Baines Baobabs Travel Guide

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.