Plizio Visual Lab

Livingstone's Tree

Plizio editorial teamUpdated: Jun 2026Data Sources

Historical site

Weather…

Livingstone's Tree in Manyana is a living testament to the 19th-century missionary history of Botswana. This massive wild fig tree (Ficus sansibarica) is famously associated with the Scottish missionary and explorer David Livingstone, who is said to have preached and taught under its broad canopy during the 1840s and 1850s. During his residence at nearby Kolobeng, Livingstone developed a close bond with Kgosi Sechele I of the Bakwena, the first major chief to convert to Christianity. The tree functioned as a natural outdoor church and a school where Livingstone introduced European medicine and literacy to the local population. Today, the tree is a protected National Monument and remains a symbol of the early cultural exchange between the Batswana and European explorers. Its impressive size and age make it a striking landmark within the village of Manyana. For history enthusiasts, the site represents a crucial era that reshaped the religious and social landscape of modern Botswana.

Best time to visit & climate

The most pleasant time to visit is Apr, Sep, Oct.

	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec
Avg °C	25	25	23	20	16	13	13	16	20	24	25	25
Rain mm	94	90	76	44	12	11	2	3	11	36	67	99

📋 Practical info

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Visiting

Livingstone's Tree in Botswana is a historic baobab or fig tree associated with explorer David Livingstone. It is usually freely accessible as it stands in the open landscape.

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Typical hours

As a free-standing tree in the landscape, there are no opening hours. Visitors can see it at any time during daylight.

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Photography

Photography is allowed without restrictions. Photographing the tree is especially rewarding at sunrise or sunset when the light conditions are dramatic.

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Time needed

A visit usually takes 15 to 20 minutes. Those wanting to explore the surroundings should allow 30 minutes.

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Combine with

The tree is near Makgadikgadi Pan National Park or other Botswana attractions. It can also be included on a safari route with other baobab-rich areas.

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Getting there

The tree is usually reachable by a 4x4 vehicle, as roads are often sandy. A local guide or GPS device is helpful to find the exact location.

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Insider tip

Visit the tree in the dry season (May to October) when the roads are more passable. Bring plenty of water and respect nature by leaving no litter.