The vast salt pans and grassy plains of Makgadikgadi creates a unique oasis and the perfect setting for Nata Lodge
LOCATION: Nata Lodge lies on the edge of the vast Makgadikgadi Salt Pans, perfectly positioned between the Okavango Delta, Chobe, and the Makgadikgadi region. The lodge also borders Zimbabwe to the East, making it one of it’s one of Botswana’s best-placed stopovers towards Victoria Falls and Namibia's Caprivi Strip. The surrounding plains, palms, and pans create a striking wilderness setting that’s rich in birdlife and ideal for exploring this unique part of northern Botswana.
ROOMS: Accommodation at Nata Lodge includes 22 air-conditioned wooden chalets built on stilts, each with an en-suite bathroom, ball-and-claw bath, and outdoor shower. There are also 10 safari-style tents offering a more adventurous yet comfortable stay, complete with en-suite bathrooms and shaded verandas. Family-friendly rooms and mosquito coverings make it easy for everyone to feel at home.
AMENITIES: Set beneath a canopy of mokowane palms, Nata Lodge offers a warm, relaxed atmosphere. There’s a palm-shaded swimming pool, an open-air restaurant serving generous meals, and a lively bar for sundowners. The safari shop stocks local crafts and travel essentials, while Wi-Fi keeps guests connected. Dining can be done indoors, or under the vast African sky in the spectacular outdoor restaurant. The gardens and terrace areas are teeming with birds, not to mention the designated bird-feeding area, making even downtime an opportunity for wildlife viewing.
ACTIVITIES: Nata Lodge offers a variety of experiences to explore the Makgadikgadi region. A fleet of 4x4 game vehicles are available for Makgadikhadi Pan wildlife drives, which any guest can take advantage of. Alternatively, you can visit the Nata Bird Sanctuary on a guided drive to see flamingos, pelicans, and zebra against the shimmering pans. Join a local village tour for an insight into community life, or enjoy a sunrise breakfast beneath the baobabs. For birdwatchers, the lodge grounds are a delight, while those looking to unwind can spend their day by the pool or on a gentle canoe along the Nata River when it floods.
SUSTAINABILITY: Nata Lodge plays an active role in supporting the community-run Nata Bird Sanctuary, Botswana’s first community-based conservation project. Established in 1988, it is managed by four local villages, with funds from tourism used to protect wildlife and invest in local development. The lodge’s commitment to responsible tourism ensures this remarkable environment continues to thrive for future generations
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