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South Africa's biggest baobab tree
Sunland Baobab
Sunland farm's big baobab tree.
© Sunland Baobab
Did you know?
The trunk of the baobab tree can store more than 30,000 gallons of water.
The Sunland Baobab, near the sub-tropical town of Tzaneen, is the country's biggest baobab. The Sunland Baobab has a circumference of some 47metres and stretches to a height of 22 metres. It's so big there's room enough for a small pub inside. The Sunland Baobab is understandably, one of the area's most popular attractions.
The Sunland Baobab is situated on a farm owned by the Van Heerden family, who take care of this majestic specimen. The small pub inside the tree was created all the way back in 1933, and today is still a most unusual place to have a drink! The country's biggest baobab tree is famous around the world and has even appeared on the front page of the Wall Street Journal.
The Sunland Baobab, like all baobabs, is a source of great myth and legend. Limpopo province has adopted the baobab as its tourist icon, and the tree is also known as the upside-down-tree. Legend has it that the early San people believed the baobab tree offended God and as punishment, God planted the tree upside down. When you see a baobab tree in winter you will know what the San people meant. The branches look like roots pointing skyward.
Few trees embody the spirit of Africa quite like the baobab. In ancient times kings, elders and leaders held meetings under the spreading branches of huge babobabs, believing that the spirit of the baobab would guide them in making the right decisions for their people.
The scientific name for the baobab is Adansonia digitata.Baobabs are succulents, comprising 80% moisture which makes them very useful to both animals and humans. They provide shelter for a variety of creatures, including bush babies and fruit bats that pollinate the flowers. Baboons love the fruit of the baobab, and elephants browse the leaves and strip the bark for moisture.
If you're exploring the attractions of the Tzaneen area, don't miss the chance to see the Sunland Baobab, the country's biggest.
Travel tips & Planning info
Who to contact
How to get here
From Johannesburg take the N1 to Polokwane, and just before Polokwane take the R71 to Tzaneen. At the T-junction at the foot of the Magoebaskloof Pass, turn left onto the R36 to Modjadjiskloof and from the town follow the signs to Sunland Baobab, which is a few kilometres further.
Around the area
Visit the Modjadji Cycad Reserve nearby Sunland Baobab
The Magoebaskloof area is famed for its mountain hikes, trout fishing dams and beautiful waterfalls.
The Phalaborwa gate into the Kruger National Park is an hour and a half's drive from Tzaneen.
What will it cost
R10 per person entrance fee
Length of stay
Spend a morning exploring the Sunland Baobab and enjoy a drink in the pleasant gardens here.
What to pack
Camera.
Where to stay
The Sunland Boabab offers five "jungalows" which are wooden bungalows with self-catering facilities
There are many B&B's, guesthouses, hotels, lodges and self-catering spots in and around the nearby Tzaneen area.
What to eat
Yum Yum restaurant and deli in Tzaneen features delicious contemporary fusion cuisine in a pleasant setting.
