Lekubu (or Kubu) Island is one of the most surreal and magical places in Botswana — a rocky granite outcrop rising dramatically from the blinding white salt crust of the Makgadikgadi Pans (Sua Pan). It’s not a true island anymore; it’s a fossil island left behind when the ancient super-lake Makgadikgadi dried up thousands of years ago.
Why it feels otherworldly
- Giant, centuries-old baobab trees grow straight out of the bare rock, some over 3,000–4,000 years old.
- The ground is littered with thousands of glittering quartz crystals and prehistoric stone tools left by early inhabitants.
- At night, under a full moon or the Milky Way, the white salt pan reflects light so brightly it feels like you’re walking on another planet.
Highlights & Things to Do
- Camp among the baobabs: The only official campsite in the entire Makgadikgadi Pans National Park. 15 exclusive sites scattered among the rocks and trees. No fences, no light pollution → lions, brown hyenas, and jackals sometimes wander through at night (very rare attacks, but keep food secured).
- Sunrise & sunset photography: The contrast of orange light on white salt, black silhouettes of baobabs, and mirror-like reflections after rain is world-class.
- Walk the “island”: Easy self-guided trails to ancient stone circles, San artifacts, and a viewpoint over the endless pan.
- Stargazing: One of the darkest skies in the southern hemisphere — the Milky Way looks like a river of diamonds.
- Quad-bike excursions (from nearby lodges): Some operators offer guided quad-bike trips across the pan to reach Kubu faster (but many people prefer the slower 4×4 adventure).