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Kubu Island

Plizio editorial teamUpdated: Jun 2026Data Sources

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Kubu Island, also known as Lekhubu, is a mystical granite rock island that rises from the flat, white salt surface of Sua Pan in northern Botswana. The island is punctuated by bizarre, centuries-old baobab trees, whose stark silhouettes create a hauntingly beautiful landscape, especially at dawn and dusk. Geologically, Kubu Island is a relic of the prehistoric Lake Makgadikgadi, with waves having shaped the granite rocks thousands of years ago. For the local Basarwa and Bamangwato people, the island is a sacred site where traditional ceremonies are still performed today. Archaeological evidence, including dry stone walls and various artifacts, suggests that the island was inhabited during the Iron Age and may have been linked to the Great Zimbabwe empire. Kubu Island is now a protected national monument, managed as a community trust to balance sustainable tourism with the preservation of its deep cultural heritage.

Location: Botswana
Top sights: Roam Rock · Kubu Island

Best time to visit & climate

The most pleasant time to visit is May, Aug, Sep.

	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec
Avg °C	27	26	25	23	20	17	16	20	24	27	28	27
Rain mm	95	85	60	20	3	3	0	0	4	19	56	93

📋 Practical info

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Visiting

Kubu Island is a rocky outcrop in the Makgadikgadi salt pans and can be visited. Access is only possible with a 4x4 vehicle.

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Typical hours

The island is accessible at any time as it is in the wild. The best travel season is the dry season from May to October.

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Photography

Photography is freely allowed on the island and the salt pans. The vast landscapes offer spectacular subjects, especially at sunset.

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Time needed

A visit to Kubu Island typically takes 2 to 3 hours. Those exploring the salt pans should allocate half a day.

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Combine with

Combine the island with a tour of the Makgadikgadi salt pans. The nearby Nxai Pan National Park is also worth a visit.

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Getting there

The island is remote and only reachable with a 4x4 vehicle. From Maun, the drive takes about 2-3 hours.

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Insider tip

Bring plenty of water, sun protection, and a hat as there is no shade. Only drive with an experienced guide to avoid getting lost.

Geography

Coordinates

-20.89000, 25.82000

Facts

The name 'Kubu' translates to 'hippopotamus' in the Setswana language.
The island rises approximately 10 meters above the surface of Sua Pan.
Stone wall ruins on the island date back to the 15th century.
Kubu Island is a major breeding site for Greater Flamingos during floods.
The granite rocks forming the island are about 2.7 billion years old.
The site is managed by the local Gaing-O Community Trust.

Explore nearby

Notable places around

Sowa Pan Soda Ash Plant43 km · NEExplore →

Damtshaa Diamond Mine54 km · SWExplore →

Letlhakane Depression57 km · SWExplore →

Letlhakane Diamond Mine59 km · SWExplore →

Orapa Diamond Mine66 km · SWExplore →

Karowe Diamond Mine72 km · SWExplore →

Mowana Copper Mine77 km · NEExplore →

Makgadikgadi Pans99 km · SEExplore →

Route planner — Car & Motorhome

Where do you start? We build the route here, with stops and country notes along the way.

Start Destination Via (optional)

Overnight stops

Vehicle

Only stops with (optional): 💧 Water ♻️ Disposal 🔌 Power 🚻 Toilets 🚿 Shower

Sights in the town Kubu Island (2)

Roam Rock🌿 nature

A striking rocky outcrop viewpoint located near the Makgadikgadi salt pans.

Kubu Island 🌿 nature

A dry granite rock island viewpoint in the Makgadikgadi salt pans, renowned for its ancient baobab trees.

Sights nearby

Frequently asked questions

Is Kubu Island a real island?

It is a rocky outcrop in the middle of a flat salt pan that appears like an island.

Why is the site spiritually significant?

The San people consider the site sacred and use it for ceremonies.

Are there trees there?

Yes, the island is famous for its bizarre, ancient baobab trees among the rocks.

Is camping allowed on Kubu Island?

Yes, there are basic campsites managed by the local community.

When is the best time to visit?

During the dry season (May to October) when the pan is firm enough to drive on.

Kubu Island: where is it located?

Kubu Island is located in Botswana.

Kubu Island: what is there to see?

Highlights include Roam Rock, Kubu Island.

Kubu Island: when is the best time to visit?

The most pleasant time to visit is May, Aug, Sep.

Kubu Island: why is it worth visiting?

Kubu Island, also known as Lekhubu, is a mystical granite rock island that rises from the flat, white salt surface of Sua Pan in northern Botswana.

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