Baobab Trees

Called the “tree of life”, the baobab is not a tree, but rather a succulent. The bark resembles cork and makes decent rope, cloth and mats. People use the leaves for herbal medicines. People eat the fruit and make drinks with its pulp, both high in vitamin C. When areas remain dry, people tap the baobab for water.

Mature trees end up mostly hollow, a convenient shelter, as well.

Temporary Home

While a decent shelter for animals and humans wanting some protection from the elements, one particular baobab in Kasane has a history as a temporary place to live for some people. The Prison Baobab Post Tree once served as a makeshift jail cell for transported prisoners. A long time ago, prisoners traveled in the same trucks as mail. Trucks would park, lock criminals inside the tree, then deliver (or at least distribute) mail for the area. After collecting mail and supplies, often one or two days later, they would load up and take off again. The criminals would often be on their way to labor in fields or mines.

This tree now stands as a historical marker, just outside a police station with concrete and steel jail cells.

Prison

From the outside, this appears like any other large baobab.

Our entire safari group fit inside the baobab! Good thing we did not have to remain inside for long.