Migration Expeditions: Our full report
A seasonal safari camp set up to the north of Nxai Pan National Park in time to be in the middle of the actions ...
... as tens of thousands of zebra arrive en masse for the green season grasses following the longest migration in Africa.Migration Expeditions is a classically styled, intimate safari camp built each year on a palm island surrounded by the vast salt flats of Nxai Pan National Park. It is set up between December and March, the green season, when the area bursts into life with the rains.
Drawn here by the fresh, mineral-rich grasses, tens of thousands of zebras snake their way each year from the Chobe region in northern Botswana across the Kalahari to Nxai Pan and the Makgadikgadi. Only recently discovered and increasing in scale each year thanks to greater understanding and land management, it is southern Africa’s largest mammal migration, and, at around 400km one way, the longest in Africa.
The camp itself has six Meru-style canvas tents sat atop wooden decks with en suite bathrooms and outdoor bucket showers. In typical African Bush Camp authentic style, they are simple yet still supremely comfortable. A laidback lounge tent and dining tent a centred around a fire, looking out across what really makes this region special – a seemingly endless expanse of wild space.
Activities here are centred on the zebra migration, with game drives out amid the herds and the predators that follow – cheetah, hyena and dark-maned lions – as well as wandering elephants, giraffe and oryx. Rarer species like leopard and brown hyena are also a possibility. Over 200 bird species have been seen here, including kori bustards and wattled cranes, while flocks of flamingo appear as the pans fill with water. Another highlight of Nxai Pan are the millennia-old Baine’s Baobabs which can be reached on a half-day excursion from camp.
Our view
Opened for its first season in December 2019, we are yet to check out Migration Expeditions for ourselves but as fans of African Bush Camp’s other camps and lodges across southern Africa, we’re sure it shares the same authentic style, quality of guiding and singular focus on the safari experience.
Botswana expert
Geographics
- Location
- Kalahari's Salt Pans, Botswana
- Accessible by
- Fly-and-Transfer
Food & drink
- Usual board basis
- Full Board & Activities
- Dining style
- Group Meals
- Dining locations
- Outdoor Dining
Children
- Attitude towards children
- Property’s age restrictions
- The camp has a minimum guest age of 12 years.
Communications
- Water supply
- Borehole
Health & safety
- Malarial protection recommended
- Yes
- Dangerous animals
- High Risk
- Fire safety
Activities
4WD Safari
Birdwatching
Helicopter
Extras
- Disabled access
- On Request
Other lodges in Kalahari's Salt Pans
Alternative places to stay in this same area.
Camp Kalahari
Overlooking the Makgadikgadi Pans, Camp Kalahari is great value; come for quadbiking excursions on the salt pans, cute meerkats, excellent Bushman walks, and interesting 4WD safaris.
Nxai Pan Camp
Offering good summer game viewing and visits to Baines Baobabs, the comfortable Nxai Pan Camp is currently the only permanent camp in Nxai Pan National Park.
Jack's Camp
Jack's Camp was the original camp in the Makgadikgadi area, and many still consider it the best. Come for a unique and memorable experience, but not for prolific game viewing.
San Camp
The simple but stylish San Camp lies in a stunning location beside the Makgadikgadi Salt Pans, where highlights are quadbiking, meerkats, and Bushmen walks.
Meno A Kwena
Meno A Kwena Tented Camp is an old-style safari camp, run by an experienced Botswana expert. Overlooking the bed of the Boteti River, it's a great place to relax and watch wildlife at the camp's waterhole.
Leroo La Tau
From the western bank of the Boteti River, Leroo La Tau overlooks the Makgadikgadi Pans National Park, where game concentrations are highest from July to October.
