You'll find easy-going hospitality and the utmost in professionalism at Nata Lodge. There's something for every class of tourist - from the budget-minded to those seeking a more civilised bush experience. The main draw to this region is the Makgadigadi Salt Pans - a vast, barren, occasionally palm-flecked site of an ancient mega-lake (37 000 sq km). However, this is also a bird-haven with over 165 species in the vicinity. Where the Nata River delta feeds the Sua Pan it forms a breeding ground for multitudes of water fowl, including pelicans and flamingo in their thousands, which appear as a shocking mirage of pink amidst this muted landscape.
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This ample area consists of a collection of traditional thatched-roof structures, cleverly arranged and spaced with open-air seating areas. It is a shady haven for guests seeking both rest and fellowship between activities with its large indoor restaurant area and open-air patio. At the restaurant, enjoy a continental or English breakfast buffet or choose from the a la carte menu for lunch and dinner. Convene in the lounge before morning or afternoon activities, or chill by the pool in one of its many sun loungers, sipping one of Nata's signature cocktails. A small but well-stocked gift shop sells a plethora of hand-made souvenirs.
Choose from 22 luxury chalets that come fully equipped with en-suite bathrooms (including an extremely spoiling bear-claw bathtub), an outdoor shower, air-conditioning and a private deck. Two family rooms are available, with a twin bed configuration and a bunk bed. Or go for one of the slightly simpler 10 Meru-style tents, with virtually the same facilities but no air-conditioning. The adventurous can enjoy an ample camp ground with a convenient ablution area, semi-open showers and central electrical points.
The main attraction to this camp is the abundance of birdlife, especially in the summer months (roughly December - March) when migratory species have returned. This is a convenient location that sits between the Okavango Delta and the Chobe but not only a sensible stop-over - it's near to the Makgadikgadi Pans, home of ancient lake beds. Nate Lodge offers 3-hour excursions to the Nata Sanctuary as well as guided 4x4 trips in open vehicles to the pans. Quad biking is a favourite amongst adventure-seekers, and the Nata village tour for the culturally-curious.
When the Nata River flows and the Sua Pan floods, the Sanctuary's shoreline turns pink. Flamingos pelicans, spoonbills, and wading birds arrive and the vast, white, lunar landscape thrums with life.
After dark, keep an eye on the trees around the lodge and campsite. Bushbabies move through the canopy at night with an enthusiasm.
The interiors of the chalets can feel a little dim when the shutters are closed; open them wide and the situation improves considerably.
Start with a recommended trip or create one from scratch
12 nights from $9.4K per person
8 nights from $5.1K per person
10 nights from $8.6K per person
10 nights from $23.2K per person
Nata Lodge can be booked with Timbuktu as part of a tailor-made Botswana trip, rather than as a standalone room reservation. Start online, customising one of our recommended Botswana trips featuring Nata Lodge or get advice and suggestions from one of our Botswana specialists who will design the trip around your dates, check availability and handle every booking for you.
Stays at Nata Lodge start from around $80, or US$80, per person per night as part of a tailor-made trip. The exact price depends on your travel dates, room type and the shape of the rest of your itinerary. A Timbuktu travel specialist can give you an accurate quote for your dates.
A vast, shimmering salt pan of horizon-bending landscapes where the magic is in the minimalism.
