Tanzania Afternoon, Tarangire National Park
by Marcy Wielfaert
Title
Tanzania Afternoon, Tarangire National Park
Artist
Marcy Wielfaert
Medium
Photograph - Photography
Description
One of my favorite spots for picturesque game drives with abundant wildlife is Tarangire National Park in Tanzania. On our last visit to the park a few months ago, I decided to capture a few landscape images without wildlife in them because I love the baobab trees that are characteristic of this area and wanted to feature one of these iconic trees as my focus. The majestic baobab tree is easily recognized as part of the African landscape and lies at the heart of many traditional African remedies and folklore.
These stunning trees are actually a prehistoric species which predates both mankind and the splitting of the continents over 200 million years ago. Native to the African savannah where the climate is extremely dry and arid, it is a symbol of life and positivity in a landscape where little else can thrive. Over time, the Baobab has adapted to its environment. It is a succulent, which means that during the rainy season it absorbs and stores water in its vast trunk, enabling it to produce a nutrient-dense fruit in the dry season when all around is dry and arid. This is how it became known as "The Tree of Life".
Baobab trees grow in 32 African countries. They can live for up to 5,000 years, reach up to 98 feet high and up to an enormous 164 feet many feet in circumference. Baobab trees can provide shelter, food and water for animals and humans, which is why many savannah communities have made their homes near Baobab trees. The striking silhouette of a baobab tree at sunset is a familiar site to anyone who has spent time in rural Africa - but it is also well known all across the world thanks to its starring roles in Disney’s Lion King.
Uploaded
August 4th, 2023
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