Baobab Chapmana, Nxai Pan National Park Travel Guide

3.4 (7)

Discover the legacy of Baobab Chapmana near Tutume, Botswana, a fallen giant that remains a poignant symbol of resilience and history in the Kalahari.

Baobab Chapmana, near Tutume, Botswana, is a historical landmark celebrated for its immense size and cultural significance. Though the original tree fell in 2016, the site remains a poignant reminder of the region's natural history and a gathering place for the local community.

A brief summary to Baobab Chapmana

G65X+WVC, Tutume, BW

From Eve

Know before you go

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

Engage with local guides to learn about the cultural significance of the Baobab tree and the surrounding area.
Visit early in the morning or late afternoon for the best lighting for photography.
Bring water and snacks, as there are limited facilities nearby.
Dress comfortably and wear sunscreen, as there is minimal shade in the surrounding area.

Do you manage this location?

Take control to get all the benefits, like improved information, better appearance, and stronger visibility across AI-powered discovery. Learn more about listing your business on Evendo

Activate your presence

Other nearby places you may find interesting

The closest places of the same kind, if this one is not quite what you had in mind.

Makgadikgadi Pans National Park

Nxai Pan

Nxai Pan North Camp

South camp Nxai Pan

Baines Baobabs

Explore Baobab Chapmana on the Map

A handpicked selection of must-see spots near Baobab Chapmana, mapped for you.

Getting There

Walking

From the immediate vicinity of the Baobab Chapmana site, walking is the most direct way to experience the area. The site is generally flat, but be prepared for uneven terrain. Remember to wear appropriate footwear and bring water, as shade is limited.
Public Transport

To reach Baobab Chapmana using public transport, take a bus or combi (shared taxi) to Tutume. From Tutume, you will likely need to hire a local taxi or arrange for a ride to the site, as it is located outside of the main village. **Cost:** * Combi/Bus fare from Francistown to Tutume: BWP 30-50. * Taxi from Tutume to Baobab Chapmana site (round trip): BWP 150-300 (negotiable).
Taxi

Taxis can be hired from Tutume to reach Baobab Chapmana. It's advisable to negotiate the fare beforehand. **Cost:** * Taxi from Tutume to Baobab Chapmana site (round trip): BWP 150-300 (negotiable).

Discover more about Baobab Chapmana

Baobab Chapmana, located near Tutume in Botswana, was a renowned historical landmark, an ancient baobab tree that served as a beacon and gathering place for centuries. Named after explorer James Chapman, who documented it in 1861, the tree stood as a silent witness to the ebb and flow of history in the Makgadikgadi Pan area.For early explorers like Livingstone and Selous, Baobab Chapmana was a vital navigational point across the salt pans, offering shade and refuge from the harsh Kalahari sun. It even served as an unofficial post office, with travelers leaving messages in its trunk. Believed to be between 1,000 and 4,000 years old, the tree's massive presence earned it the title 'Queen of the Kalahari'. Its six main trunks, with a combined circumference of 25 meters, made it visible from afar, a true giant on the landscape. Locals also knew it as the 'Seven Sisters' due to a seventh trunk beginning to grow.Sadly, the iconic tree fell in January 2016, likely due to a combination of high temperatures and late rains. While the original tree is no longer standing, the site remains a significant landmark. Visitors can still connect with the history and natural beauty of the area, appreciating the stories that unfolded around this majestic tree.