Aimed at self-drivers, Planet Baobab is a simple but charming, and rather off-the-wall, establishment just north of the Makgadikgadi Pans, near Gweta village. A unique property set around 4,000 year old baobabs with basic accommodation but plenty of character. Rooms come in the form of traditional Bakalanga mud or grass huts with quirky touches. An affordable base from which to enjoy some superb activities in the Kalahari including meerkat visits, quad biking and bushwalks.

Planet Baobab is not your traditional safari camp- indeed this property is not aimed at big game seekers- instead the focus here is to appreciate the striking landscape, it’s fascinating desert inhabitants and the local culture. A friendly and down to earth camp well worth a visit on your self-drive safari through Botswana, especially popular with families for it’s excellent range of activities and chance to stretch your legs after hours on the road.

Choose between twin huts with two beds on either side of the room and family huts with a large double bed and twin beds on either side, all ensuite and air-conditioned. Colourful murals decorate the exterior walls and harmonize perfectly with the locally inspired interior décor. A selection of camping areas with shared ablutions are on offer for visitors wanting an opportunity to rough it in true African style. A sparkling swimming pool set below ancient Baobabs is the focal point at Planet Baobab and provides refreshing downtime for active travellers.

Far into the Ntwetwe Pan, the larger of the two Makgadikgadi Pans, game drives expose several extraordinary animals not occurring in the Okavango Delta, mainly bat-eared foxes, springbok, Kori bustards, desert-adapted elephant and occasionally the impressive Kalahari lion. The characterful semi-habituated meerkats, studied for years by researchers, will tug at your heartstrings as they go about their busy day, seemingly unfazed by your presence.

Wild quadbike expeditions across lunar landscapes in the dry season will satisfy thrill seekers. Guests can also meet the local Batswana people to learn more about their way of life in this surreal landscape known as the Kalahari Desert.

December marks the return of the summer rains and the rhythmic galloping of hooves followed by clouds of desert dust break the silence as herds of zebra and wildebeest invite themselves to a feast of fresh green grass.