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Planet Baobab: The Quirky Heart of the Makgadikgadi
Follow the road pointed out by the giant anteater statue, and you will discover a place that defies convention, a desert oasis where ancient giants stand sentinel, and the spirit of adventure is not just alive but positively buzzing. This is Planet Baobab.
Nestled amongst a fraternity of colossal baobabs, just adjacent to the village of Gweta and on the fringes of Botswana's mysterious Makgadikgadi Pans, Planet Baobab is aptly named “The Baobab Capital of the World.” Here, the average age of each tree is more than 4,000 years, and the boundless lunar landscape of the Makgadikgadi Salt Pans are the size of Switzerland. How is that for awe-inspiring?
This is a quirky place in a quirky part of the world, where you might live cheek to tusk with old elephants; sleep in basic but wonderfully Afro-chic Bakalanga Huts; swim in the largest, coolest pool in the Kalahari; eat the finest pan-African cuisine, and of course, drink something cold with hunters, vagabonds, travelers, and locals in the funkiest bar in Africa. Voted as one of the top 10 most extraordinary places to stay in the world by Lonely Planet, Planet Baobab is the coolest desert oasis around—a part of Africa that few will experience, but all will remember.
Top 3 Reasons to Visit Planet Baobab
- The Ultimate Desert Oasis Experience: Planet Baobab is not just a camp; it’s a destination. Boasting the largest, coolest pool in the Kalahari and one of the most uniquely styled bars in Africa, it offers a refreshing and vibrant base in the heart of the desert.
- Iconic Makgadikgadi Gateway: Perfectly positioned near the village of Gweta and just 40 kilometers from the Makgadikgadi Pans, the camp serves as an accessible launchpad for quad bike expeditions across the vast Ntwetwe Pan, game drives into desert wildlife, and life-changing meerkat encounters.
- Quirky Afro-Chic Accommodation: Sleep in enchanting Bakalanga Huts, inspired by local villages and adorned with vibrant murals and eclectic trinkets. This unique blend of traditional design and modern comfort offers an unforgettable and truly authentic stay.
The Planet Baobab Vibe: Where Quirky Meets the Kalahari
Planet Baobab is renowned for its distinctive personality. It's a place where tradition meets eccentric design, creating an atmosphere that is both relaxed and exhilarating. The essence of the camp is its ability to offer an “accessibly-priced adventure into the magnificent Kalahari Desert,” making the wonders of this unique ecosystem available to a broader range of travelers.
Location: Guardians of the Baobabs
The camp is nestled amongst 17 giant baobab trees, adjacent to the village of Gweta, and about 40 kilometers from the boundless Makgadikgadi Pans.
- The Baobab Forest: These ancient trees, some more than 4,000 years old, create a surreal, almost mystical setting. They are not just trees; they are the largest succulents in the world, often referred to as “inverted trees” due to their root-like branches. Their sheer scale and age evoke a profound sense of history.
- Gweta Village: Its proximity to Gweta provides a unique opportunity for cultural engagement, allowing guests to interact with the local Batswana people and learn about their way of life in this extraordinary part of the world.
- Gateway to the Pans: Despite being 40km from the pans, the camp serves as a perfect staging post for adventures into the vast Ntwetwe Pan.
Design: Afro-Chic and Unconventional
Planet Baobab’s aesthetic is deliberately unconventional and incredibly charming. The camp boldly embraces an “Afro-chic” style that celebrates local culture with a playful twist.
- Bakalanga Huts: Accommodation takes inspiration from local Bakalanga villages, featuring thatched huts with vibrant murals and eclectic trinkets.
- Bar Area: The enormous bar, adorned with wine-bottle chandeliers and cow-hide chairs, is the heart of the camp. It’s a place of character, where travelers and locals mingle.
- Pool Oasis: The largest swimming pool in the Kalahari glitters tantalizingly, surrounded by shady sun-loungers—a welcome sight in the desert heat.
This unique combination of design and location creates a vibrant, social atmosphere where every corner tells a story, and every moment feels like an adventure.
Accommodation: Sleeping Under the Baobabs
Planet Baobab offers a range of quirky, cool, and super comfy accommodations designed to suit different preferences and budgets, all while immersing guests in its unique Afro-chic aesthetic. Scattered beneath the colossal baobabs, the accommodation options are designed to feel like a natural extension of the surrounding environment.
1. Bakalanga Huts
These are the signature accommodations, drawing inspiration from local Botswanan villages.
- Number of Huts: There are eight Bakalanga Huts available.
- Design & Vibe: Each hut is an individual, circular, thatched-roof structure adorned with vibrant murals on the outside walls. Inside, you’ll find sunny patchwork quilts and a variety of eclectic trinkets that add to their unique charm and character.
- Comfort: These huts offer a basic but very comfortable stay. Each is equipped with air-conditioning, a much-appreciated luxury in the Kalahari heat.
- En-suite Bathrooms: All Bakalanga Huts come with private en-suite bathrooms, featuring a shower, toilet, and basin.
- Bed Configuration: Primarily designed for twin occupancy with two beds on either side of the room.
- Ideal For: Couples or friends seeking a unique, comfortable, and culturally inspired stay.
2. Baobab Huts
Similar in style to the Bakalanga Huts but with a slightly different configuration.
- Number of Huts: There are seven Baobab Huts.
- Design & Vibe: They share the same Afro-chic design, vibrant murals, and comfortable interiors as the Bakalanga Huts. They are also equipped with air-conditioning.
- Bathrooms: These huts feature separate semi-detached bathrooms, offering a blend of privacy and a close-to-nature feel.
- Bed Configuration: Designed for twin occupancy.
- Ideal For: Travelers who appreciate the quirky design and comfortable amenities.
3. Bakalanga Family Huts
Perfect for families or small groups traveling together.
- Number of Huts: There are three Bakalanga Family Huts.
- Design & Vibe: Maintaining the distinctive Afro-chic style with vibrant murals and comfortable furnishings. These huts are also equipped with air-conditioning.
- Spacious Layout: Designed to comfortably accommodate up to four guests. Each hut features a large double bed in the center of the room with twin beds on either side.
- En-suite Bathrooms: All family huts come with private en-suite bathrooms.
- Ideal For: Families with children or small groups of friends seeking a shared, comfortable, and uniquely styled accommodation.
4. Camping Spaces
Planet Baobab is also a popular spot for overlanders and self-drivers, offering excellent camping facilities.
- The Vibe: A selection of camping spaces with shared bathroom facilities, providing a budget-friendly option without compromising on quality.
- Shady Campsite: The campsite is noted for its ample shade, a crucial feature in the desert environment.
- Best Ablutions: Planet Baobab proudly claims to have “the best ablutions in Botswana, fact!” The shared bathroom facilities are clean, well-maintained, and offer hot water and privacy.
- Ideal For: Adventurous travelers with their own tents, on a budget, or those looking for a vibrant communal atmosphere.
Main Camp Facilities: The Funkiest Oasis in the Kalahari
The central area of Planet Baobab is a vibrant and unique hub, embodying the camp's quirky Afro-chic spirit and providing a lively space for relaxation, dining, and social interaction. It's truly an oasis in the vastness of the Kalahari.
The Enormous Bar Area: Heart of the Camp
At the very core of Planet Baobab is its enormous bar area, a space that is as much a work of art as it is a place for refreshment.
- Distinctive Decor: Adorned with wine-bottle chandeliers that cast a warm, ambient glow, and featuring cow-hide chairs, the bar exudes a rustic yet sophisticated charm.
- Social Hub: This is the gathering place for hunters and vagabonds, travelers and locals. It’s a place where stories are swapped, friendships are forged, and the dust of the desert is washed away with cold drinks. It's often referred to as the “funkiest bar in Africa.”
- Extensive Drinks Menu: Catering to parched throats after a day in the desert, the bar offers an extensive drinks menu, ensuring there’s something for everyone.
Dining: Pan-African Cuisine
- A La Carte Restaurant: The camp boasts an original à la carte restaurant, offering a diverse and delicious menu.
- Pan-African Cuisine: Meals are comprised of interesting and delicious dishes from all across Africa, promising a culinary journey to complement your safari adventure. The kitchen is vegetarian-friendly, and dietary needs can be accommodated with advance notice.
- Meal Inclusions: Dinner, bed, and breakfast are included in your stay, ensuring guests are well-fed before and after their desert adventures.
The Largest, Coolest Swimming Pool in the Kalahari
Outside the main bar and restaurant area, guests will find the glittering jewel of Planet Baobab: its swimming pool.
- An Oasis: Hailed as the “largest, coolest swimming pool in the Kalahari,” it offers a tantalizing invitation to shake off the heat of the day and the dust of the desert.
- Relaxation: Surrounded by shady sun-loungers and braai areas, the pool deck is a perfect spot for relaxation, sunbathing, or enjoying a refreshing dip under the vast African sky.
Additional Facilities
- Electricity: The entire camp has electricity, with safe charging stations available.
- Connectivity: While there is electricity, cell phone reception and Wi-Fi access are available only in the central area and are for a small cost. This encourages guests to disconnect and immerse themselves in the environment.
- Safes: Available in all rooms for storing valuables.
- Kitchen Hours: The kitchen generally closes at 22h00 (last orders at 21h00), ensuring timely service.
Safari Activities: Desert Adventures Unveiled
Planet Baobab is perfectly positioned to offer a unique array of activities that delve deep into the Makgadikgadi Pans and the surrounding Kalahari Desert, blending wildlife encounters with thrilling desert adventures.
1. Quad Bike Expeditions (Dry Season Only)
- Lunar Landscape Exploration: Embark on exhilarating quad bike expeditions deep into the Ntwetwe Pan, one of the two main Makgadikgadi Pans. When dry (typically June to October), the pan’s surface is hard and flat, offering an unparalleled sense of space.
- The Curvature of the Earth: This vast, treeless expanse is so enormous that you can literally see the curvature of the Earth, creating a disorienting and awe-inspiring experience.
- Overnight Option: For the ultimate adventure, multi-day quad bike trips can include an overnight stay on the pans, sleeping under a blanket of a million stars with nothing but the vast silence around you.
- Note: Quad biking is strictly a dry season activity. The pans become impassable mud flats during the wet season. Children 6 years and older may join, but children under 12 may not drive.
2. Meerkat Encounters
- Kalahari Cool Cats: Planet Baobab is home to resident meerkats (suricates) in the Ntwetwe Pan. These charming creatures are semi-habituated to human presence through years of research, allowing for incredibly close and intimate encounters.
- Natural Behavior: Guests can observe these cheeky creatures displaying their natural behaviors – foraging, sun-basking, and standing sentry – without disturbing them. You might even find a curious meerkat using your head as a lookout post!
- Ethical Interaction: It’s important to remember they are not tame; they are simply used to our non-threatening presence, ensuring an authentic and respectful interaction.
3. Baobab Bushwalks & Sundowners
- Ancient Giants: Take a guided bushwalk amongst the colossal baobabs surrounding the camp. Your guide will share fascinating insights into the unique biology of these ancient trees, which are in fact the largest succulents in the world.
- Sunset Views: These walks often culminate in a magical sundowner, offering breathtaking views as the sun sets over the Kalahari, painting the landscape in fiery hues.
4. Game Drives in the Makgadikgadi Pans
- Desert-Adapted Wildlife: Game drives from Planet Baobab take you into the Ntwetwe Pan, revealing unique desert-adapted species such as bat-eared foxes, springbok, kori bustards, and perhaps even the magnificent desert-adapted elephant and lion (if Lady Luck is on your side).
- Zebra Migration (Green Season): The arrival of the summer rains (typically December to April) heralds the second-largest migration of mammals on the continent – thousands of zebra and wildebeest. Game drives during this period become frenetic, as these hooved beasts feed on the fresh, green grass, attracting predators.
5. Cattlepost Visit & Village Tour
- Cultural Immersion: Immerse yourself in the local culture with a visit to a traditional cattlepost and a tour of Gweta village. This provides a genuine insight into the way of life of the Batswana people in this extraordinary part of the world.
- Interactive Experience: Learn about local customs, traditions, and the co-existence of humans and wildlife in the Kalahari.
- Inclusive: This activity includes lunch.
6. Spa Treatment (On-site)
- For those seeking relaxation after a day of desert adventures, an on-site spa treatment is available (at an additional cost).
The Landscape: Vastness and Desolation
Planet Baobab is situated in the region of Botswana's mysterious Makgadikgadi Pans, an area bigger than Switzerland. This was once the largest expanse of fresh water on the planet, but today, it's a vast, salt-pan desert of shimmering sand and surreal landscapes so immense you can see the curvature of the earth.
It’s a harsh and sparse landscape, but one that’s beautiful in its desolation. Here, perhaps more than anywhere else in the world, you’ll be struck by a feeling of utter, marvelous isolation. The sheer scale and emptiness are both humbling and inspiring.
Wildlife: Desert Specialists and Seasonal Spectacles
The wildlife at Planet Baobab is dictated by the extreme nature of the Makgadikgadi ecosystem.
Desert-Adapted Species
- Bat-eared Foxes: Known for their enormous ears, adapted to hearing insects beneath the sand.
- Springbok: Graceful antelopes perfectly adapted to arid environments, known for their unique “pronking” display.
- Kori Bustards: The heaviest flying bird in the world, often seen striding across the plains.
- Desert-Adapted Elephant & Lion: While not as common as in the Delta or Chobe, these magnificent creatures have adapted to the harsh conditions.
The Great Zebra Migration (Green Season)
From December to April, the summer rains transform the pans into lush grasslands. This triggers the arrival of thousands of zebra and wildebeest, creating the second-largest migration of mammals on the continent. This abundance of prey attracts predators, making for incredibly dynamic wildlife viewing.
When to Go: A Tale of Two Seasons
Planet Baobab is open all year round, with activities changing dramatically depending on the season.
Dry Season (June to October)
- Weather: Cool, clear days (around 26°C), cold nights (can dip below 10°C). September to October sees temperatures climb higher (sometimes reaching 40°C).
- Landscape: The pans are bone dry and blindingly white, allowing for quad bike expeditions.
- Wildlife: Resident desert-adapted species are present. Meerkats are active. The zebra migration has left the pans, so game drives focus on the local inhabitants.
- Activities: Quad biking on the pans, meerkat encounters, baobab bushwalks.
- Verdict: Best for unique desert adventure, cultural interaction, and the sheer vastness of the pans.
Green Season (November to May)
- Weather: Higher temperatures, receiving the highest rainfall. Afternoon thunderstorms are common and spectacular.
- Landscape: The pans turn into shallow, temporary lakes. The grasslands are lush and green.
- Wildlife: Peak season for the Zebra and Wildebeest Migration. The hooved beasts feed on the fresh, green grass. Abundance of baby animals. Increased predator activity.
- Activities: Game drives into the pans to witness the migration, baobab bushwalks, and meerkat encounters. Quad biking is generally not possible on the pans due to mud.
- Verdict: Best for wildlife viewing, especially the migration, birthing season, and lush, dramatic landscapes.
How to Get There: Accessible Desert Adventure
Planet Baobab is refreshingly accessible, making it a great option for self-drivers.
- By Road: The camp is located adjacent to the village of Gweta, which is about 200 kilometers from Maun and 100 kilometers from Nata. It is accessible by two-wheel drive vehicles, although a 4×4 is recommended for exploring the pans themselves. The road from Maun to Gweta is tarred for most of the way. Look out for the giant aardvark statue 200km from Maun or 100km from Nata.
- By Air: You can also fly from Maun to Gweta (Gweta Airstrip), and road transfers to the camp are available from both Gweta and Nata.
What You Need to Know: Practicalities
- Age-Friendly: Planet Baobab welcomes all ages.
- Connectivity: Cell phone reception, Wi-Fi, and internet access are available in the central area for a small cost.
- Electricity: The camp has electricity.
- Safes: Available in all rooms.
- Pool: Strictly for residents only.
- Kitchen Hours: The kitchen closes at 22h00 (last orders at 21h00).
- Activities: All activities and experiences are at an additional cost and are shared with other guests. There are no private guides. Maximum 10 guests per vehicle. Quad bikes are strictly 2 guests per bike; children 6 years and older may join, but under 12s may not drive.
Conclusion: A Desert Dream Realized
Planet Baobab offers a safari experience that is utterly unique—a blend of history, culture, adventure, and quirky charm. It is a place where you can touch the raw earth of the Makgadikgadi, witness the magic of the meerkat, and sleep under the watchful eyes of ancient baobabs.
It is a reminder that Africa is not just about the “Big Five”; it is about the “Big Sky,” the “Big Trees,” and the “Big Silence.” If you are looking for an accessible, fun, and deeply memorable adventure into the Kalahari Desert and Makgadikgadi Pans, then Planet Baobab is your destination.
Ready to find your inner aardvark? Click the “Book Now” button to secure your Bakalanga Hut or camping spot, or select “Ask a Question” to chat with our team about arranging your quad bike adventure or a meerkat encounter.
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