Last month I had the chance to spend a few days in Nxai Pan. February is one of my favourite times to visit as the summer rains bring a flush of nutrient-rich grasses, driving one of the biggest migrations in Botswana.
The Migration of Thousands: Zebras at Nxai Pan
The highlight at this time of year is the thousands of zebras that migrate into the area to feed on fresh grasses. This abundant food provides a vital energy boost for producing milk for their newborn foals, and the chance to fatten up for the leaner dry season that will soon follow.
Most zebras form part of a migration that follows a circular route. They start at the Boteti River, move west across the Makgadikgadi Plains with the first rains in November, and head north to Nxai Pan. As the area dries up, they move south and east to the permanent waters of the Boteti River. Additionally, a few thousand zebras migrate from the far north (Chobe River), passing through the Savute and Mababe Depression. At its peak, the zebra population in and around Nxai Pan can exceed 10,000 animals—a real blur of black and white stripes!
Rare Moments with Baobabs and a Cheetah
One of the highlights of the trip was witnessing the famous Baines Baobabs in full leaf. The surrounding salt pans were filled with water, a rare and spectacular sight that only occurs every few seasons.
Finally, we were also spoilt with a fantastic sighting of a young male cheetah. After giving up on hunting, he revealed the exuberance of youth when he decided it would be fun to play a bit of soccer with some dried elephant dung. If it was not for his size he could easily have been any household cat playing with a ball – great fun to watch.
Plan Your Nxai Pan Adventure
Discover the beauty of Botswana’s wildlife and landscapes first-hand on a Botswana safari with Bush Ways. Whether it’s the thrilling zebra migration, the majestic Baines Baobabs, or cheetah sightings, Nxai Pan offers unforgettable experiences. Start planning your trip today and don’t miss out on the experience of a lifetime!
I hope you enjoy the pics and look forward to seeing you in Botswana sometime soon.
Cheers
Mark Swaffield
