Reference:

Makgadikgadi is a place of wide-open spaces under a blue sky. Makgadikgadi salt pan is the largest salt pan in the world and it is a place where you can enjoy the peace and serenity. During the rainy season the Nata River carries water into Sowa Pan filling the pan and attracting an array of waterbirds including flamingos, pelicans, ducks and teals. A birder`s delight to see flamingo in their thousands, transforming the shore line into a pink haze.

Region:

Makgadikgadi Pans

Package Type:

Birding Safaris

Day:

1

Itinerary:

Upon your arrival into Maun Airport you will be met by a representative from The Booking Company who will welcome you and assist you with your connection onto the light aircraft for your flight to Nata Lodge. Upon arrival you will be transferred to the lodge. Accommodation is in luxury thatched chalets with ensuite bathrooms. Nata Lodge is set among the Mokolwane palms on the edge of the pans and is ideally situated to the entrance to the Nata Sanctuary. The tree canopy which surrounds the lodge is a hive of activity, with a bird feeding area and active water feature providing you 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 Arrowmarked Babblers, Glossy Starling, Meyers Parrot and Paradise Whydah are just some of the species you will encounter during your stay at the lodge. Quad biking is also offered at the lodge - guides will accompany you around the plains and grasslands surrounding the Lodge.

Day:

2 & 3

Itinerary:

The Nata Bird Sanctuary was developed at the mouth of the Nata River and was established as a community-initiated project. Nata Bird Sanctuary was designed to provide refuge for wildlife on and around Sua Pan. Nata Bird Sanctuary provides one of the best possible views of the pans, boasting an elevated wooden hide, which has a beautiful vantage point. Mammal species in the sanctuary include antelope such as kudu and springbok, as well as springhares, jackals, foxes and monkeys. 165 bird species, including king-fishers, eagles, ostriches, pelicans, spoonbills and both greater and lesser flamingos, have been recorded here. When the Nata river flows, flooding the pan, the area becomes a paradise, dominated by water-loving birds from all around Africa. The area is an important flamingo and pelican breeding ground. In the dry winter months bustards and korhaans can be found in the grass fringes of the pan accompanied by migratory birds including kites, eagles and bee-eaters. During your stay at Nata Lodge you will go out into the pans and sanctuary for your drives, enjoying the magnificient birdlife and then the nocturnal animals at night surrounding the camp.

Day:

4

Itinerary:

After an early morning activity and breakfast, you will connect with light aircraft back to Maun in time for your onward connection.

Notes/Other:

Please Note: This itinerary is an example only, and can be tailor-made to suit your personal requirements. We can combine this proposed itinerary with other camps in Botswana. Accordingly, no price is indicated, as this will depend upon a number of factors, such as your routing and duration of stay. This itinerary does not include a specialist bird guide - please enquire for this additional cost.