Nata Lodge is an accommodation camp on the edge of Makgadikgadi Salt Pans; near the Nata Bird Sanctuary. Nata is also a transit hub at the intersection between Zimbabwe and Maun, Kasane and Francistown. Therefore, Nata has attracted people from various backgrounds. It has a population of roughly 11,000 people. This is an unpretentious lodge that offers a comfortable night’s stay. Set in lush gardens amidst mokolwane palms.
Facilities include Wi-Fi, a swimming pool, a well-stocked gift shop, plus a vibrant bar and lounge area. That brims with travel tales from over landers and road trippers starting or ending epic adventures.
The restaurant is renowned for its Botswana beef oxtail stew or burgers. Guests can dine below the vast star-studded sky around a romantic lantern-lit table.
The shady tree canopy surrounding the lodge is a hive of activity with a bird feeding area. This gives bird watchers the opportunity of viewing a variety of species from the lodge. Some of the species are: Helmeted Guineafowl, Crested Francolin, Yellow Hornbill, Pied and Arrowmarked Babblers, Glossy Starling, Meyers Parrot, Paradise Whydah
Sanctuary after a long day on the road. Set on stilts below swishing palms, there are 20 x spacious en-suite chalets. With a ball-and-claw bath, romantic outdoor shower, air-conditioning and hair dryers. Available in twin or double configurations, all beds have mosquito nets and lead to an outdoor porch.
Nata Lodge accommodation
Luxury Wooden Chalet Family Rooms
The family chalets feature fun bunk beds, behind the parents bedroom. With a en-suite shared bathroom for the family. Natural light floods the wooden cabins each morning. There are 2 x family chalets. One is a wheelchair-friendly accessible unit.
Family chalet
Safari Glamping Tents
10 x big luxury safari tents dot the beautiful grounds nestled between majestic marula trees and termite mounds. Each glamping unit is electrified and equipped with a tea station. And a comfortable en-suite bathroom which opens to an outdoor shower.
Safari Tent
Activities:
Activities offered by the lodge include trips to the Makgadikgadi Salt Pans and the Nata Bird Sanctuary. Botswana’s first community-based conservation project that is supported by Nata Lodge. Quad bike adventures in the surrounding areas are also available.
The Nata Sanctuary
The Nata Sanctuary is most famous for its thriving flamingo population and ephemeral lake. The sanctuary is set inside the Makgadikgadi Salt Pan network and is the easiest way to access this fantastic landscape.
The Nata River delta feeds the Sua Pan in the Nata Bird Sanctuary and forms the breeding grounds for many water birds. Including pelicans and flamingos in their thousands. When the correct conditions occur.
The sanctuary is set in the mighty Makgadikgadi Salt Pan network with quality wildlife sightings over and above the 165 bird species recorded here. Nata Lodge offers daily three-hour sunset drives in open game drive vehicles to support the community-run reserve. These are either morning or afternoon when you will catch the sunset over the Makgadikgadi Salt Pans.
Sun downers overlooking the pans
The flamboyant flocks of flamingos are seasonal (winter). However, your chances of photographing dazzles of zebra, snorting gnus and speedy ostriches against a golden grassland backdrop are virtually guaranteed year-round.
Meet The Locals Of Nata
See the modern face of Nata on a responsible cultural village tour. Led by a resident, this village outing explores the daily sprawl of dusty tracks that wind between mopane trees and grasslands of the Makgadikgadi. The immersive tour begins at the core of all Batswana culture with a visit to the Kgotla. This traditional meeting place is the most significant site within any village. It is recognized as a place of respect. . Frequently found in the middle of the town or under the largest tree. When the village head (kgosi) is present, guests can meet him to ask more about his vital role in society.
Botswana has no single tribal culture, and Nata is a great example of regional diversity. The San — also known as the Bushmen or Basarwa are the original inhabitants of southern Africa. Nata owes its name to these indigenous people. Nata means ‘Wow!’ and is named for the Nata River because it brings vitality and life to the arid region.
A traditional homestead visit is next to learn about the circular huts and their fascinating architecture. Termite mounds reach staggering size here out. in the Makgadikgadi – some a lofty five or six meters tall. Many houses exploit the strong concrete concoction secreted by termites to make their mortar.
Breakfast Below Baobabs
Greet the day from below a Baobab tree on the Salt Pans. Explore the salt pans at sunrise before tucking into a sumptuous breakfast spread lovingly prepared and laid out by Nata Lodge.
Nata marks the start of an unofficial baobab capital. Known locally as mowana, these trees love the Makgadikgadi Salt Pans. You can find several special specimens from the Nata Bird Sanctuary (where endangered vultures like to roost) to Gweta to Nxai Pan National Park, where the famous Baines’ Baobabs have stood sentry for centuries. (It’s just a three-hour drive to visit them from Nata).
Paddle the Nata River
Soak up the scenery from a canoe on the Nata River. Grab a paddle and explore the rural river on your own from Eselbe Camp. Or get a guide to lead the way. If the water level is high enough after the rainy season, you can explore all the way into the Nata Bird Sanctuary.
Location & Access:
Nata Lodge is approximately 10km from Nata; on the main Nata Francistown road.
The vast salt pans and grassy plains of the Makgadikgadi create a unique oasis. Therefore is the perfect setting for Nata Lodge. Dotted by palm islands, the surrounding Nata sanctuary forms the breeding ground for a host of water birds. These include pelicans and flamingos in their thousands; transforming the shoreline into a pink haze blending into the western sky.
Aerial view of Nata Lodge
Rates at Nata Lodge:
1st April 2024 until 31st March 2025
Luxury Wooden Chalet
$142
Family Chalet
$153
Safari Glamping Tents
$109
Rates include: Accommodation in a luxury chalet on a room only basis.
Rates Exclude: Impact Levy for Rooms of USD 4 per room per stay Meals and activities.
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