Botswana Travel Guide
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Ntwetwe Pan
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Botswana Travel Guide

Ntwetwe Pan



Ntwetwe Pan is the western twin of Sua, and is of a similar size and general topography, though aligned more east–west. It lies due south of the Nata–Maun road, between Gweta in the north and Orapa and Mopipi in the south. One finger extends to the north of the road, while to the southwest the pan breaks up into several smaller pans, including Lake Xau, just south of Mopipi. The old north–south trading route between Gweta and Mopipi crosses the centre of the pan, and the two famous isolated baobabs (Green's Baobab and Chapman's Baobab) that marked this route for early European explorers, including Livingstone who left his initials here, still serve as landmarks for today's travellers.

Ntwetwe lacks the famous granite outcrops of Sua; its main points of elevation are fossilised barchan dunes that once crept across the surface of the lake during a dry period and were left stranded when waters rose again. Gabasadi Island is the largest of these. The profiles of the dune islands show steps and lines of vegetation which, like Sua Pan's pebble beaches, are evidence of former higher lake levels.

Stone-Age sites are scattered among the smaller pans that form the western shore of Ntwetwe. At Gutsha Pan, near Chapman's Baobab, there is a perennial spring. Here the San once dug pit traps lined with poisoned stakes to trap the plentiful game that came to drink. The remains of these traps, and the calcrete blinds behind which the hunters hid, are still visible today.

What to see and do


Like Sua Pan, Ntwetwe is an area for experienced old Africa hands to explore in their own vehicles.

Alternatively, and much safer, there are three camps situated on the northwest side of the pan. All are expensive, even by Botswana's standards. But if you can afford their high prices, then fly in here from Maun for three or four days and explore the pans and surrounding area with expert guides; on foot, by 4WD and on quad bikes.


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