Baobab trees in and around Kruger Park

Baobabs are among the most majestic of tree species. Only one species occurs in South Africa, Adansonia digitata, and seeing a large Baobab in person is an opportunity not to be missed.

Baobabs are much more numerous in the north of Kruger, but visitors to Southern Kruger can still see lovely specimens.

In Kruger, when visiting from White River, the best place is at the “Southern Most Baobab” loop halfway between Satara and Tshokwane on the H1-3 just before the S125 turn-off. A must stop if you are travelling between Satara and Tshokwane. Unfortunately you are not allowed to alight from your vehicle, but the road loops around the biggest tree.

This Baobab is not actually the most southerly wild Baobab in Kruger, with more southern Baobabs along the Sabie River, in Tshokwane picnic site and along the H1-2 road between Tshokwane and Skukuza and even around Skukuza. These don’t have a dedicated sightseeing loop.

Many more have been planted and thrive further south. Some even as far as Durban! You can find cultivated Baobabs in Kruger National Camps like in Skukuza and Lower Sabie.

Baobab in Lower Sabie Rest Camp: -25.120200957, 31.9181897381

Baobabs in White River and Nelspruit

If you missed the Baobabs in Kruger, you can see many planted baobabs in and around White River. Many were planted by Karel de Beer many years ago and have reached respectable sizes.

In Nelspruit, you can see several species of Baobabs in the Lowveld National Botanical Garden. See our blog post on visiting the botanical garden as a day visit from White River.

If you don’t to pay the entrance fee to gardens and walk to the baobab section, you can see the lovely baobab planted just outside the botanical garden bridge over the Crocodile River. 

There is another Baobab in the roundabout of Crossing Centre Nelspruit.

In White River a Baobab stands and greets student at Rob Ferreira High School.

At ilanda Guest House in White River we planted one about 10 years ago, and you can see it close to the main gate. Being just a baby, most visitors might not even realise it is a baobab!

In Barberton a large specimen stands in the MOTH Hall, with a trunk more than a meter wide.

How can you find more baobabs to view?

iNaturalist is a great app to discover the wildlife sightings around you. It is also great to identify fauna and flora that you see while travelling in South Africa.

You can find more Baobabs in the following places:

Cultivated Baobab in Marloth Park: -25.3531540016, 31.8091603447

Where to buy baobabs tree?

The best place to buy baobabs in the Lowveld is the Skukuza Nursery in Kruger National Park. 

If you are travelling from within South Africa, or to and from a country allowing live plants, a baobab and a nice local terracotta pot can make a great souvenir.

Likhutsa nursery between White River and Hazyview sells lovely terracotta pots, locally made, and may have Baobabs in stock.

Did you know Baobabs can be grown in pots as bonsais?