THE NATA LODGE An oasis set among the Mokolwane palms on the edge of the pans. It is ideally situated close to the entrance to the Nata Sanctuary and is just off the main road, 10 km from Nata village. This is the junction to the Okavango, Chobe and Francistown areas.
MAKGADIKGADI SALT PANS This area incorporates a multitude of salt pans and vast grass plains dotted by palm islands and forms the Great Makgadikagidi which comprise the largest area of salt pans in the world covering some 37 000 sq km in overall extent. It is the last vestiges of Africa's largest inland sea and exudes an atmosphere of antiquity and mystery.
THE NATA SANCTUARY The Nata River delta feeds the Sua Pan in the Nata sanctuary and forms the breeding ground for a host of water birds including pelicans and flamingo in their thousands, transforming the shore line into a pink haze blending into the western sky. Nata Lodge offers guided tours in open safari vehicles into the sanctuary, not to be missed.
The shady tree canopy surrounding the lodge is a hive of activity, with a bird feeding area and active water feature providing the bird watcher with the opportunity of viewing a variety of species from the comfort of either the pool deck, open bar or restaurant. The Helmeted Guineafowl, Crested Francolin, Yellow Hornbill, Pied and Arrow-marked Babblers, Glossy Starling, Meyers Parrot and Paradise Whydah are just some of the species you will encounter during your stay at the lodge.
When the sun sets and the birds retire to their nests, it's the turn of the large family of nocturnal bush babies to entertain you at their feeding table. Your evening meals can be enjoyed at the a la carte restaurant with a typical braai (barbecue) buffet every Saturday night in the boma area. For keen bird watchers and naturalists, Nata Lodge offers open vehicle, three hour excursions into the Nata Sanctuary. Mammal species in the sanctuary include antelope such as kudu and springbok, as well as springhares, jackals, foxes and monkeys. However the main attraction is the abundance of bird life. Around 165 bird species, including king-fishers, eagles, ostriches, pelicans, spoonbills and both greater and lesser flamingos, have been recorded. When the Nata River flows, flooding the pan, the area becomes a paradise, dominated by water-loving birds from all around Africa.