The traditional grass huts at Planet Baobab are constructed in the manner used by the first inhabitants of the Makgadikgadi – the Bushmen of Botswana.
Location: Planet Baobab sits on the edge of Botswana’s Ntwetwe Salt Pan in the Makgadikgadi region, surrounded by ancient baobab trees and the vast stillness of the Kalahari. Just outside the small village of Gweta, this colourful camp is easy to reach by road, making it one of the more accessible ways to explore this extraordinary desert landscape. We love the camp’s lively character and earthy soul, where traditional design meets a touch of retro safari flair.
Rooms: You’ll stay in quirky, beautifully hand-built huts-rondavels made from local materials like mud, thatch, and natural pigment paints. Each one is unique, with en-suite bathrooms and surprisingly comfortable interiors that stay cool in summer and warm in winter. Guests love the creativity in the design and how everything feels genuinely connected to the local culture.
Amenities: At the heart of camp is a joyful open-air bar and lounge, decorated with beer-bottle chandeliers and cowhide chairs. There’s a large swimming pool shaded by baobabs, which feels especially welcome after a day in the desert heat. Meals are generous and home-cooked, often served outdoors around the fire or under the stars. Think pan-African flavours, local touches, and a relaxed communal vibe.
Activities: This is a place for slow exploration and spontaneous discovery. You can quad bike across the salt pans, meet habituated meerkats, or sleep out under the stars. Guided walks and cultural visits to nearby villages add real insight, and there’s a warm community feel to everything here that guests really respond to.
Sustainability: Planet Baobab is proudly rooted in its surroundings, supporting local livelihoods through craft, culture, and employment. Buildings are constructed using sustainable techniques, and the camp partners with nearby communities to ensure tourism brings long-term benefits to this fragile desert region. The lodge is also a proud supporter of the Makgadikgadi-Nxai Pans Conservation Initiative, helping restore one of Africa’s historic mammal migrations by working with local communities to promote wildlife-friendly land use and reduce human-wildlife conflict.
Best places to stay in Makgadikgadi Salt Pans
Makgadikgadi Salt Pans Trip Inspiration
Speak to a Botswana expert today
and start planning your tailor-made vacation
Alistair