The first rains in December bring one of the greatest transformations witnessed in Africa as the Nxai Pan and Makgadikgadi Pan areas become an important habitat for migrating animals, including wildebeest and one of Africa’s largest zebra populations.
With the mass migration of these species - the second largest in Africa, after the Great Migration of the Masai Mara and Serengeti - comes the movement of the large predators which prey on them.
In Botswana, zebras typically migrate between December and March, driven by the availability of water and grazing areas. They move from the Okavango Delta and surrounding areas towards regions with more reliable water sources and grazing lands.
Plains zebras, also known as Burchell's zebras, can migrate up to 1,000 kilometers (621 miles) each year in Botswana.
Zebras traveling to Nxai Pan from the Okavango Delta or the Makgadikgadi Pans region can cover distances ranging from 200 to 300 kilometers (approximately 125 to 185 miles). The migration to and from Nxai Pan is part of one of the longest-known mammal migrations in Africa.
During the dry season water sources in certain areas, such as the Okavango Delta, begin to dry up. Zebras migrate to regions where there is more water and fresh and abundant grass to sustain themselves e.g the Makgadikgadi Pans. Their migration pattern is also linked with their breeding cycles – better access to nutrition and water means healthier offspring and higher survival rates for their young.
What to Spot in Botswana's Exclusive Concessions?
Botswana is home to an array of wildlife in some extreme wildlife habitats, from the arid salt pans of the south to the wetland ‘swamps’ of the Okavango Delta and Moremi Reserve and the luscious flood plains of the Chobe River.
Nxai Pan Camp
Nxai Pan Camp offers a unique safari experience with spectacular panoramic views of an active waterhole frequented by elephants and cheetahs. From late December to early April, the camp offers an ideal location to witness the remarkable zebra migration, adding to the allure of this unique safari destination.
Migration Expeditions
Nestled within Nxai Pan National Park in Botswana, Migration Expeditions is African Bush Camps' inaugural property in this region. Nxai Pan is renowned for its natural salt pans and is situated along the park's northern boundary. The camp operates from December through the end of March.
A Guide to Eco-Friendly Safaris
As tourism grows, there's a strong focus on sustainable practices to preserve the environment and benefit local communities. Sustainable tourism in Botswana emphasises eco-friendly safaris that minimise environmental impact while providing economic benefits to the local population.
One of Nature's Great Events
Witness the water flood into the desert to create a vibrant wetland. The hot, dry Kalahari Desert appears as an uninhabited wasteland unable to support life.
Witness the second-largest terrestrial animal migration in Africa as huge herds of zebra and other herbivores arrive at Nxai Pan National Park. From here you'll travel to the Okavango Delta and spend three days exploring the region's wildlife-rich waterways, before ending your journey at Victoria Falls, the largest waterfall in the world.
Day 1 - Arrive Nxai Pan National Park
Upon arrival into Maun Airport, you will be met and transferred to catch your onward flight to Nxai Pan. Like the Makgadikgadi Pans, Nxai Pan National Park is part of the Kalahari ecosystem, yet different from the game reserve. Grassy plains are peppered with fossil beds and smaller salt pans, growing sweet grasses that attract a diverse range of hungry animals. On arrival you will be met and transferred to your camp, and (time permitting) head out on an afternoon game drive.
Days 2 – 3 - Nxai Pan National Park
Lion, giraffe, kudu, ostrich and jackal can all be found here in the park, usually resident around the large waterhole. Unusually, both springbok - which are abundant - and impala live here together, despite their usual differences in preferred habitat. Large herds of zebra, wildebeest, gemsbok and eland can also be spotted, as well as more unusual animals, such as bat-eared fox, hartebeest, brown hyena and even cheetah. Enjoy game drives (morning and afternoon) and cultural walks with the Bushmen of the Kalahari.
Day 4 - Nxai Pan National Park - Okavango Delta
After your morning's game drive, transfer to the airstrip for your flight to the Okavango Delta. By air is a fantastic way to travel, as you watch the wetlands of the Okavango Delta stretch out before you and its resident wildlife, including herds of elephants and giraffes, wandering through the rich habitat below. You will have the rest of the day to enjoy this reserve. Activities include day and night drives, mokoro excursions, guided walks, fishing, motorboat trips and sunset cruises.
Day 5 - 7 - Okavango Delta
Encapsulating the heart of wild Africa with its evocative scenes of wildlife and natural beauty, a journey into the untouched Okavango Delta is one of jaw-dropping big game viewing, peace and tranquillity.
The Okavango Delta is one of the best places on earth for game viewing and with very few visitors, you'll feel like you're one of the earliest explorers as head out with your naturalist guide, whether tracking the big predators by vehicle or gliding through the waterways in a mokoro canoe, or even on foot! Enjoy morning and afternoon activities in the Delta, and when not out on activities, take the chance to relax back at your camp.
Day 8 - Okavango Delta – Kasane - Victoria Falls
After your morning game activity (time permitting) and breakfast, you will be driven back to the airstrip for your light aircraft flight to Kasane Airport. Upon arrival you will be met and taken across the border to Victoria Falls in Zimbabwe. The rest of the day is yours to spend at leisure, though we highly recommend a sunset cruise to finish your day with.
Day 9 - Victoria Falls
Visit the breathtaking Victoria Falls or, for an aerial view, why not try a helicopter flight over this natural wonder. Alternatives include white-water rafting, a visit to the national park, guided walks, and a sunset cruise, to name a few!
Day 10 - Depart Victoria Falls
After checking out of your hotel in the morning, you will then be driven to the local airport to catch your flights home.
