Sagole Big Tree

The Sagole Big Tree is the biggest baobab in the world and therefore should be on everyone’s bucket list to see.  The tree is 34 meters in girth and is estimated to be about 2000 years old.  Although there are other estimations, take it from me, I helped with the carbon dating.  The tree is truly magnificent and has an incredible presence.  There is a huge hollow in the middle of the main stem which people often climb into. 

How to get to the Big Tree

There are two recommended routes from Louis Trichardt.  Both are described below with downloadable GPX tracks.  The more scenic route is via Gogogo, but this requires a high-clearance vehicle and takes 4.5 hours. 

The other route is via the Pafuri road (R525) which can be done in a smaller car and takes 2 hours to get there.  See route description and GPX track below.  

If you are starting in Thohoyandou, then you can take the route directly north, past Sibasa and Tshilamba and join the Gogogo route just before Muswodi Dipeni. This route is not described on this website

Facilities

At the entrance gate Adults pay R50 pp and children under the age of 10 pay R25 p/p.  Please insist on a receipt. There are no ablution facilities at the tree, no braai facilities, no picnic facilities. If you go to the Food Zone Restaurant (described below) there is a basic flush loo there and food served before 13:00 (Monday – Friday only).   Sadly there is also quite a lot of graffiti on the tree, which the local community take off every few months, please do not let this detract from this stunning tree. 

Wildlife

The hollow in the tree home to bats (not sure what species) and the biggest colony of Mottled Spinetails  in the world (yes, another record). The bats roost in the tree during the day, so please be quiet if you get into the tree.  The Mottled Spinetails roost in the tree at night, but can often be seen swiftly flying around the tree during the day with a high chirping call.  This is the easiest place in South Africa to see this species so a good place to visit if you are working on your SA bird list.

Toilets

If you take the Pafuri road (northern route) there or on the way back, there is a very neat and clean toilet at the Caltex Garage just west of the Tshipise Forever Resort.  Once you get to the Big Tree, there are no toilets.  

Fuel

Best to leave Louis Trichardt with a full tank of fuel.  However, there are two fuel stations on the northern route (Pafuri road route).  There is a Caltex fuel station near the Baobab Toll gates on the N1 road and another one near the Tshipise Forever resort.  This fuel station is open from 6 am to 6 pm and has very good toilet facilities.  They also sell cooldrinks and biltong snacks

Food -
Eating street food in Venda

I suggest you take a picnic basket and your own camping table and chairs and have a picnic lunch at the tree. You can also have the genuine African street food experience of eating Dust Chicken and Pap or as the Venda call it Vhuswa (maize meal porridge). In Tshipise (7 km from the Big Tree, see directions below) there are two options for local food. Either stop in at Thivhahangwi’s open air, under the baobab restaurant or eat at a meal at the Food Zone. At Thivhahangwi’s restaurant you will be served you a delicious piece of chicken braai’ed on a fire with Vhuswa. At the Food Zone meat stews and vegetable relishes are served. Please remember that you are expected to wash your hands before eating, she will provide you with water to do this and you will be eating with your fingers. To do this pinch a piece of vhuswa with your fingers then dip it into the relish/stew or tear off a piece of chicken and pop it into your mouth together with the vhuswa. Its always delicious  After the meal wash your hands again, this time you will need to! If you find eating with your fingers too much then just ask your host for a spoon or fork. If you want to give Thivhahangwi a call in advance her number is 072 185 6991 and Fhulu’s number at the Food Zone is 082 223 7884. Please remember phone numbers can change any time.

Safety

This area is very safe and people are friendly and helpful.

Other Resources

For more information about baobabs visit https://baobabfoundation.co.za

 

 

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