Baines Baobab, Botswana

Baines Baobabs were named after the famous painter and explorer of the last century Thomas Baines, who painted this unusual group of baobabs in 1862 during his journeys through Southern Africa. This remarkable cluster of trees, also known as Seven Sisters, has been immortalized by other painters as well, including Prince Charles.

Today, the scene that captivated Baines, inspiring him to record the formation on canvas, is little changed and still attracts the attention of visitors, although now the baobabs are recorded on film.

The seven giant trees dominate a small island on the edge of the open grassless Kudiakam Pan. They used to be an ideal picnic spot for visitors, but now that this area has been incorporated in the national park this is no longer permitted, and it will be years before the area recovers from the damage of uncontrolled camping.

Although the pan at Baines Baobabs is dry for most of the year, the area is transformed into a massive sheet of water, dotted by water lilies, during the rainy season from December to March and water birds abound, creating a spectacle of great beauty.

Baines Baobabs can be reached by a turnoff from the main Nxai Pan access road, 20 kilometres from the main Maun / Nata road and 17 kilometres from the entrance gate. Permits to enter and camp in the area are required.