Kubu Island Travel Guide

Kubu Island, or Lekhubu, is more than just a geographical landmark; it's a journey through time and nature's artistry. Rising from the Makgadikgadi Pan, one of the largest salt flat complexes in the world, this granite island presents a striking contrast to the surrounding white expanse. The island's name, Kubu, means 'large rock' in Kalanga or 'hippopotamus' in Tswana, hinting at the area's ancient past when it was part of a vast prehistoric lake.Kubu Island is crowned with gnarled, ancient baobab trees, some estimated to be thousands of years old, their twisted branches reaching towards the sky like roots. These majestic trees, along with the unique rock formations shaped by wind and time, create an otherworldly landscape, especially during sunset when the salt plains glow with golden and reddish hues. The island's rocks are also covered in fossilized guano from waterbirds that perched here when the area was a lake.Beyond its natural beauty, Kubu Island holds historical and archaeological significance. Stone Age tools and arrowheads have been discovered along the shorelines, and a circular stone wall and cairns suggest the island may have been part of the Great Zimbabwe empire. The island is considered a sacred site by local communities, who believe ancestral spirits reside in its rocks. Camping on Kubu Island offers a unique opportunity to connect with nature and experience the tranquility of this remote and mystical place.