Chapman’s Baobab

Top choice in Botswana


About 11km south of Green's Baobab is the turn-off to the far more impressive Chapman’s Baobab, which, until it crashed to the ground suddenly on 7 January 2016, had a circumference of 25m and roots that extended 1km out into the surrounding area. It was historically used as a navigation beacon and may also have been used as an early post office by passing explorers, traders and travellers, many of whom left inscriptions on its trunk.

If anything, the fallen version of the tree is even more impressive, allowing you to clamber atop and inside this vast fallen life force.


Lonely Planet's must-see attractions

Nearby Botswana attractions

1. Green’s Baobab

2.24 MILES

On the Gweta–Orapa track, 27km south of Gweta, is Green’s Baobab, which was inscribed by the 19th-century hunters and traders Joseph Green and Hendrik…

2. Gabatsadi Island

16.21 MILES

The enormous crescent-shaped dune known as Gabatsadi Island has an expansive view from the crest that has managed to attract the likes of Prince Charles. …

  • placement: superzone
  • path: Destinations/POIs/superzone
  • possible size: [970, 250], [970, 90], [728, 90], [1, 1],
  • targeting:
    {
      "url": "botswana/ntwetwe-pan/attractions/chapman-s-baobab/a/poi-sig/454903/1327922",
      "destination": "Botswana",
      "continent": "Africa",
      "country": "Botswana",
      "position": "superzone"
    }