Planet Baobab, Makgadikgadi Pans Travel Guide

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Experience Botswana's quirky side: ancient baobabs, vast salt pans, and Afro-chic adventures near Gweta.

Planet Baobab, near Gweta, Botswana, is more than just a lodge; it's an experience. Situated on the edge of the Makgadikgadi Pans, it offers quirky accommodations, stunning landscapes, and a range of activities from quad biking to cultural tours, making it a must-visit for adventurous travelers.

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 (April to October) for iconic sun-scorched pan views and quad biking.
In the green season (November to May), witness the spectacular zebra and wildebeest migration.
Engage with the local Batswana culture through village tours and interactions.
Don't miss the chance to meet the habituated meerkats for a heartwarming wildlife encounter.

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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.

Makgadikgadi Pans National Park

Makadikadi Basin

Sua Pan

Nata Bird Sanctuary

Makgadikgadi adventure camp

Explore Planet Baobab on the Map

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

Getting There

Driving

Planet Baobab is located approximately 5km east of Gweta, just south of the main Maun-Francistown road. From Gweta, follow the signs towards Planet Baobab; the road is accessible by two-wheel drive vehicles. Look out for the giant aardvark statue marking the entrance. There is no fee to access the camp. Parking is available on site.
Public Transport

Regular bus services operate between Maun and Francistown, passing through Gweta. Ask the bus driver to stop at the turn-off to Planet Baobab, approximately 2km south of the main road. From the turn-off, it is a 5km walk or taxi ride to the lodge. A bus from Maun to Gweta costs approximately P42.15. A taxi from the turn-off to Planet Baobab may cost around P50-P100.

Discover more about Planet Baobab

Planet Baobab isn't just a place to stay; it's an immersion into the heart of Botswana's Makgadikgadi Pans. Located near Gweta, this unique lodge offers a blend of adventure and cultural experiences, set against the backdrop of ancient baobab trees and the vast, shimmering salt pans.The lodge itself is designed with a quirky, Afro-chic aesthetic, featuring traditional Bakalanga huts adorned with colorful murals. These huts provide basic but comfortable accommodations, reflecting the local building methods and artistic flair. For those seeking a more rustic experience, camping facilities are also available.Planet Baobab serves as a gateway to the Makgadikgadi Pans, the remnants of an ancient inland ocean. During the dry season, the pans transform into a lunar-like landscape, perfect for quad biking adventures and sleep-outs under the stars. In the wet season, the pans come alive with the second-largest zebra and wildebeest migration in the world.Beyond the landscape, Planet Baobab offers opportunities to engage with local culture. Visitors can tour nearby villages, visit cattle posts, and learn about the traditions of the Batswana people. Encounters with habituated meerkats provide a unique and heartwarming wildlife experience.Whether you're seeking adventure on the pans, cultural immersion in local villages, or simply a quirky and memorable place to stay, Planet Baobab offers an unforgettable Botswana experience.