Nata might be a remote haven in northeast Botswana, and perhaps less worthy of a mention when compared to the likes of Chobe National Park or the Okavango Delta, but it’s amazing what rare wonders you find when you head off the beaten track.
Being poled down the waterways in the delta has to be in my top three when it comes to sensational safaris, however, when the country bears the title of, “Gem of Africa” it would seem as though hidden treasures ought to pop up as a matter of course.
Image by: Michelle Lewis
Within this small town lies a 16,000-hectare unfenced wilderness that is stuffed to the savannah with endless helpings of one of the big five, namely elephants. More than 95,000, both resident and migratory make their home in this location, and you don’t need to be on a game drive to capture their playful antics. The waterhole surrounding the pool and nearby campsite, is a genuine social haunt for these mammals, the herds spied from just a few metres away.
Image by: Michelle Lewis
While camp game viewing isn’t round the clock as it would be at Etosha National Park (the Namibian park boasting floodlit waterholes), you can still expect to enjoy sightings until around 10pm when the generator runs out of steam. Then again, on the plus side, being truly wild, it still has that raw backpacker status, these open plains coming under the category of relatively obscure.
When I last visited with my group there must have been near on a hundred elephant sightings in one-day, the wild dog, kudu and leopard also putting in an appearance. Sadly, the latter only made his presence felt once I had made it back to my tent, making this an early night I now very much regret. Saying that, Africa just wouldn’t be Africa if it came with a sure fire guarantee, and nor would so many people be so utterly captivated by the continent’s wildlife.
Image by: Colin Walsh
If you are thinking of an overnight camp out that’s also an option if you want to head into the heart of this wildlife enclave, and with lions and hyenas roaming freely across the bush this is the perfect place for some atmospheric tent pitching.
Image by: Colin Walsh
As for the amenities, they are basic, but if you’re an elephant fan I’d suggest adding Nata to your bucket list. There’s nothing like ending the day round a roaring fire or contemplating the day’s next adventure over a cold beer while elephants meandour by (on the hoof) – or perhaps one of the many reasons why they always catch us unawares, on tiptoe!
An essential dose of elephant viewing is available on our 7-day Kruger & Victoria Falls small group safari…
By Sales/Marketing, Acacia Africa