The land of the Boababs

Senegal is one of the few countries in the World that has the gigantic, strange-looking tree growing in abundance. There is something about this tree that increasingly has fascinated me during my stay down here. Well, first of all, it is obviously a tree that by mistake has been planted into Mother Earth upside down! In general, Baobabs are associated with so many crazy facts and mystical stories. Here in Senegal, they are perceived as sacred, and one should never take their branches or fruits before the tree lets go on its own. From the (fallen?) Baobab fruits they make a thick, yellow juice called bouille, which is quite effective of you have a funny stomach. The white and black Baobab stones that are hidden inside the fruit are used for decorations and jewellery. When a Baobab reaches its 200th birthday the inside of the tree starts to disappear and within a short amount of time the tree is completely hollow. As time passes small holes develop in the empty 'shell', so one day you can naturally enter into the heart of the Baobab!

When I have been out doing field work during my stay in Senegal, we have always passed by the most incredible Baobab landscapes. Last time I even had the chance to see the oldest Baobab in Senegal. It is around 500 years old. Since it is more than 200 it was possible to get into the actual tree. That was such a.... special experience. It was pitch dark, but the small holes in the tree let in tiny rays of light allowing the eye to see the inside after having adjusted. It felt strangely safe and protected as we were standing there in the dark. Well, at first, at least. In the crown of the tree a big colony of bats lived. They were quietly munching around it seemed, making small squeaky noises. Of course, one of them felt like properly welcoming us by sending down a small 'gift' into my hair. Very entertaining for my colleagues. However, it is a highly sacred tree with many myths and extraordinary tales associated with it. We were even told that the tree grants wishes. You have to rest your palms against the side of the tree and give it a little push, while thinking of your wish.

Getting in and out of the tree was quite a challenge. Since the tree does not grow holes in order to have people running in and out, the exit was not too comfortable. It felt a bit like being born out of the Baobab. Seeing the pictures afterwards, it also looked like it I realised. I was the smallest of us, so judging from how awkward I look, you can only imagine how funny my colleagues looked.

Me making a wish

The Baobab from the outside

The bats

Getting out