If there is one place bird-watchers must definitely visit, it is the Nata Lodge close to the well-known Nata Sanctuary in Botswana.
Nata Lodge is right on the edge of the Makgadikgadi Salt Pans – the largest salt pans in the world and the remains of Africa’s largest inland sea. The Lodge is located among Mokolwane palms on the edge of the Makgadikgadi Pans. GPS: 20 13 53.06S, 26 15 90.73E Address: PO Box 10, Nata, Botswana.
The Nata Lodge offers three accommodation options: chalets, family chalets and safari tents.
Eight en suite chalets are built on a platform overlooking the Didibakwe river and in the shade of Ilala palm trees.
Two of these chalets have outdoor showers and Victorian ball-and-claw baths (ask for the Luxury chalets).
On the southern boundary of Nata Lodge, there are 12 A-frame chalets, each with a stone verandah and semi-open bathroom. All the chalets offer ceiling fans and a safe to lock away your valuables.
The meru-style custom-built tents of the Nata Lodge are unique. Ten tents (all with en suite bathrooms) are pitched on wooden platforms in the shade of Marula trees.
The campsite makes for an unforgettable stay below African skies. Ablution facilities are well-kept and offer semi-open showers with hot and cold water. Please note that the campsite does not have electricity points.
The Nata River forms a delta which feeds Sanctuary’s Sua Pan. This is the breeding ground for huge numbers of water birds such as flamingos and pelicans.
A guided tour in one of the Nata Lodge’s open vehicles into the Sanctuary is not to be missed. Almost 165 bird species have been recorded in the Sanctuary.
The Nata Lodge is surrounded by many trees and these are home to many birds of different species.
A water feature and bird feeding area ensure that there are always birds and bird antics to watch. Among the species that are found at Nata Lodge, is Paradise Wydah, Crested Francolin, Meyers Parrot etc. At night, the nocturnal birds supply the entertainment.
Nata Lodge offers a fine restaurant with a la carte menu, while guests can enjoy a braai buffet in the boma on Saturday evenings.
