Boab Prison Tree, Historical tree museum in Kasane, Botswana
The Boab Prison Tree is a massive baobab with a trunk circumference of about 14 meters and a natural hollow chamber inside, located near the Chobe River in Kasane. The enormous trunk creates a striking natural cavity that has drawn attention for centuries due to its size and unusual form.
In the 1890s, local authorities used this enormous baobab as a temporary holding cell for prisoners waiting to be transferred to other detention centers. This practice reflected how the region adapted to growing administrative needs during that era.
The tree holds deep meaning for local communities, as baobabs served as gathering places and sources of sustenance in traditional African life. Visitors can see how this specific tree became woven into local memory and stories passed down through generations.
The tree is easily accessible from Kasane's center by following marked paths, and the location is close to the Chobe River where orientation is straightforward. Local guides can enhance your visit by providing context about the site's background.
The hollow interior maintains a steady temperature year-round, creating natural climate control that allowed it to function as a holding space in the past. This thermal quality remains noticeable to visitors today and reveals how baobabs adapt to extreme African heat.
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