Nata
Nata: Gateway to the Makgadikgadi Pans and Bird Watching Paradise
Nata, a small village in northeastern Botswana, serves as a gateway to the stunning Makgadikgadi Pans. This strategic stopover for travellers heading to the Pans, the Okavango Delta, or Chobe National Park, offers several attractions worth visiting.
The Nata Bird Sanctuary is a highlight, protecting the Sowa Pan’s natural habitat. This community-managed sanctuary is a bird watcher’s paradise, especially during the wet season when flamingos, pelicans, and other waterbirds flock to the area. The sight of these vibrant birds against the expansive salt flats is breathtaking.
Nata’s proximity to the Sua Pan makes it an ideal base for exploring this vast, otherworldly landscape. Guided tours into the pans reveal the surreal beauty of the endless white plains and the unique ecosystem that thrives there. During the rainy season, the pans fill with water, attracting various wildlife and creating shimmering temporary lakes.