Five baobab trees intercepted in Durban while awaiting export to Georgia are being relocated to the Timbavati Private Nature Reserve, where they will undergo a recovery process after spending more than three months lying on their sides in a warehouse parking area.
The relocation operation began on Wednesday, 11 November 2026, when the first of the five trees was loaded onto an abnormal-load truck for the approximately 900km journey to its new sanctuary.
The trees, estimated to be around 300 years old and weighing up to 30 tonnes each, were intercepted on 17 July 2026 at an Africa Global Logistics warehouse in Durban’s Mobeni industrial area, shortly before they were due to be exported to Georgia.
According to reports, the trees became dehydrated and shrank after being left horizontally on hot paving for several months. Despite their condition, all five are reportedly still alive.
The rescue operation was initiated by ecologist Dr Sarah Venter, founder of the Baobab Foundation, who helped mobilise funding to save the trees. Former Durban Botanic Gardens curator Christopher Dalzell also volunteered his expertise to assist with the relocation.
The Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment (DFFE) confirmed that it is working with the South African National Biodiversity Institute (SANBI) to facilitate the intervention.
The baobabs were reportedly removed from the Lephalale area in Limpopo by Pretoria-based exporter Divine Landscapes. However, authorities established that the company did not have the necessary permits to uproot, transport or export the protected indigenous trees.
Although the company argued through its attorneys that the trees had been sourced from private gardens with the owners’ consent, the DFFE rejected its retrospective permit applications and dismissed its final appeal on 27 October 2026.
The company is expected to appear in the Durban Magistrates’ Court in January 2027 to face criminal charges relating to the matter.
The relocation to Timbavati marks the beginning of a delicate recovery process for the five ancient trees, which will require specialised care following their prolonged exposure to harsh conditions.
