Things To Do
in Nata
Nata, Botswana sits on the edge of the Makgadikgadi salt pans, serving as a gateway town to one of the world's largest desert landscapes. Its wide horizons, simple hospitality, and proximity to wildlife make it a quiet base for desert adventures. The Nata area offers birdlife, salt pans, and easy access to Makgadikgadi Park, all within a compact town setting.
Visitors come for stark skies, starry nights, and a relaxed pace that invites outdoor exploration.
Day Trips
Spend a day exploring around
Start your adventure with an early morning mokoro ride through the tranquil channels of the Okavango Delta. As the sun rises, you'll witness the beauty of the wetlands come to life with birds singing and wildlife emerging for the day. Don't forget your camera to capture the stunning scenery and unique ecosystems.
After a leisurely morning, enjoy a picnic lunch by the Delta's edge, immersing yourself in the sounds of nature. Take a guided walking safari in the afternoon to learn about the flora and fauna, as well as the cultural significance of the delta to the local tribes. Keep your eyes peeled for elephants, hippos, and various bird species that call this lush paradise home.
As dusk falls, head back to your lodge to relax by the campfire with fellow travelers recounting the day's adventures. As the stars twinkle overhead, you might spot the Milky Way stretching across the night sky, making for a breathtaking backdrop. Enjoy a traditional dinner featuring local ingredients and flavors, rounding off an incredible day in Botswana.
Begin your day with a visit to a local village to engage with the vibrant culture and customs of the Nata people. Participate in traditional activities such as basket weaving or pottery making, guided by skilled artisans. This interactive experience will provide deep insights into the daily lives of the community.
Enjoy a traditional lunch with the locals, featuring dishes that reflect the rich culture and flavors of Botswana. Afterwards, participate in a storytelling session where elders share historical tales and folklore, enriching your understanding of local heritage. Don't forget to take part in a traditional dance, letting the rhythms and melodies immerse you in their vibrant traditions.
Reflect on your day's experiences over dinner at a local eatery, providing an authentic taste of Botswana's cuisine. Spend the evening interacting with friendly locals, sharing laughter and forging connections that transcend cultural boundaries. Wind down with a relaxing evening stroll through the village, enjoying the warm ambiance and sense of community.
Prices
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| 🍔Meal at inexpensive restaurant | $6-12 |
| ☕Coffee or small snack | $2-5 |
| 🍽️Meal for two at mid-range restaurant | $25-40 |
| 🏨Mid-range hotel per night | $60-120 |
| 🚕Local transport (one-way) | $4-10 |
Strengths and Weaknesses
- Gateway to the Makgadikgadi Pan and Nata Bird Sanctuary
- Quiet, scenic desert landscapes with genuine Botswana hospitality
- Limited nightlife and few dining options after dark
- Distances to larger cities mean longer drives for major services
- "Dumela" - Hello
- "Dumela rra" - Hello sir
- "Dumela mma" - Hello madam
- "Kea leboga" - Thank you
- "Tsweetswee" - Please
Places to Visit in Nata
Visit one of these nice places.
Accessible viewing platforms and boardwalks give chances to photograph flamingos and other waterfowl against the saline pans.
The expansive salt flats reflect the sky at dusk, creating vast, minimalist landscapes and dramatic silhouettes.
Open, reflective surfaces with pale salt crusts provide geometric patterns and stark contrasts for dramatic images.
A vantage point for light and shadow across the river and surrounding grasses, especially during migratory seasons.
Rolling dunes frame wide desert horizons, ideal for wide-angle landscape shots and night sky photography.
Food in Nata
Nata Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
Shredded beef slow-cooked and salted, often served with pap (bogobe) or with cassava. A Botswana staple found at most lodges and local eateries.
Must-Try!
Pap (bogobe) served with morogo (wild spinach) or a bean relish; a comforting, traditional combination commonly offered at homes and lodges.
Dried or fried caterpillars eaten as a protein source; available at markets or as a snack in some lodges.
A vegetarian-friendly pap option often served with a bean stew or relish, common in local eateries.
Food Markets
Explore local food markets
A modest market scene where you can buy fresh produce, maize meal, and occasional street snacks; look for roasted maize and small, simple bites.
Weather
How to Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
A firm handshake is common; greet people with a polite 'Dumela' when meeting. Dress modestly, especially in villages and rural areas, and respect local customs around wildlife and sacred sites.
Ask for permission before photographing people, particularly children or elders, and be respectful of privacy around homes and villages.
Take cues from locals on conversations and bargaining; speak calmly and politely, and avoid loud or disruptive behavior in public.
Safety
Tipping in Nata
Ensure a smooth experience
In restaurants and lodges, tipping around 10-15% is customary if service is not included. Guides and trackers often appreciate a similar range for a day’s outing. Carry small change for tips to staff and porters.
Cash is widely accepted, but many lodges and larger shops also take cards. ATMs are available in towns; inform banks of travel plans if needed. Some remote camps operate on a cash-only basis.
Best Time to Visit
And what to expect in different seasons...
Hot days with a chance of sudden afternoon showers. Humidity can be high; early mornings are best for wildlife viewing and photography. Mosquito precautions recommended.
Cool to mild days with dry conditions and clear skies. Nights can be chilly; excellent for stargazing and comfortable desert walks.
Nata at Night
Hiking in Nata
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
Flat, easy loop around the sanctuary with birdwatching viewpoints.
Seasonal, sandy tracks along the pan rims offering expansive desert panoramas.
Scenic hikes to viewpoints near waterholes and open plains (seasonal access).
Airports
How to reach Nata by plane.
A small domestic airstrip serving light aircraft and safari operators; convenient for quick access to the Makgadikgadi area.
Major regional airport with domestic and limited international connections; gateway to northeastern Botswana.
Botswana's largest international airport in Gaborone; connects to Johannesburg, Cape Town, and other hubs.
Gateway to the Okavango Delta and central Botswana; accessible via domestic flights from major hubs.
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
The majority of people in Nata are Tswana-speaking and culturally rooted in Botswana traditions.
A steady influx of visitors and seasonal workers supporting tourism in the area.
Popular Sports
Explore popular sports in region.
The most popular sport across Botswana, widely played and watched in towns and schools.
Active at schools and clubs with occasional local matches in the region.
Traffic
Accomodations
Find the best place to stay when visiting Nata.
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
Vegetarian options are available at many lodges and markets; ask for morogo, beans, vegetables, and pap-based dishes. Communicate clearly with kitchen staff and watch for meat stock in stews.