Baobabs are the most iconic trees on the savannah; and also the longest-lived. Its size is so impressive that its hollow stem can measure more than 20 meters in diameter and can store up to 120 thousand liters of water. Some baobab trees are used as houses, grain warehouses or animal shelters.

The baobab tree is divided into eight different species, six of which are native to Madagascar and Africa. They have one of the slowest growth rates in the plant world, thanks to that, they can live for thousands of years. Their strange silhouette (it looks like they were planted upside down, with the roots up and the canopy under the ground) turned them into living sculptures; known as the icon of the arid lands of Africa, their natural habitat.

In addition, the baobab, which is also referred to as the “tree of life”, is one of the fundamental symbols of traditional African cultures. The old African baobabs with huge trunks give the impression of being witnesses of time immemorial. In many cultures in Africa, the baobab tree appears as the principle of connection between the supernatural world and the material world.

Baobab trees are often portrayed as a figure of origin, a sign of the foundation and beginning of all things. It is known as an element of connection between the multiplicity of “worlds”. Because of this a trip to African countries, including visits to Baobabs, are great options to delve more into the culture of the peoples of the continent. Here’s a guide to the best places in Africa to visit, enjoy and learn even more about our African roots.

Madagascar

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