Gweta is a small village in Botswana, in southern Africa, and it works mainly as a gateway. Most visitors come here to reach the Makgadikgadi Pans, one of the largest salt pan complexes in the world. The village is remote, so the pace is slow and the setting feels distinctly open.
The salt pans and the wildlife
The pans are an otherworldly landscape: vast, flat expanses of white salt that stretch to the horizon. Gweta is the practical starting point for getting out onto them. The area also has seasonal wildlife migrations, so what you see can change with the time of year, and a local guide can help you understand what is moving through at any given moment.
Culture and the San
The region is also linked with traditional San Bushmen culture. Visits that include time with local guides can offer a window into how people here have long understood the land, its plants, and its animals.
Planning your stay
Gweta offers basic accommodation, so it suits travellers who value simplicity over comfort. Tour services are available for exploring the salt pans, which is the main reason most people stop here. Because the village is remote, it is wise to arrange your transport, guides and supplies in advance and to allow enough time for the journey.
- Best for: travellers interested in desert landscapes, wildlife and cultural encounters
- Setting: a quiet, remote village at the edge of the salt pans
- Stay: basic accommodation, with tours arranged locally