Things to Do in Gweta, Botswana

Gweta is a small but strategically important village in the Central District of Botswana, serving as a gateway to some of the country's most spectacular natural attractions. Located approximately 200 kilometers southwest of Maun and positioned between the Makgadikgadi Pans and the Central Kalahari Game Reserve, Gweta has evolved from a remote cattle post into a crucial stopover for travelers exploring Botswana's wilderness areas. The village sits along the main road connecting Maun to Francistown, making it an ideal base for multi-day safari adventures. Despite its modest size, Gweta offers visitors access to extraordinary wildlife experiences, particularly during the dry season when massive herds of zebra and wildebeest migrate through the area. The surrounding landscape transforms dramatically between seasons, from vast salt flats that stretch to the horizon during dry months to seasonal wetlands that attract thousands of flamingos and other waterbirds when the rains arrive. This unique positioning makes Gweta an essential destination for travelers seeking authentic Botswana wilderness experiences away from the more crowded tourist circuits.

Top Things to Do in Gweta

Makgadikgadi Pans Game Drives

Explore the vast Makgadikgadi Pans, one of the world's largest salt pan complexes, where endless white expanses create an otherworldly landscape. During the dry season, witness spectacular wildlife migrations as thousands of zebra, wildebeest, and other animals traverse these ancient lake beds. The experience offers incredible photography opportunities and the chance to see specialized desert-adapted wildlife in their natural habitat.

Booking Tip: Book through established operators in Gweta for full-day trips costing $80-120 per person. Best experienced April-October during dry season. Look for operators with 4WD vehicles and experienced local guides who know seasonal animal movements.

Baobab Tree Excursions

Visit the famous Chapman's Baobab and other ancient baobab trees scattered across the landscape near Gweta. These massive trees, some over 1,000 years old, serve as natural landmarks and provide insight into the area's ecological history. Many baobabs offer spectacular sunset viewing opportunities and are considered sacred by local communities.

Booking Tip: Half-day trips cost $40-60 per person and can be arranged through local lodges. Best visited during late afternoon for optimal lighting. Choose operators who respect the cultural significance of these trees and follow sustainable tourism practices.

Flamingo Viewing at Seasonal Pans

During the rainy season, temporary water bodies attract thousands of lesser and greater flamingos, creating spectacular pink carpets across the landscape. These seasonal lakes also draw numerous other waterbird species, making it a premier birdwatching destination. The contrast between the stark dry season landscape and the vibrant wet season ecosystem is truly remarkable.

Booking Tip: Available January-April depending on rainfall, costing $50-80 per person for half-day trips. Book with operators who monitor water levels and bird movements. Best early morning or late afternoon for optimal bird activity and photography.

Cultural Village Visits

Experience traditional Tswana culture through visits to local villages where you can learn about traditional crafts, food preparation, and daily life in rural Botswana. These authentic cultural exchanges provide insight into how communities have adapted to life in this challenging environment over generations. Visitors often participate in traditional activities like pottery making or traditional cooking methods.

Booking Tip: Arrange through community-based tourism initiatives for $30-50 per person. Book in advance through local lodges who work directly with villages. Look for programs that directly benefit local communities and provide authentic, respectful cultural exchange.

Stargazing Experiences

Take advantage of Gweta's remote location and minimal light pollution for world-class stargazing experiences. The clear desert skies offer incredible views of the Milky Way, Southern Cross, and other celestial phenomena rarely visible in more populated areas. Many operators combine stargazing with traditional storytelling about local astronomical knowledge.

Booking Tip: Evening programs cost $25-40 per person and are best during new moon phases. Book with operators who provide telescopes and knowledgeable guides. Avoid rainy season (December-March) when cloud cover is common.

Getting There

Gweta is accessible by road via the A3 highway connecting Maun to Francistown, approximately 200km from Maun and 300km from Francistown. Most visitors arrive by rental car or organized safari vehicle, as the journey requires reliable 4WD transportation, especially when accessing surrounding attractions. Self-drive visitors should ensure they have adequate fuel, water, and emergency supplies, as services between towns can be limited. Some tour operators offer transfers from Maun or Kasane, and charter flights can be arranged to nearby airstrips for those preferring air travel.

Getting Around

Transportation around Gweta and surrounding areas requires 4WD vehicles due to sandy tracks and seasonal flooding. Most visitors rely on guided tours or rental vehicles arranged through lodges, as public transportation is extremely limited. Walking within the small village center is possible, but all major attractions require vehicle access. Local guides are essential for navigating the complex network of seasonal roads and tracks leading to wildlife viewing areas and cultural sites.

Where to Stay

Gweta Lodge area

Planet Baobab vicinity

Makgadikgadi Pans campsites

Community-run accommodations

Bush camping areas

Nearby cattle post guesthouses

Food & Dining

Dining options in Gweta are limited but authentic, centered around a few local establishments and lodge restaurants that serve traditional Botswana cuisine alongside international dishes adapted for travelers. Gweta Lodge and Planet Baobab offer the most reliable meal services, featuring local specialties like seswaa (shredded beef), morogo (wild spinach), and various game meats when available. Visitors should plan meals in advance and consider bringing some supplies, as restaurant hours can be irregular and options are limited compared to larger tourist centers. Local shops provide basic provisions, but fresh produce availability varies seasonally.

When to Visit

The optimal time to visit Gweta is during the dry season from April to October, when wildlife concentrations are highest around remaining water sources and road conditions are most favorable. The cooler months of May through August offer the most comfortable temperatures for outdoor activities, while September and October provide excellent wildlife viewing despite higher temperatures. The wet season (November-March) transforms the landscape dramatically with seasonal flooding creating temporary lakes and attracting migratory birds, but travel can be challenging due to muddy conditions and some areas becoming inaccessible.

Insider Tips

Fuel up before leaving major towns as fuel availability in Gweta can be unreliable, and always carry extra fuel for excursions to remote areas

Pack warm clothing even during summer months as desert temperatures drop significantly at night, especially during stargazing activities

Respect local customs when visiting villages and always ask permission before photographing people or traditional activities

Things to Do in Gweta