We depart early in the morning for Planet Baobab, located near Gweta, kicking off our adventure with an expedition to Ntwetwe Pan, where we can marvel at some of Botswana’s unique landscapes and incredible wildlife.
Ntwetwe Pan is one of the two primary salt pans in the Makgadikgadi Pans and ranks among the largest salt flats globally. Formerly nourished by the Boteti River, the pan became permanently dry after the Mopipi Dam was constructed to supply water to the diamond mines in Orapa. While the river has since diverted its waters, Ntwetwe has gained renown for its stunning lunar-like terrain, noted for its rocky formations, dunes, islets, and channels along the western shore. Our exploration will lead us to encounter uniquely adapted desert wildlife, including bat-eared foxes, springbok, kori bustards, and the endearing meerkats, some of the Kalahari's most intriguing residents. Spending time with these social, well-adapted creatures allows us to observe their interactions with each other and their surroundings. Thanks to a dedicated habituation program, we may have the chance to get up close and personal with these enchanting animals.
After lunch, we'll visit a nearby village to immerse ourselves in contemporary African village culture. A local guide, sharing knowledge passed down from generations, will enlighten us on the history and traditions of the Batswana people. We’ll get a tour of the local primary school, 'Sekolo', with its outdoor classes, where we can meet the children, and visit the Kgotla—a traditional court that governs the village—for insight into rural Botswana life. In the late afternoon, we’ll enjoy a guided walk through a remarkable baobab grove, where our guide will explain the local ecology, geology, and the fascinating biology of the baobabs, which, interestingly, are the largest succulents in the world rather than actual trees.
Overnight: Planet Baobab or similar
Meals: B,L,D