The baobabs
On granite boulders.
abi.bhattachan — CC BY 2.0 · Stefan Huchler, stefan.huchler@gmx.net, Genehmigung liegt vor — CC BY-SA 3.0 · Rad Dougall — CC BY 3.0
Kubu Island, or Lekhubu, is a dry granite hill rising from the Makgadikgadi Pan in northern Botswana. White level ground runs to the horizon around it and huge baobabs grow on its rocks, so it looks like a true island in a sea of salt, one of the strangest sights in the country. The pan is the bed of ancient Lake Makgadikgadi, which evaporated millennia ago. The whole island is a national monument and is considered sacred by the indigenous people, and the Khoe people call it Ga'nnyo. The name Kubu means «large rock» in Kalanga or «hippopotamus» in Tswana. It holds a dry stone wall up to 1.25 m high and 344 circular stone cairns, and very old stone tools have been found in the area. You walk among granite boulders and bare-branched baobabs, with white salt or shallow water around you depending on the season. Sunrise and sunset are the best times, as the rock and horizon change colour. The Gaing-O Community Trust offers guided walks explaining the site's history and its meaning for local people. It is 85 km in a straight line from the town of Nata, reached only by 4x4, through Mmatshumo village where the trust has its office. Avoid driving on the salt after rain, as vehicles can sink. The campsite is very basic and benefits the local population, so bring everything you need. Respect the site, and do not take stones or climb the trees.
On granite boulders.
White ground to the horizon.
With ancient cairns.
Makgadikgadi Pan, northern Botswana
No, only a 4x4, and avoid the salt after rain.
It is a dry granite hill in a salt pan, once within an ancient lake.