Termite Mounds of Botswana: Nature’s Architects, African GPS, and Mini Monuments of the Savannah
What came first—the tree or the termite mound?
What came first—the tree or the termite mound? It’s the kind of philosophical musing you start to have while bumping along on safari in Botswana, passing countless towering mounds that dot the plains like ancient shrines. In The Secret Life of Botswana’s Termite Towers, we’ll explore how these muddy marvels are far more than just scenery. From island building and bush navigation to undermining trees and feeding entire food chains, termite mounds are among the most fascinating features of the wild.
What Is a Termite Mound Anyway?
A termite mound is basically the above-ground ventilation system of a massive underground city. Inside, thousands—sometimes millions—of termites work 24/7 farming fungi, raising their queen’s offspring, and maintaining the delicate internal climate of their soil skyscraper. It’s social housing on a scale even ants would envy.
What Do Termites Eat?
Termites munch their way through dead wood, grass, leaf litter, and even animal dung. But here’s the twist—they can’t digest this tough stuff directly. Instead, they grow a special fungus inside their nest that breaks down the plant material for them. They’re basically insect farmers with their own internal composting system. Clever wee things.
The Tree or the Termite Mound?
While it looks like the termite mound grows up into a tree, it’s usually the other way round. Termites often build their mounds around existing trees for structural stability—the roots give them something to cling to. Over time, though, their industrious tunnelling shortens those same roots. Eventually, the tree either topples or dies, betrayed by its six-legged squatters.
Mounds on the Move: From Ground to Canopy
On the open savannah of the Savute or Nxai Pan, termite mounds stand boldly on their own, like clay cathedrals rising from the plains. But in the Okavango Delta, we notice something curious: mounds in trees, or with trees. The termites aren’t levitating—they’ve simply merged with tree trunks, and in some cases, when the tree dies, the mound remains clinging like a memorial plaque.
Termites as Food
Botswanans know what’s good: during the rainy season, when the winged alates (flying termites) emerge en masse, people collect and eat them. Roasted or fried, they’re nutty, packed with protein, and apparently quite the crunchy treat. Don’t knock it till you’ve tried it.
Even Cory’s tried fried termites when in Kenya. He said they weren’t too bad!
wee wild adventures
Who Else Eats Termites?
Termites are an all-you-can-eat buffet for wildlife.
- Aardvarks and pangolins love them.
- Bats, birds, and mongooses nab the flying ones.
- Even lions have been known to sniff around a disturbed mound.
It’s not just humans who appreciate the snack.
Termite Mounds as Islands
Believe it or not, many of the Okavango Delta’s islands began life as termite mounds. The mounds raised ground level just enough to avoid seasonal flooding. Over time, these dry spots attracted trees, which in turn attracted animals. Add centuries and voilà—an island.
Perches and Lookouts
We’re not the only ones using mounds for better views. Francolins, hornbills, and even cheetahs have been spotted atop termite mounds, using them as wildlife watchtowers. And, let’s admit it, we do the same. Game guides stop beside them, scanning for movement—these mounds are natural observation decks.
Nature’s Compass: Leaning Towards the Sun
In drier areas, many mounds lean westward. Why? It’s part of the termite colony’s thermal regulation. By shifting their structure to face the setting sun, they balance heat absorption and cooling. It’s the insect world’s version of smart architecture—and incidentally, it makes termite mounds surprisingly useful for navigating. Lost in the bush? Follow the lean.
Final Thoughts: More Than Just Mud
So next time you’re bouncing along a sandy track in a safari vehicle and spot what looks like a baked mud minaret on the horizon, give it the respect it deserves. That’s not just a termite mound—it’s a vital cog in Botswana’s ecosystem. A food source, a climate controller, a builder of islands, and yes, even a bit of an artist.
Ancient Architects: Termite Mounds Older Than Cave Art
Some termite mounds in Africa are astonishingly ancient. While their outer walls may crumble and be rebuilt, the heart of the colony can remain active for tens of thousands of years. A recent study in Namibia found termite mounds still in use after more than 34,000 years—making them older than some of the earliest known cave art in the region, including examples we’ve seen near Chobe. These mounds are more than mud—they’re living structures that predate human culture. Explore the full study here.
Who knew a mound of dirt could do so much? The Secret Life of Botswana’s Termite Towers
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