Elephant Sands in Nata, Nata: Hours, Facilities and Family Guide
Animals and wildlife in Nata, Nata
Photo: Auto-generated feature card
A bush lodge and campsite north of Nata, famous for its elephant population at the waterhole, with family chalets, camping, and a restaurant.
What is Elephant Sands?
Elephant Sands is a bush lodge and campsite located about 53 km north of Nata, en route to Kasane. It is famous for the elephants that visit the waterhole right next to the bar and restaurant. The lodge offers family chalets, safari tents, and camping. Children of all ages are welcome, and children 12 and under receive a 50% discount on camping, meals, and activities. It is a basic but memorable wildlife experience.
Elephant Sands supports conservation by providing a safe waterhole for elephants.
💡 Money-saving tips for families
- Book early Family chalets are limited. Children 12 and under
Is it right for your child's age?
| Age group | Verdict | What to expect |
|---|---|---|
| 0–2 years | Good | Family chalets and camping. |
| 3–5 years | Good | Elephant watching from the bar. |
| 6–9 years | Great | Elephants at the waterhole. |
| 10–12 years | Great | A memorable wildlife experience. |
| 13+ years | Great | Full experience. |
Perfect visit planner
How much time do you have? Pick your window and we'll show you the ideal sequence.
Choose your time window
Key details
- Price
- Entry from BWP 1,952,800
- Address
- Elephant Sands, Nata, Botswana, Nata
- Opening hours
- Daily; check-in from 2pm
- How long to plan
- 1 to 2 nights
- Suitable ages
- All ages
- Setting
- Outdoor
- Booking
- Book in advance
- Payment accepted
- Card
- Cash (BWP)
What to expect when you visit
Book in advance. The lodge offers family chalets and camping. Children 12 and under receive a 50% discount. Allow 1 to 2 nights.
What if...?
The questions every parent asks before booking. Tap to expand.
Are family chalets available?
Yes, the lodge has family chalets.
Do children get a discount?
Yes, children 12 and under receive a 50% discount.
Will we see elephants?
Almost certainly, especially in the dry season.
Family essentials
- Suitable age bands
- 0–2 years
- 3–5 years
- 6–9 years
- 10–12 years
- 13+ years
- Toddler suitability
- Good for toddlers
- Minimum age
- No minimum age
- Facilities
- Family chalets
- Camping
- Restaurant
- Bar
- Access and parking
- Limited accessibility
- Free parking
- Safety notes
Follow the camp’s rules and keep a safe distance from the elephants.
Tickets and costs
- Toddler entry (0 if free)
- Free
- Ages that pay the child rate
- 0-12
- Ticket notes
Rates vary. Camping from BWP 195 per person per night; family chalet from BWP 2,800. Children 12 and under receive a 50% discount on camping, meals, and activities. Confirm current rates when booking.
- Parking
- Free
- Free entry rules
- No
- Extra costs (activities, rentals, food)
Elephant watching at the waterhole, camping, restaurant
- Food and drink per person (estimate)
- Free
- Return transport (estimate, flat)
- Free
- Transport estimate note
- No public transport; self-drive
Plan your visit
- Combine with
- Nata Lodge
- Makgadikgadi Salt Pans
- Chobe National Park
- What to bring
- Sun hat
- Camera
- Binoculars
- Warm layers
Accessibility deep dive
Here is what to expect on the ground.
Limited; the terrain is sandy and uneven.
Available at the restaurant.
Free on-site parking.
Combine your visit
Plan the perfect day
Rates vary; confirm child policies.
What to pack
Tick off what you have. Your list saves automatically on this device.
Family day bag checklist
What visitors say
No reviews yet. Be the first to share what your visit was like.
Frequently asked questions
- What are the Elephant Sands opening hours?
- Daily; check-in from 2pm.
- Is Elephant Sands suitable for toddlers and young children?
- Minimum age: No minimum age. Follow the camp’s rules and keep a safe distance from the elephants.
- How long do you need at Elephant Sands?
- Plan for 1 to 2 nights.
- What payment methods does Elephant Sands accept?
- Elephant Sands accepts Card, Cash (BWP). It does not accept cash.
- Is Elephant Sands accessible, and is there parking?
- Access and parking: Limited accessibility, Free parking.
Similar places
Animals and wildlife in Nairobi
Nairobi National Park
The only national park within a capital city, about 7 km from Nairobi CBD. Home to lions, rhinos, giraffes and over 400…
- All ages
- Outdoor
- Some toddler activities
Entry from KES 1,000
Animals and wildlife in Nairobi
Nairobi Snake Park
A small reptile park on Museum Hill next to the Nairobi National Museum, with snakes, crocodiles, tortoises and an aqua…
- All ages
- Outdoor
Entry from KES 350
Animals and wildlife in Nairobi
Giraffe Centre
Feed and meet endangered Rothschild's giraffes from a raised platform, then walk a 1.5 km nature trail in Lang'ata, Nai…
- Outdoor
- Great for toddlers
Entry from KES 200
Animals and wildlife in Subukia, Nakuru County
Subukia Bandas
Eco-camp with family bandas, farm animals and outdoor activities in the Subukia Valley.
- All ages; farm activities best for 3+
- Eco-camp, farm and outdoor
- Yes, cribs on request
Entry from KES 1
Also in Nata
Parks, beaches and nature in Nata
Nata Lodge
A family-friendly lodge in Nata with family chalets, a pool, and a restaurant, convenient for exploring the Makgadikgad…
- All ages
- Outdoor
- Good for toddlers
Entry from BWP 1,500