Elephant Sands Lodge, Kalahari Desert Travel Guide

4.4 (726)

Experience unparalleled elephant encounters in their natural habitat at this unique Botswana bush lodge and campsite near Nata.

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Elephant Sands Lodge

Elephant Sands Lodge, located 53km north of Nata, Botswana, offers a unique wildlife experience. This unfenced bush lodge and campsite allows elephants and other animals to roam freely, providing guests with unparalleled close encounters at the lodge's natural waterhole.

A brief summary to Elephant Sands Lodge

Farm PP 1, Nata, BW
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From Eve

Know before you go

Hi, I'm Eve. Here are a few practical things to know before exploring Elephant Sands Lodge.

Bring a good torch or headlamp for navigating the unfenced grounds at night, especially when walking to and from your accommodation.
Be aware that a veterinary checkpoint is located north of the lodge; transporting fresh meat, fruit, or vegetables southwards through the checkpoint is prohibited.
While a 4x4 isn't essential to reach the lodge, higher ground clearance is recommended for the last 1.4km, especially after rain.
Book game drives or bush walks in advance to fully explore the private conservancy and learn about the local flora and fauna.
Pack insect repellent, sunscreen, and appropriate clothing for both hot days and cooler nights in the bush.

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Other nearby places you may find interesting

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Explore Elephant Sands Lodge on the Map

A handpicked selection of must-see spots near Elephant Sands Lodge, mapped for you.

Getting There

Driving

From Nata, drive approximately 53 km north on the A33 towards Kasane. Look for the Elephant Sands sign and bus stop on the left. Turn left onto the sand road and follow it for about 1.4 km to reach the lodge. Note that higher ground clearance is recommended for the final stretch.
Public Transport

Buses run between Francistown-Nata, Nata-Kasane and Nata-Maun. Get off at the Elephant Sands sign and bus stop on the A33, roughly 53km north of Nata. From there, it's a 1.4km drive along a sandy road to the lodge; arrange for pickup in advance.

Discover more about Elephant Sands Lodge

Elephant Sands Lodge is a special place where elephants truly rule. Situated on a 16,000-hectare private, unfenced conservancy, about 53 kilometers north of Nata, Botswana, this lodge offers an immersive wildlife experience unlike any other. The lodge's origins trace back to the 1980s when the owners, driven by their love for elephants, dug the first waterhole, which continues to draw elephants and other wildlife.The main attraction is the natural waterhole located directly in front of the lodge, providing guests with the extraordinary opportunity to observe elephants up close as they drink, bathe, and play. The absence of fences allows wildlife to move unrestricted throughout the property, creating thrilling, sometimes unexpected, encounters.Elephant Sands offers a range of accommodations, including en-suite safari tents and chalets, some elevated on stilts, as well as spacious campsites. The lodge features a restaurant serving three meals a day, a bar, a swimming pool, a curio shop, and Wi-Fi. Activities such as game drives, bush walks, and bush barbecues are also available.Visiting Elephant Sands is more than just a safari experience; it's a chance to witness the raw beauty of the African bush and the vital role this lodge plays in elephant conservation.