When one thinks about Baobab treesThe image that immediately stands out is that of a baobab street in Madagascar: a dirt road surrounded by giant plants that appear to be growing upside down. It is the classic postcard, the world reference and the hero of almost all tourist brochures. But this idea is only part of the story. the Baobab in Africa They don’t just belong to Madagascar; They also live – and in some cases thrive – in other areas of the continent, many of which are stunning and, above all, less well-known.
In recent years, scientific studies have warned of the collapse of some of the oldest baobab trees in the south of the continent, which were ancient trees that were destroyed without a clear explanation. This does not mean that they will disappear, but it does mean that it is advisable to look to those places that, apart from the famous island in the Indian Ocean, preserve some of the most exceptional specimens on the planet. There begins a journey that takes you through Botswana, South Africa, Namibia and Tanzania, which are authentic havens for those seeking… Destinations to see baobabs Off the beaten path
Botswana
If Madagascar is Mecca, Botswana is the big surprise. The country focuses some of Baobab in Africa Most imposed on the continent and distributed along roads that seem to have no end. The Trans-Kalahari Pass, between Nata and Kasane, is one of the places where the landscape begins to transform: the savannah opens up, the sand takes on red hues and suddenly a giant silhouette appears. Then another. And one more. In the areas around Goaita there are specimens so huge that they force you to stop and understand why in many local languages baobab is considered a sacred tree.
Botswana also holds stories that have been passed down through generations. One of them tells of an unjust king who hid inside a baobab tree to escape his people. The gods became angry and punished the tree by forcing it to grow upside down. Thus was born the symbolic interpretation of its distinctive form: thick, twisted trunks, with roots pointing towards the sky. For those who travel in search of Destinations to see baobabsBotswana is one of the most generous places in the region.
South Africa
In South Africa, Baobab trees It reaches such proportions that it turns into natural monuments. Many specimens have their own name, legend and alarming age. The Glencoe River was for many years the largest baobab tree in the world, of incredible size. The Sagole River, in Limpopo, still stands with a wall-like box. Although some famous venues have collapsed – such as the famous Sunland, which once housed a small bar – many others still exist in nature reserves and rural areas. For the curious traveller, the Kruger Park area and the Soutpansberg mountain range remain a prime scenic spot. Baobab in Africa.
Namibia
Namibia presents a different scenario. Its northern deserts create a striking contrast: sand dunes, silence and baobab trees that seem like motionless sentinels of another time. Tree 1063, near Grootfontein, is one of the most famous. Declared a national monument in the 1950s, it still receives visitors seeking to understand how the tree could survive in such a barren environment. He’s not the only one. Umbalanto, to the north, has played a community role for decades: shade for gatherings, landmark, and shelter. The experience here is not as amazing as in Madagascar, but it is very symbolic. For those who want to explore Baobab outside MadagascarNamibia is an essential destination.
Tanzania
Tanzania preserves one of the most vivid images on the African continent: vast, tree-filled plains Baobab trees The gigantic Tarangire National Park is the center of this vision. Gentle mountains, rivers that meander through the vegetation and these twisted giants that dominate the skyline. In the dry season, the trunks seem to absorb the golden light of the setting sun, while the bare branches draw almost sculptural silhouettes.
In the south of the country, Ruaha National Park preserves another important collection of… Baobab in Africa. It is a less visited and more remote area, making it an ideal place for those seeking silence, wild animals and open landscapes where time seems to stand still. The presence of elephants, giraffes and antelope among these trees adds an almost cinematic dimension to the experience.