In the heart of Zwigodini Village, in Mutale, Limpopo, South Africa, stands a majestic baobab tree known to the Venda people as “Muri Kunguluwa,” meaning “The Tree That Roars.” This ancient tree, estimated to be around 2,000 years old, is not just a natural wonder but a vital part of the local ecosystem and culture.

Why Does It Roar

The name “Tree That Roars” comes from the unique sound it makes. When the wind rushes through its massive branches, it creates a low, resonant roaring sound, almost as if the tree is alive and speaking. This phenomenon has fascinated locals and visitors for generations.

A Source Of Life

The tree is also called “The Tree of Life” because it supports the animals, plants, and people around it. About 80% of its trunk is made up of water, and it can store up to 4,500 liters at a time. During dry seasons, the water in the tree helps sustain the surrounding wildlife and even the community.

For animals:

Elephants eat its bark, which is soft and rich in nutrients. Baboons feast on its fruit. Birds, bees, bats, and bush babies make their homes in its hollow spaces.

For people:

Humans also benefit from the baobab. Its dried fruit can be ground into a powder, rich in vitamins, antioxidants, and minerals, which is added to drinks. The bark can be used to create rope, baskets, mats, cloth, and even paper. The leaves are edible and can be used in cooking.

A Spiritual Connection

Beyond its practical uses, the tree holds deep spiritual significance. In ancient times, the Venda elders and leaders gathered under massive baobabs like Muri Kunguluwa to hold meetings and make important decisions. They believed the spirit of the tree guided them in their choices, fostering wisdom and unity.

A Natural Wonder Worth Protecting

Muri Kunguluwa is not just a tree; it is a symbol of life, culture, and resilience. Its presence connects generations of people and animals to the rich history of the land. Protecting such treasures is essential to preserving the heritage and biodiversity of Limpopo for future generations.

If you ever find yourself in Zwigodini Village, listen closely when the wind blows—you might hear the ancient roar of this remarkable tree.

Sagole Baobab – The tree that roars

The Sagole Baobab (or Big Tree near Thohoyandou) stands proud with its fat and sturdy trunk and its gnarled branches, so intertwined and entangled that they have become one in places. Its greyish smooth bark reflecting the midday sun.

This baobab exhumes strength and it’s no wonder the Venda people call it muri kunguluwa – the tree that roars, after the sound the wind creates when playing between the branches that spread out haphazardly up into the sky.

This giant has been carbon dated as 1,200 years old, but many local people believe the tree is much older, more likely 3,000 years old. This longevity together with its strength have given the baobab symbolic value throughout history. Many indigenous people believe the spirits of their ancestors inhabit the baobab and hence the tree often plays a central role in ceremonial rituals and sacrifices.

Whatever its true age, this majestic tree has most definitely witnessed the rise and fall of the Kingdom of Mapungubwe and seen traders of gold and ivory travelling between what is now Limpopo and the Swahili coast. It has given countless San tribes shelter under its crown and offered its dried leaves as mosquito repellent. It will have been a landmark for many Voortrekker families exploring the northern regions of South Africa in their ox-wagons.

We all know one of the legends of the baobab’s origins. When god took a dislike to the arrogant baobab growing in his garden, he plucked the tree from the soil and threw it over his garden wall, where it landed with its roots up in the air and continued to grow and flourish.

The baobab tree will continue to hold such mystical powers. To me, the Sagole Baobab reflects the essence of Africa – its longevity Africa’s ancient history, its robustness the strength of the indigenous people, and its myths the many stories and legends that will continue to be told across our rich continent.