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Kasane Baobab

Plizio editorial teamUpdated: Jun 2026Data Sources

Historical site

Weather…

The Kasane Baobab is an extraordinary natural monument located in the town of Kasane, near the confluence of the borders of Botswana, Zambia, Namibia, and Zimbabwe. This gigantic baobab tree gained historical notoriety for being used as a makeshift prison in the early 20th century. Its hollow trunk provided sufficient space to securely house prisoners before permanent structures were erected in the area. Today, the tree stands on the grounds of the local police station and serves as a living witness to colonial history and the region's early administrative structures. With an estimated age exceeding 1,500 years, it is an impressive example of the longevity of these African giants. The baobab is an integral part of Kasane's tourism, bridging the gap between natural wonder and human history. It symbolizes the adaptability of nature to human needs in past times. For photographers, the distinctive trunk has a popular subject, especially during the flowering season. The protection of this tree is part of Botswana's efforts to preserve its historical natural sites for future generations.

Location: Botswana
Top sights: Kalwezi-ke-Nkanga · Jetty · Clario Travel Agent

Best time to visit & climate

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

	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec
Avg °C	25	24	24	23	21	18	18	21	25	29	28	26
Rain mm	160	130	100	38	3	4	0	0	3	12	71	153

📋 Practical info

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Visiting

The hollow baobab tree in Kasane is freely accessible and stands outdoors along the main road. Visitors can enter the interior of the tree, which once served as a prison.

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Typical hours

Since it is an outdoor monument, there are no fixed opening hours - the site is accessible anytime during the day. At dusk, however, it should be avoided as wildlife becomes active.

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Photography

Photography is allowed anytime, and the baobab's unusual silhouette makes for great shots. Best pictures are taken early morning or late afternoon in soft light.

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Time needed

Visiting the tree itself takes barely 15 minutes as it is right by the road. But allow extra time for a stroll around the tree and reading the information boards.

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Combine with

The baobab is in Kasane, the gateway to Chobe National Park, so a boat safari on the Chobe River combines perfectly. Also nearby are the Kasane airport area and border crossings to Zimbabwe and Zambia.

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Getting there

The tree stands on President Avenue, Kasane's main street, and is easily reachable on foot or by car. Parking is available directly on the street or at the nearby market square.

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Insider tip

Visit the tree in the late afternoon when the light turns the bark golden and fewer tourists are around. Read the tree's brief history beforehand to better appreciate its significance as a former prison.

Geography

Coordinates

-17.81600, 25.14800

Facts

Estimated age is over 1,500 years
Used as a prison cell in the early 20th century
Located on the grounds of the Kasane Police Station
Trunk circumference measures several meters
Hollow interior is large enough for people to enter
Major landmark near the banks of the Chobe River

Explore nearby

Notable places around

Kazungula Bridge13 km · NExplore →

Chobe Floodplains60 km · SWExplore →

Bukalo71 km · SExplore →

Chobe River72 km · SExplore →

Livingstone Railway Station73 km · NExplore →

Old Drift Settlement73 km · NExplore →

Harry Mwaanga Nkumbula Airport75 km · NExplore →

Victoria Falls77 km · NExplore →

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 Kasane Baobab (7)

Kalwezi-ke-Nkanga 🌿 nature

A natural viewpoint offering sweeping panoramas over the floodplains of the Chobe River.

Jetty 📍 landmark

A wooden pier on the riverbank serving as the starting point for boat safaris on the Chobe River.

Clario Travel Agent 📍 landmark

A local booking office that organises wildlife safaris and river cruises into the nearby national parks.

Thebe River Safari 📍 landmark

This riverside safari center provides guided boat tours specifically aimed at observing hippos and elephants.

Kasika Conservancy🌿 nature

A communal nature reserve in the floodplains, sheltering rich birdlife and large herds of elephants.

🌐 nacso.org.na

Kasane Arts Centre 🎭 culture

A cultural center presenting traditional crafts and artworks created by local Botswanan artists.

Impalila Conservancy🌿 nature

This island conservancy at the confluence of the Chobe and Zambezi rivers is noted for its pristine wetland flora.

🌐 nacso.org.na

Sights nearby

Frequently asked questions

What is special about the Kasane Baobab?

This massive baobab tree was used as a prison cell in the early 20th century.

Where in Kasane is the tree located?

It stands right in the town center, next to the council offices.

Can you go inside the tree?

You can see the hollow trunk from the outside, but entry is often restricted.

How old is the Kasane Baobab?

It is estimated that the tree is several hundred, possibly even a thousand years old.

Is there a cost for visiting?

Viewing the tree is free and possible at any time.

Kasane Baobab: where is it located?

Kasane Baobab is located in Botswana.

Kasane Baobab: what is there to see?

Highlights include Kalwezi-ke-Nkanga, Jetty, Clario Travel Agent.

Kasane Baobab: when is the best time to visit?

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

Kasane Baobab: why is it worth visiting?

The Kasane Baobab is an extraordinary natural monument located in the town of Kasane, near the confluence of the borders of Botswana, Zambia, Namibia, and Zimbabwe.

View on map → The Top 50 Attractions → OpenStreetMap →

Kasane Baobab

Best time to visit & climate