Maun to Nata

Before leaving Maun, one of the staff at our lodge told me we would see elephants on our way. I couldn't quite understand what she was saying... Elephants, like on the road? I wasn't grasping this, but it sounded exciting to me!!

As we drove with Vincent, we saw 2 dazzles of zebras. That was pretty cool! Did you know that's what a group of zebras is called? I didn't! We continued on and he all of a sudden said "Giraffe." What? Where? Right there, not far from the side of the road was in fact a journey of giraffes! Ha ha! A "journey" of giraffes! This was our first giraffe sighting so I was pretty mesmerized! Then Vincent whispered, "Do you want to see the elephants crossing the road behind you?" What? Where? Sure enough, I turned around and a herd of elephants was in fact crossing the road! Here they were acting just like the deer do back home! Just eating at the side of the road and acting just like our wildlife! It was so weird and incredible all at the same time! At that moment, the reality of us being in Africa  couldn't have hit me more!

We stopped along the way, as it's more than 300km between Maun and Nata. The halfway point was this awesome little lodge surrounded by the Boabab trees, or upside down trees. They are known as the tree of life and are iconic symbols of the African Savannah. 

Arriving in Nata, as at all of the lodges, you are greeted with a welcome drink of usually mango juice! So refreshing and welcome after a long journey. Our welcome here was amazing and so organized after our welcome to Maun. One of the staff welcomed us and told us everything we'd be doing and at what time, took us to our rooms, while Vincent drove our suitcases, and showed us where everything was. Walking into our cabins/cottages was jaw dropping - see pictures below. 

Part of the reason for stopping at Nata is it is halfway between Maun and Chobe National Park. The other reason is to visit Nata Sanctuary where the largest salt pan deposits in the world can be found, along with diverse bird life.  This is what we did while visiting here when we met our guide, KK, who took us into the sanctuary and onto the salt pans.

We were able to see Pelicans landing on the inland lake and sea and saw many herds of Blue Gnu Wildebeest! The salt pans were cool but the sunset was truly amazing!