Baobab Tree (Katima Mulilo) | Rundu

Information

Landmark: Baobab Tree (Katima Mulilo)
City: Rundu
Country: Namibia
Continent: Africa

Baobab Tree (Katima Mulilo), Rundu, Namibia, Africa

The Baobab Tree of Katima Mulilo, commonly referred to as the "Toilet Tree," is a historic botanical landmark located in the town center of Katima Mulilo, Namibia. It is a mature specimen of Adansonia digitata noted for its hollow trunk that was modified for utilitarian use during the mid-20th century.

Visual Characteristics

The tree features the characteristic "upside-down" appearance of the species, with a massive, fluted trunk composed of soft, fibrous wood and a smooth, pinkish-grey bark. It stands approximately 20 meters tall with a girth exceeding 10 meters. The most distinct structural feature is a man-made wooden door fitted into a natural hollow in the lower trunk, which leads to an interior chamber roughly 2 meters in diameter. The canopy is sparse for eight months of the year, consisting of thick, root-like branches that spread widely from the crown.

Location & Access Logistics

The tree is situated on the grounds of the regional government offices (SWAPO Party regional offices) near the intersection of Ngoma Road and Doreen Street. It is located approximately 1km southwest of the Katima Mulilo Open Market and is accessible via paved municipal roads. Visitors can reach the site by foot or vehicle; dedicated gravel parking is available adjacent to the office complex. There is no entrance fee, as the tree stands in a public administrative area.

Historical & Ecological Origin

The tree became a local landmark in 1939 when Major Lisle French Watts Trollope, the magistrate and native commissioner for the Eastern Caprivi, had a flush toilet and porcelain pan installed in its hollow interior for his personal use. Geologically, the site sits on the fertile alluvial plains of the Zambezi River. Ecologically, the baobab is a succulent capable of storing thousands of liters of water, allowing it to survive in the hot, semi-arid climate of the Zambezi Region.

Key Highlights & Activities

The primary activity is the observation and photography of the "Toilet Tree" and its unique door-fitted trunk. While the interior is no longer a functional restroom, visitors can view the historical modification that once made it a world-famous oddity. The site also serves as a starting point for exploring the colonial-era administrative buildings of Katima Mulilo.

Infrastructure & Amenities

As the tree is located within a government office precinct, it is surrounded by modern town infrastructure. Public restrooms and water are available at the nearby open market and local service stations. 4G cellular signal (MTC) is exceptionally strong at the site. There are no food vendors at the tree itself, but numerous supermarkets and kiosks are located within a 500-meter radius.

Best Time to Visit

The dry winter months from May to September are optimal for visiting due to cooler temperatures and clear skies. For photography, the late afternoon (16:00–17:30) provides the best lighting to capture the texture of the grey bark and the historical door without the harsh midday glare. The site is accessible during daylight hours, typically 08:00 to 17:00.

Facts & Legends

A local historical fact is that the regional office built under this tree in 1935 was the only brick-and-mortar building in the area at the time. A common legend among the San people suggests that baobabs do not grow like other trees but fall from the sky fully grown, which explains their unusual proportions. A specific tip for visitors: look for the grave of Major Trollope, who commissioned the toilet, located on the town's outskirts under a Jackal-berry tree.