Nata Bird Sanctuary Travel Guide

Nata Bird Sanctuary, established in 1988 and opened in 1993, is a 230-square-kilometer protected area located on the northeastern fringe of the Sowa Pan. This community-run project is a testament to successful conservation, driven by the local communities of Nata, Sepako, Maposa, and Manxotae. These communities benefit directly from the sanctuary's income through development projects.The sanctuary protects the northeastern slice of Sua (Sowa) Pan, which is part of the larger Makgadikgadi Salt Pans network. This network comprises several adjoining pans with grasslands and sand ridges. The Sowa Pan fills with water after the rainy season due to the influent flow from the Nata River, attracting a multitude of waterbirds to breed.The Nata Bird Sanctuary is renowned as one of only three nesting places for flamingos in Africa. It hosts over 165 bird species, including large flocks of greater and lesser flamingos, great white pelicans, and pink-backed pelicans. The best time to visit is during the wet season (roughly November to March) when the pans fill with nutrient-rich waters, attracting a host of waterbirds. However, the sanctuary is also worth visiting during the dry season (April to October). Aside from birds, the sanctuary is also home to various animals, including wildebeest, ostrich, jackals, bat-eared foxes, zebra, kudu, oryx, springbok, red hartebeest, eland, and impalas.Visitors can explore the sanctuary through unguided drives, taking in the vast landscapes and abundant wildlife. A raised wooden platform provides excellent views of the Sowa salt pan and its birdlife. Nata Lodge, located near the sanctuary entrance, offers accommodation and guided drives into the sanctuary.