hares, & rodents. Various birds, such as ostriches, flamingos, & different species of vultures, also inhabit the park. Reptiles like crocodiles, monitor lizards, & multiple species of tortoises can also be found in the park.
Why are the Elephants of Nxai Pan sometimes called the Ghost Elephants?
The ghost elephants of Nxai Pan are a unique & mysterious elephant population that has adapted to life in one of the harshest environments on earth. These elephants are known for their light-coloured skin, which appears almost white in certain lighting conditions, giving them a ghostly appearance.
It is believed that the ghost elephants of Nxai Pan developed their unique colouration due to the high salt content of the soil & vegetation in the area. As they graze on salt-rich plants, they ingest a high concentration of salt, which can result in a loss of pigmentation in their skin.
Aside from their distinctive appearance, the ghost elephants of Nxai Pan are also remarkable for their ability to survive in an environment where water & food are scarce. They have evolved to traverse great distances for food & water & can go for extended periods without either.
When is the best time to visit the Nxai Pan National Park?
The best time to visit Nxai Pan to photograph Botswana's wildlife is during the dry season, which runs from May to October. During this time, the grasses are shorter, & the animals gather around the few remaining water sources, making them easier to spot & photograph. At this time of year, the days are usually warm & sunny, the nights are generally cool & star-filled, & the wildlife is plentiful. The wet season, from November to April, is also pleasant; however, the days may be cooler & rainier, so it may not be ideal for wildlife photography.
Visiting the Baines Baobab
The Baines Baobab is an iconic African tree in Botswana's Makgadikgadi Pans National Park. It is believed to be over 1,275 years old & is one of the oldest known baobab trees in the world. It is around 20 meters tall & its base is estimated to be approximately 45 meters in circumference. This beloved tree is officially designated as a national monument for its considerable size & importance to the local people.
It is known for its distinctive greyish & reddish-black bark & its sprawling limbs that twist & turn in the sky. Many stories have been associated with the Baines Baobab over the centuries, & each year, it continues to draw in visitors worldwide to marvel at its majestic beauty.
