2,100 sq. km. Located in northeastern Botswana. Nxai Pan was once part of a great lake that included the Makgadikgadi. Now it is a grass pan with small islands of trees. It is most attractive during the rainy season (late February to April), when large herds of wildebeest, zebra, and gemsbok can be seen on the open pan. By May the herds migrate southwards to Makgadikgadi until the start of the rains in November when they move north again. Nxai Pan is best known for its giraffe which at times number up to fifty in a herd. Cheetah are frequently seen. Other game include eland, springbok, impala, hyena, and kudu. Elephant and buffalo are occasional visitors during the rains. The pan is also excellent for bird viewing. Access is by road (4WDs). Accommodation is at a public camp site belonging to the Wildlife and National Parks Department. One must travel entirely self-contained.