Elephant Sands Lodge, Makgadikgadi Pans Travel Guide

4.4 (726)

Experience unforgettable elephant encounters at this unique bush lodge and campsite in Botswana, where wildlife roams freely.

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Elephant Sands Lodge

Elephant Sands Lodge, located 53km north of Nata, Botswana, offers a unique opportunity to witness elephants in their natural habitat. This unfenced bush lodge and campsite provides a rustic and immersive experience, allowing wildlife to roam freely around the property, especially around the popular 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, as you may encounter wildlife.
Pack appropriate clothing for both warm days and cooler nights, as temperatures can fluctuate.
Be prepared for a rustic experience, as the accommodation is comfortable but not luxurious.
Consider booking activities like game drives or bush walks in advance to ensure availability.
Respect the wildlife and maintain a safe distance from the animals at all times.

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Getting There

Driving

Elephant Sands Lodge is located approximately 53km north of Nata on the main road to Kasane. From Nata, drive north on the A33 towards Kasane. After about 53km, look for the Elephant Sands sign and bus stop on the left. Turn left onto the sand road and follow it for 1.4km to reach the lodge. A 2x4 vehicle with high ground clearance is recommended for the sand road. There are no tolls on this route. Parking is available at the lodge.
Taxi

From Nata, you can hire a taxi to Elephant Sands Lodge. Negotiate the fare with the driver before starting the journey. The cost is approximately 300-400 Botswana Pula, depending on the taxi and your negotiation skills. The journey takes around 45 minutes. Taxis can be found near the Shell station in Nata.
Public Transport

Take a minibus from Nata heading towards Kasane. Inform the driver that you want to get off at the Elephant Sands turnoff (approximately 53km north of Nata). The minibus fare is around 70 Botswana Pula. From the turnoff, it is a 1.4km walk or you can try to hitchhike to the lodge. Minibuses can be found near the Shell station in Nata.

Discover more about Elephant Sands Lodge

Elephant Sands Lodge is a remarkable bush lodge and campsite situated in northeastern Botswana, approximately 53 kilometers north of Nata. What sets this lodge apart is its unique, unfenced environment, allowing elephants and other wildlife to roam freely throughout the 16,000-hectare private conservancy.The lodge's main draw is the natural waterhole located directly in front of the accommodation area. Guests can observe elephants up close as they drink and interact, providing an unforgettable wildlife encounter. Besides elephants, the conservancy is home to a variety of other animals, including lions, eland, zebras, and giraffes.Elephant Sands offers a range of accommodation options, including en-suite chalets, safari tents, and campsites. The facilities include a restaurant, a bar, and a plunge pool. Activities such as game drives, bush walks, and stargazing are also available. The lodge is solar-powered and committed to eco-friendly practices.Strategically located in the center of Botswana's highlights, Elephant Sands serves as an ideal base for exploring the Makgadikgadi Pans, the Okavango Delta, and Chobe National Park. Victoria Falls and Hwange National Park are also within reach.