Planet Baobab, Makgadikgadi Pans National Park Travel Guide

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Discover a quirky desert oasis near Gweta, Botswana, offering adventure and cultural immersion on the edge of the Makgadikgadi Pans.

Planet Baobab, near Gweta, Botswana, is a unique and quirky lodge offering an authentic African experience. Nestled amongst giant baobab trees, it serves as a gateway to the Makgadikgadi Pans, offering a blend of adventure and cultural immersion.

A brief summary to Planet Baobab

R864+877, Gweta, 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 Planet Baobab.

Visit during the dry season (May to October) for optimal access to the Makgadikgadi Pans and clear night skies for stargazing.
Engage in a guided quad bike tour across the pans for a thrilling experience of the vast, open landscape.
Take a cultural tour of Gweta village to learn about the local Tswana people and their traditions.
Don't miss the opportunity to see the habituated meerkats, offering a unique wildlife encounter.
Pack warm clothing, as desert nights can be surprisingly cold.

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Other nearby places you may find interesting

The closest places of the same kind, if this one is not quite what you had in mind.

Makadikadi Basin

Makgadikgadi Pans

San Camp

Makgadikgadi adventure camp

Nata Bird Sanctuary

Explore Planet Baobab on the Map

A handpicked selection of must-see spots near Planet Baobab, mapped for you.

Getting There

Bus

Regular bus services connect Gweta to Maun and Francistown. From the Gweta bus stop, Planet Baobab is approximately 5km east of town on the Maun-Francistown road. You can ask the bus driver to stop at the turn-off to Planet Baobab. From there, a pre-arranged transfer with the lodge or a local taxi can take you to the camp. A taxi from the Gweta bus stop to Planet Baobab will cost approximately 50-70 BWP.
Self-Drive

Planet Baobab is located 5km east of Gweta, on the Francistown-Maun road (A3). From Gweta, follow the A3 towards Francistown. The lodge is clearly signposted with a giant aardvark. The camp is accessible year-round by two-wheel drive vehicles. If driving from Maun, Planet Baobab is approximately 200km away; from Nata, it is about 100km. Fuel is often available in Gweta. Parking is available at the lodge.

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 the Kalahari. Located near Gweta, Botswana, this unique lodge is renowned for its proximity to the vast Makgadikgadi Pans and its collection of ancient baobab trees, some over 4,000 years old. The lodge itself is built in the style of a traditional Bakalanga village, with mud huts adorned with colorful murals, offering a comfortable and culturally rich stay.Planet Baobab acts as a launchpad for exploring the Makgadikgadi Pans, a landscape that was once a massive freshwater lake. Today, it's a shimmering salt pan, offering surreal vistas and incredible stargazing opportunities. During the wet season, the pans come alive with the migration of zebras and wildebeest, creating a wildlife spectacle. Activities range from quad biking across the pans to guided bush walks and visits to local villages.The lodge embraces its quirky and funky atmosphere, aiming to provide an affordable and accessible base for travelers. With a focus on the landscape, local culture, and desert inhabitants, Planet Baobab offers a different kind of safari experience, one that emphasizes adventure and connection with the environment.