Boab Prison Tree: Botswana’s Historic Baobab Near Kasane
Visit the hollow baobab that once held prisoners and now stands as a living landmark outside Kasane.
History of the Boab Prison Tree
The Boab Prison Tree is a massive Adansonia digitata that grew beside an old wagon route north of Kasane. Its hollow trunk, roughly two metres across at the base, was used in the late nineteenth and early twentieth centuries to hold captives overnight before they were moved to larger settlements. Local accounts describe chains fixed to the inner walls; the scars remain visible today. The tree itself is several centuries old and continues to leaf and fruit each rainy season.
What to Expect on Site
Visitors reach a small clearing where the tree rises above mopane woodland. A low fence prevents close contact with the trunk while allowing clear views of the entrance hole and the interior chamber. Interpretive panels outline the tree’s dual role as natural shelter and temporary jail. The stop usually lasts twenty to thirty minutes, making it an easy addition to a morning or afternoon drive.
Practical Access
The site lies roughly fifteen kilometres west of Kasane along the tarred road toward Ngoma. Most travellers arrange the visit through a lodge or with a local driver; self-drive is straightforward in a standard vehicle. There are no facilities, so plan toilet stops and water in Kasane beforehand.
Combining the Visit with Chobe National Park
Kasane serves as the northern gateway to Chobe National Park. Many visitors schedule the Prison Tree on the way to or from a river cruise or game drive. The tree offers a cultural counterpoint to the wildlife focus of the park and gives context to the region’s colonial past. Early dry-season mornings (May to October) provide the most comfortable temperatures and the best chance of seeing elephants near the road.
Respecting the Site
The tree remains a living organism. Touching the bark or entering the hollow is discouraged to protect both the tree and visitors from falling debris. Photographs are welcome from outside the fence; flash is unnecessary in daylight. Guides from Kasane can supply additional oral history that deepens the experience beyond the written panels.
Visitor tips
- Visit between May and October when daytime temperatures are lower and roads are dry.
- Carry drinking water and use the toilet in Kasane before heading out; no services exist at the tree.
- Pair the stop with a Chobe river cruise the same day to make efficient use of limited daylight hours.
Frequently asked questions
How old is the Boab Prison Tree?
Botanists estimate the tree is several hundred years old; exact ring counts are impossible because baobabs lack traditional growth rings.
Can visitors enter the hollow trunk?
No. A fence keeps people at a respectful distance to protect the living tree and prevent accidents inside the chamber.
Is the Prison Tree inside Chobe National Park?
It lies outside the park boundary on public land, so no park fees apply, though a short drive from Kasane is still required.
How long should I allow for the visit?
Most people spend twenty to thirty minutes at the tree; add travel time from Kasane and any stops for photography.
Are there toilets or refreshments at the site?
There are none. Plan all needs in Kasane before departure.