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Planet Baobab, nr Gweta
Planet Baobab in Botswana is definitely one of the funkiest, most colourful and well-run family lodges.
Location: Makgadikgadi Type: Guest Lodge	Price Range: Standard R350 - R500 pps Atmosphere: Lively Eco Cultural Historical Casual

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About

Definitely one of the most funky lodges you'll come across on this continent, Planet Baobab promises to be 'a bright idea in the middle of nowhere'. Lonely Planet has described its bar and restaurant as 'superbly funky'.

What is it, is part of the Unchartered Africa group (yes, the award-winning Jack's Camp is part of the portfolio) and it's an affordable family oasis with all the colour and vibe you could want, in some of the most inhospitable terrain on earth.

Whether you're a local from Maun, or just staggering in fresh from a gruelling journey, Planet Baobab will be your oasis and comfort with plenty to do, eat and see.

There's also a variety of options to suit your mood and your pocket - you can sleep in traditionally styled Bakalanga huts with en suite showers, or curl up in a Baobab hut with shared, super ablutions, or pitch your tent, or park off in your 4 x 4.

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Contact Details

Contact Person: Nomasonto Mulenga
Email: res2@unchartedafrica.com
Website: http://www.unchartedafrica.com/page.php?p_id=59
Cellphone:
Phone: +26 77 233 8344
Fax: +27 (0)11 447 6905
Street: Maun - Nata Road
City: near Gweta
State: Makgadikgadi and Nxai Pans Region
Country: Botswana

Directions

Directions: Planet Baobab is accessible by normal vehicles (ie no 4x4 required). It's just off the Nata/Maun main road. Follow the side road pointed out by the giant anteater snout and you will soon be there!

The closest village is Gweta which lies some 200 kms from Maun. Flights are available from Maun to Gweta. Road transfers can be arranged from Maun and Gweta.

Facilities

The biggest, 'hottest' and most welcoming swimming pool in the Kalahari!
Funky bar & restaurant
Electricity
Day tours & excursions
Quad biking
Public Campsites
Overlander Campsites

Meals

In true Uncharted Africa style - the menus are renowned for fresh tastes and originality. There is a choice between an original a la carte Bar Menu and 3-course set meals. The meals often consist of interesting dishes from all over Africa. Vegetarians catered for with pleasure!

Attractions

Makgadikgadi Pans
Nxai Xini Pans
Ntwetwe
Batswana culture
Star gazing
Game viewing

Accommodation

No. of rooms: 18
Pricing: Standard R350 - R500 pps
Children Policy:
Kids welcome
Usual Guests:

Families
Independent travellers
Nature Lovers

Best time to visit:
Planet Baobab is open all year round. The Dry Season (Winter) is from 25 April - 31 October. The Wet Season (Summer) is from 1 November to 24 April. As far as possible, activities run as scheduled. Unfortunately, the weather is beyond their control.

What to pack:
All year:
Dress like an onion - layers are always good as temperatures can change dramatically from morning til night
Cool cotton clothes are best in neutral 'safari' colours.
A kikoi/sarong is always handy & has many uses (see also Travel Guide - what to pack ).
Good walking shoes/boots
Open slops/thongs for around the camp
Headlight torch is way handy for evenings
Your own binoculars
Warm jacket for chilly evenings (even in summer)
Camera, charger, batteries, memory stick

Summer:
Long sleeves and pants protect from the sun and insects
Sun hat with wide brim & dark sunglasses (to cut the sometimes blinding glare)
Lipbalm, insect repellent & sunblock

Winter:
Leggings for under trousers
Woolen cap/beanie
Gloves
Scarf

Atmosphere:

Lively
Eco
Cultural
Historical
Casual

Why visit Planet Baobab

Best Features: Bright, colourful, affordable, efficient, welcoming. Planet Baobab is a welcome stopover and offers something special for locals and foreigners alike.

Bear In Mind: It's a sociable, bustling oasis and peak season can get a bit hectic. Perhaps not the place at that time if you're looking for quiet, romance or privacy.

Things to Do and See

As a part of the Uncharted Africa group, Planet Baobab offers plenty of regular and custom safaris and itineraries to nearby Moremi, Central Kalahari Reserve, Bushman Reserves and Okavango Delta - varying in length and destinations eg 3 - 7 days.

Then there's the funky bar & restaurant to chill in.
Probably the coolest pool in the entire Kalahari.
Quadbiking.
Hikes into the salt pans with expert guides.
Getting to know the locals, their lores and customs.
Sampling the local home brew
Sleeping out under the stars ...

Low season

2009 rates:

Bakalanga Twin Hut (sleeps 2)                  USD 155.00
Baobab Hut (sleeps 2)                               USD 139.00
Bakalanga Family Hut (sleeps 4)    USD 227.00
Public Camping: Adult (pp/pn)                     USD 13.00
Public Camping: Child U12 (pp/pn)              USD 6.00
Overland Camping (pp/pn)                          USD 10.00
Pilot / Guide/ Tour leader
- Bakalanga Hut (pp/pn)                    50 % off Rack

Special rates available for SADC country residence - proof of residence required

Mid season

Bakalanga Twin Hut (sleeps 2)                   USD 155
Baobab Hut (sleeps 2)                                USD 139
Bakalanga Family Hut (sleeps 4)                 USD 227
Public Camping: Adult (pp/pn)                     USD 13
Public Camping: Child U12 (pp/pn)              USD 6
Overland Camping (pp/pn)                          USD 10
Pilot / Guide / Tour Leader
   - Bakalanga Hut (pp/pn)     50 % off Rack

Special rates available for SADC country residence - proof of residence required

Peak season

Specials

Special rates available for SADC country residence - proof of residence required

Terms & Cond

Terms & Conditions
A 20% non-refundable deposit is required upon confirmation.
Balance of payment is due 6 weeks prior to travel.
Provisional bookings are held for 2 weeks.

Cancellation & Refund Policy:

0 - 2 Weeks prior - 100%
2 - 4 Weeks prior - 75%
4 - 12 Weeks prior - 50%

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