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Planet Baobab: A Kalahari Oasis

Experience Botswana's quirky side at Planet Baobab: Authentic lodging, Kalahari adventures, and unforgettable desert nights near the Makgadikgadi Pans.

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Planet Baobab, near Gweta, Botswana, offers a unique and quirky stay on the edge of the Makgadikgadi Pans. With traditionally styled huts, a lively bar, and a range of activities from quad biking to meerkat encounters, it's an unforgettable desert experience.

A brief summary to Planet Baobab

Local tips

  • Visit during the dry season (April to October) for quad biking on the pans and stargazing opportunities.
  • Inquire about village tours to experience local Batswana culture and sample traditional sorghum beer.
  • Don't miss the meerkat encounter for an up-close and personal experience with these charming creatures.
  • Pack neutral-colored clothing, a hat, sunglasses, and sunscreen to protect yourself from the sun.
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Getting There

  • Driving

    Planet Baobab is located approximately 5km east of Gweta, just south of the main Nata-Maun road. From Gweta, follow the signs for Planet Baobab; the road is accessible by two-wheel drive. Look out for the giant aardvark statue marking the entrance. There is no parking fee.

  • Public Transport

    Regular bus services run between Maun and Francistown, stopping in Gweta. From the bus stop in Gweta, Planet Baobab is approximately 5km away. You can arrange a transfer with Planet Baobab or hire a local taxi from the village. A taxi from Gweta to Planet Baobab will cost approximately 50-80 Botswana Pula.

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Discover more about Planet Baobab

Planet Baobab isn't just a place to stay; it's an experience that immerses you in the heart of Botswana's Kalahari Desert. Located near the village of Gweta, it serves as a gateway to the vast Makgadikgadi Pans, the remnants of an ancient inland ocean. The lodge is known for its quirky and unique atmosphere, offering a blend of comfort and authentic African inspiration. The accommodation at Planet Baobab consists of traditionally styled huts, reflecting the building methods of the region's original inhabitants. These aren't your average hotel rooms; they're designed with creativity in mind, featuring cheerful murals, thick clay walls for natural cooling, and interiors adorned with traditional art and quirky decorations. You can choose between Bakalanga huts or Baobab huts, some of which are family-sized, and camping is also an option. The heart of Planet Baobab is its social scene, centered around a funky bar and restaurant. Here, you can enjoy Pan-African cuisine and mingle with fellow travelers. The lodge also boasts the largest and coolest swimming pool in the Kalahari, providing a refreshing respite from the desert heat. But the real draw of Planet Baobab lies in its activities. During the dry season, you can embark on quad bike adventures across the Makgadikgadi Pans, experiencing the thrill of traversing the vast, lunar-like landscape. You can also sleep out under the stars, witnessing the breathtaking beauty of the African night sky. In the wet season, witness the spectacular migration of zebra and wildebeest. Year-round, you can encounter habituated meerkats, take guided bush walks, and visit traditional cattle posts and villages to learn about local culture. Planet Baobab is more than just a stopover; it's a destination in itself, offering a chance to connect with the landscape, the culture, and the spirit of Botswana.

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