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Baines' Baobabs: Timeless Sentinels of the Kalahari

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Witness the timeless beauty of Baines' Baobabs, a cluster of ancient trees immortalized by a 19th-century painting, in Botswana's Nxai Pan National Park.

Baines' Baobabs are a cluster of seven ancient baobab trees in Botswana's Nxai Pan National Park, made famous by a painting by Thomas Baines in 1862. These iconic trees stand as a testament to nature's resilience in the harsh Kalahari Desert.

A brief summary to Baines Baobabs

  • VQQ9+4JX, Kudia Kam, BW
Eve
From Eve

Know before you go

Hi, I'm Eve. Here are a few practical things to know before exploring Baines Baobabs.

  • A 4x4 vehicle is essential, especially during the rainy season, to navigate the sandy tracks leading to Baines' Baobabs.
  • Visit during the dry season (May to October) for cooler temperatures and clear skies.
  • Bring plenty of water and snacks as there are limited facilities near the site.
  • Book accommodations well in advance if planning to stay overnight.

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Getting There

  • Driving

    Baines' Baobabs are located within Nxai Pan National Park. The nearest access points are Maun (approximately 2.5 to 3 hours by 4x4) or Gweta. From Gweta, take the A3 road west for 65km to the Nxai Pan National Park gate. A 4x4 vehicle is essential due to thick sand on the road to the Baobabs. Park entrance fees are payable at the gate. As of July 2025, the fee for adults is P190.00 per day for foreign nationals. An additional vehicle fee of P75.00 is also required. Camping permits, if needed, should be booked in advance.

  • Public Transport

    To reach Baines Baobabs via public transportation, start by taking a bus from Gaborone to Maun. Buses operate regularly from Gaborone Bus Station, and the journey takes about 10-12 hours. Upon arrival in Maun, you can hire a local taxi or use a car rental service to reach Baines Baobabs. The drive from Maun to Baines Baobabs is approximately 50 km, and you will need to negotiate the fare with the taxi driver. Be prepared for additional costs for vehicle hire or taxi fare, which can range from P200 to P600 depending on your negotiation skills and the type of service you choose. Ensure to clarify if the driver can take you directly to the Baobabs, as some may drop you off at a nearby point.

Discover more about Baines Baobabs

Baines' Baobabs, also known as the Sleeping Sisters, are a striking group of seven baobab trees rising from the edge of Kudiakam Pan in Nxai Pan National Park. Named after British artist and explorer Thomas Baines, who captured their image in a watercolor painting in 1862, the trees have remained virtually unchanged for over 150 years. Baines' Baobabs serve as a landmark in the vast, ivory-colored landscape of the Kalahari Desert.These trees provided respite for early explorers traversing the harsh terrain. Baines' painting, titled 'A group of Baobab trees on the north-west spruit of the Mtwetwe pans, May 1862', immortalized the trees and offers a glimpse into the past. The baobabs' presence is striking, offering relief from the heat and acting as a sanctuary for wildlife. The trees' swollen trunks store water, enabling them to survive the arid conditions. Some of the trees are estimated to be over 1,000 years old.Visiting Baines' Baobabs offers a unique experience of being immersed in the remote Botswana wilderness. The trees provide excellent photographic opportunities, especially during the golden hours of sunrise and sunset.

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