Overview

Planet Baobab is a mixed-accommodation safari lodge located in Gweta, Botswana, nestled amongst 17 giant baobab trees. The baobab trees on the property are not traditional trees but the world's largest succulents, reaching heights of up to 25 meters. The lodge sits adjacent to the village of Gweta, approximately 40 kilometers from the Makgadikgadi Pans, one of Botswana's most unique and expansive natural features. Known for: Unique baobab-centered accommodation experience, exceptional value for budget-conscious travelers, family-friendly environment welcoming all ages, and proximity to the stark beauty of the Makgadikgadi salt pans. Best for: Budget travelers, families with children, overland safari groups, photographers seeking distinctive desert landscapes, and visitors wanting to learn about baobab tree biology and African cultural heritage.

Accommodation & Rooms

Planet Baobab offers three distinct accommodation categories to suit varying budgets and group sizes. The 18 thatched huts represent the primary accommodation, divided into three types. Bakalanga twin huts provide comfortable twin-bed configurations ideal for two guests traveling together. Baobab twin huts offer similar twin-bed layouts in traditional thatched structures. Bakalanga Family units accommodate larger groups with multiple sleeping areas and are designed for families traveling with children. All huts feature air-conditioning, ensuring comfort during warm months, and ensuite bathrooms with indoor showers providing privacy and convenience.

The property accommodates budget travelers and overland safari groups through 6 camping spaces with shared bathroom facilities, allowing guests to experience the Kalahari environment at lower cost. Additionally, 3 overland camping sites cater specifically to organized overland safari tours, providing dedicated camping infrastructure. All accommodation options benefit from the property's central amenities, including the main bar, restaurant, and swimming pool facilities.

Dining & Cuisine

The lodge operates a funky bar and restaurant serving an à la carte menu, providing flexibility for guests with varying dietary preferences and appetites. The dining venue reflects the property's quirky, informal atmosphere while serving meals appropriate for safari travelers. A uniquely designed tea garden, traditionally painted and decorated by local artists, offers an alternative dining and relaxation space. This culturally-infused setting provides guests with authentic local artistic expression and a distinctive social space distinct from conventional safari lodge restaurants. The tea garden serves as both a dining venue and cultural touchpoint, allowing guests to experience local Botswana artistic traditions.

Wildlife & Activities

The Makgadikgadi Pans region surrounding Planet Baobab presents a distinctive wildlife environment compared to traditional savannah reserves. The salt pans create a stark, otherworldly landscape that supports specialized wildlife adapted to arid conditions. The region supports zebra herds, particularly during seasonal migrations, alongside predators including lions, hyenas, and jackals. Birdwatching opportunities are significant, with the pans attracting migratory bird species and resident raptors. The landscape's unique geology and sparse vegetation create photographic opportunities unavailable in traditional wildlife reserves. Guest activities focus on exploring the distinctive ecosystem rather than traditional game drives, including guided walks across the salt pans, wildlife observation from the lodge perimeter, and cultural visits to the adjacent Gweta village.

Location & How to Get There

Planet Baobab is located in Gweta, Botswana, positioned approximately 40 kilometers from the Makgadikgadi Pans. The lodge sits at the edge of the Kalahari semi-arid region, accessible via road from Botswana's main towns. Guests typically access the property through domestic flights to Botswana's main airports followed by road transfer, or through direct road access from major centers. The property provides airport transfer services upon request, with specific transfer times dependent on departure airport and road conditions during seasonal variations.

Best Time to Visit

The Makgadikgadi Pans region experiences distinct seasonal variations affecting visitor experience. The dry season (May to October) offers cooler temperatures, clearer skies, and optimal wildlife viewing as animals concentrate around remaining water sources. The rainy season (November to April) transforms the pans with seasonal flooding and green vegetation, supporting different wildlife patterns and creating unique photographic conditions. Winter months (June to August) provide the coolest temperatures, ideal for outdoor exploration and walking safaris. The shoulder seasons (April-May and September-October) offer moderate temperatures and reduced tourist crowds. Visitors should consider their wildlife viewing preferences and climate tolerance when selecting travel dates.

Conservation & Community

Planet Baobab demonstrates commitment to local community integration through its location adjacent to the Gweta village and employment of local staff. The lodge's tea garden features artwork by local artists, providing direct economic benefit to Botswana's artistic community and cultural preservation. The property's educational focus on baobab tree biology and local ecosystem characteristics supports environmental awareness among guests. The lodge's presence in a semi-arid region emphasizes sustainable tourism practices appropriate to fragile desert ecosystems, with water conservation considerations inherent to operations in the Kalahari environment. Staff engagement with local communities and cultural interpretation services provide guests with authentic perspectives on Botswana's indigenous heritage and contemporary village life.

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