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Francistown
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Francistown, Botswana’s historic gold-mining city, offers museums, river landscapes, local markets and a gateway to northern heritage and wildlife.

A City Shaped by Gold and Rail

Francistown stands in north-eastern Botswana near the Tati and Inchwe rivers, a city whose modern identity was forged by gold prospecting, colonial commerce and the arrival of the railway. Gold was discovered in the Tati area in 1869, drawing prospectors and trading companies to what became one of southern Africa’s earliest urban mining centres. The town later developed around the railway linking South Africa with northern Botswana and Rhodesia, now Zimbabwe. Remnants of this past can still be read in the older commercial streets and historic buildings of the city centre.
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Museums, Markets and Local Life

Francistown is more than a historical waypoint. Supa Ngwao Museum introduces visitors to the cultural heritage of the Kalanga people and the wider north-eastern region, while local shopping areas, markets and everyday cafés reveal the rhythms of contemporary Botswana. The city’s atmosphere is practical and sociable, with busy streets giving way to quieter residential districts and riverine landscapes. Galo Mall and other modern retail centres serve as gathering points alongside long-established commercial streets.

Gateway to the North-East

The surrounding landscape combines dry woodland, open scrub and seasonal waterways. Tachila Nature Reserve, close to Francistown, offers opportunities to encounter Botswana’s wildlife in a conservation setting, while the wider region contains important archaeological and cultural sites. Domboshaba, north of the city, is a significant former Kalanga settlement and is best treated as a separate excursion rather than a city attraction. Francistown’s appeal lies in this meeting of industrial history, regional culture and the spacious landscapes of north-eastern Botswana.

When is the best time to visit Francistown?

Best: May–July · 30–32°C
Average daytime high and rainfall by month
MonthHigh (°C)Rainfall (mm)
January32100
February3491
March3473
April3435
May (best)3212
June (best)300
July (best)310
August350
September362
October3625
November3457
December3479

Getting to and around Francistown

How to get there

Francistown is served by Francistown Airport, which lies south of the urban area and provides the city’s principal air connection, although flight schedules should be checked before travel. By road, the city sits on the A1, the main north–south route through Botswana, making it accessible from Gaborone, Palapye, Nata and the Zimbabwean border. Long-distance coaches and buses operate on regional routes, while shared taxis and other road transport connect Francistown with nearby towns. Botswana Railways has historically made Francistown an important rail junction, but passenger services and schedules can change, so rail travel should be verified locally rather than assumed.

Transportation

Francistown’s central districts can be explored on foot, but distances between the historic core, shopping centres, residential areas and outlying attractions can be considerable. Local combis, usually shared minibus taxis, are widely used on established routes, while ordinary taxis are useful for shorter direct journeys and airport transfers. Agree the destination and fare before departure where a meter is not being used. Driving offers flexibility for surrounding sites, although visitors should remain alert to pedestrians, livestock, poor lighting and changing road conditions outside the centre. Car hire is most useful for regional excursions rather than for sightseeing within the compact central area.

Best attractions in Francistown

Francistown’s principal sights combine urban history, cultural interpretation and nearby nature. Supa Ngwao Museum is the most useful introduction to the city and north-eastern Botswana, presenting Kalanga heritage, traditional life and regional history through its collections and displays. The older centre, shaped by the Tati goldfields and the railway, rewards a daytime walk among historic commercial buildings and long-established streets, while the Tati River provides a quieter perspective on the landscape that helped sustain settlement. Tachila Nature Reserve, close to Francistown, offers guided or organised opportunities to experience Botswana’s wildlife and woodland environment without travelling deep into the country’s major safari regions. Modern shopping centres and local markets reveal the city’s contemporary character, and Domboshaba’s stone ruins make a worthwhile cultural excursion north of Francistown, though they are not within the city itself.

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Best landmarks in Francistown

Francistown’s landmarks record the forces that shaped Botswana’s north-eastern commercial centre. The buildings and streets around the historic core reflect the town’s gold-mining origins and its later importance as a railway settlement, while Francistown Railway Station represents the transport link that gave the city lasting economic significance after the early gold rush faded. Supa Ngwao Museum is a cultural landmark as well as a visitor attraction, preserving and interpreting Kalanga heritage and the history of the wider region. The Tati River provides an environmental landmark, marking the watercourse around which early activity developed, although its appearance changes with the seasons. Outside the city, Domboshaba’s stone-walled remains are among the region’s most important archaeological landmarks and should be visited as a separate excursion rather than described as part of Francistown’s urban fabric.

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Best restaurants in Francistown

Francistown’s dining scene reflects northern Botswana’s position at a meeting point of local food traditions, regional trade and modern urban life. Menus may feature seswaa, slow-cooked shredded beef traditionally prepared for communal occasions, alongside bogobe, a thick sorghum or maize porridge, grilled meat, vegetables and beans. Roadside vendors and casual cafés provide practical meals, while established restaurants around the city centre, hotels and shopping complexes tend to offer broader menus influenced by southern African and international cooking. The city’s markets and independent food sellers are useful places to encounter seasonal produce, baked goods and everyday snacks, although selection and opening patterns vary. Because Francistown serves a wide surrounding region, dining is often informal and functional rather than centred on a single fashionable quarter, with local hospitality expressed through generous portions and sociable shared meals.

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Best bars in Francistown

Francistown’s evening scene is modest but varied, with hotel bars, neighbourhood venues, sports bars and restaurants providing most of the city’s after-dark activity. The central commercial area and larger shopping districts are the most convenient places to look for organised evening entertainment, while local venues often focus on conversation, televised sport and popular southern African music rather than elaborate cocktail culture. Weekend events may include DJs, live performers or dancing, but schedules and venues can change, so local enquiries are more reliable than assuming a fixed nightlife circuit. For a quieter evening, hotel lounges and restaurants offer a more settled setting. Visitors should use taxis after dark, avoid displaying valuables and respect venue-specific rules concerning alcohol, photography and public behaviour.

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Best nightclubs in Francistown

Francistown’s evening scene is modest but varied, with hotel bars, neighbourhood venues, sports bars and restaurants providing most of the city’s after-dark activity. The central commercial area and larger shopping districts are the most convenient places to look for organised evening entertainment, while local venues often focus on conversation, televised sport and popular southern African music rather than elaborate cocktail culture. Weekend events may include DJs, live performers or dancing, but schedules and venues can change, so local enquiries are more reliable than assuming a fixed nightlife circuit. For a quieter evening, hotel lounges and restaurants offer a more settled setting. Visitors should use taxis after dark, avoid displaying valuables and respect venue-specific rules concerning alcohol, photography and public behaviour.

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Best shops in Francistown

Shopping in Francistown ranges from traditional open-air trading and independent shops to modern retail centres serving the city and its surrounding communities. The central commercial streets are useful for everyday goods, clothing and practical supplies, while larger complexes such as Galo Mall provide supermarkets, services, cafés and familiar chain retailers. Local markets offer produce, household goods, clothing and small souvenirs, though stock and trading locations can change. Visitors interested in regional products may find baskets, textiles, carved items and other crafts through local sellers, but should examine workmanship and ask about materials and provenance rather than assuming every item is traditionally made. Botswana’s pula is needed for many smaller purchases, and bargaining is not appropriate in every shop; it is more relevant where sellers clearly operate informally.

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Francistown essentials

Currency and Payment
Botswana’s currency is the pula, coded BWP and divided into thebe. Banks, bureaux de change and cash machines are available in Francistown, particularly around the commercial centre and larger shopping complexes. Cards are accepted by many hotels, supermarkets, established restaurants and formal businesses, but smaller market stalls, informal food sellers, local transport and some independent shops may require cash. Carry modest pula notes for everyday purchases and keep payment cards secure. Travellers should notify their bank before arrival and avoid relying exclusively on one payment method, especially when travelling beyond the city.
Safety
Francistown generally requires the same sensible precautions as other urban areas: keep valuables out of sight, secure bags in crowded places and use reputable taxis after dark. Avoid walking alone through unfamiliar or poorly lit areas at night, particularly away from established commercial and accommodation districts. Heat, sun exposure and dehydration are practical concerns when visiting outdoor sites, while rural roads around the city require care because of animals, pedestrians and limited lighting. Keep vehicle doors locked when driving and do not leave luggage visible. Local advice from accommodation staff is useful when planning evening movement or excursions.
Emergency Situations
Botswana’s principal emergency numbers are 999 for the police, 998 for the fire service and 997 for an ambulance. State your location clearly, including a nearby landmark or road, and explain the nature of the emergency calmly. International visitors should carry travel insurance details, passport information and any essential medical information. Francistown has established medical facilities, but travellers with complex or urgent healthcare needs should confirm arrangements with their insurer and accommodation provider. In remote areas outside the city, response times may be longer, so carry water, a charged phone and basic supplies when travelling by road.
Do's and Don'ts
Dress neatly and modestly when visiting museums, public offices, churches or community settings, and ask permission before photographing people. Greet people courteously and show patience in shops, taxi ranks and other busy public places. At cultural and archaeological sites, do not climb walls, remove objects or treat sacred or commemorative spaces casually. Tipping is discretionary rather than an automatic requirement, though it is appreciated for good service. Avoid photographing police, military facilities or official checkpoints without permission. Respect local rules on alcohol, public behaviour and wildlife, and remember that casual surroundings do not remove the need for ordinary courtesy.
Local Tips
Francistown is easiest to understand by combining the city centre’s older commercial streets with Supa Ngwao Museum and a separate visit to a nearby natural area such as Tachila Nature Reserve. Plan outdoor activities for the cooler parts of the day and carry drinking water throughout. Shopping centres provide familiar services, while local markets and independent shops offer a more immediate view of daily life. If travelling north towards Domboshaba, allow time for the journey and check road and site conditions in advance. Francistown is also a useful base for exploring the wider north-east, but regional distances are greater than the urban map may suggest.
Eve, your Evendo local guide

From Eve

Local phrases worth knowing

You don't need to get them perfect. A few words go a long way, and locals appreciate the effort.

6 phrase groups · English, local and pronunciation

Basics
EnglishLocalSay it
HelloDumela[doo-MEH-lah]
GoodbyeSala sentle[SAH-lah sen-tleh]
YesEe[EE]
NoNnyaa[NYAH]
Please/You're welcomeNtshwarele[nt-SWA-reh-leh]
Thank youKealeboga[keh-ah-leh-BOH-gah]
Excuse me/SorryPeleka[peh-LEH-kah]
How are you?O kae?[oh kah-eh]
Fine. And you?Ke gona. O kae?[keh goh-nah. oh kah-eh]
Do you speak English?O bua se se Ingilishi?[oh boo-ah seh seh een-gee-LEE-shee]
I don't understandGa ke itse[gah keh eet-seh]
Eating & Drinking
EnglishLocalSay it
I'd like to see the menu, pleaseKe kopa go bona setsebi, ka kopo[keh koh-pah goh boh-nah set-SEH-bee, kah koh-poh]
I don't eat meatGa ke itse nyama[gah keh eet-seh nyah-mah]
Cheers!Phuthu![poo-TOO]
I would like to pay, pleaseKe kopa go dirisa, ka kopo[keh koh-pah goh dee-ree-sah, kah koh-poh]
Emergencies
EnglishLocalSay it
Help!Boitumelo![boy-too-MEH-loh]
Go away!Ie![ee-eh]
Call the Police!Bula Polasa![boo-lah poh-LAH-sah]
Call a doctor!Bula mofaladi![boo-lah moh-fah-LAH-dee]
I'm lostKe itumelelwe[keh ee-too-meh-leh-loo-weh]
I'm illKe betshwara[keh beh-choo-wah-rah]
Shopping
EnglishLocalSay it
I'd like to buy...Ke kopa go rekela...[keh koh-pah goh reh-keh-lah]
I'm just lookingKe kopa go bona fela[keh koh-pah goh boh-nah feh-lah]
How much is it?E e leng?[EH eh lehng]
That's too expensiveSe se fete ka nako[seh seh feh-teh kah nah-koh]
Can you lower the price?O ka nna le go emisa sekgowa?[oh kah nah leh goh eh-mee-sah seh-koh-wah]
Time & Numbers
EnglishLocalSay it
What time is it?E nngwe le nngwe ke eng?[eh nng-weh leh nng-weh keh ehng]
It's one o'clockKe ya nnyane[keh yah nnyah-neh]
Half past (10)Letlha la ditlhapi (10)[let-lah lah dee-tlah-pee (10)]
MorningBontsi[boh-nt-see]
AfternoonBoitshepo[boh-ee-tsheh-poh]
EveningLetelele[leh-teh-leh-leh]
YesterdayNtwa[nt-wah]
TodayNameng[nah-mehng]
TomorrowLefatshe[leh-fah-tsheh]
1Mosome[moh-soh-meh]
2Ratwe[raht-weh]
3Lethathamo[leh-thah-thah-moh]
4Lefarona[leh-fah-roh-nah]
5Lefokotsane[leh-foh-koh-tsa-neh]
6Lefotwane[leh-foh-twa-neh]
7Lefhele[leh-fheh-leh]
8Lefoko[leh-foh-koh]
9Lefela[leh-feh-lah]
10Lesome[leh-soh-meh]
Transport & Directions
EnglishLocalSay it
Where's a/the...?Kae e ne ya...?[kah-eh eh neh yah]
What's the address?Ke eng mogala?[keh ehng moh-gah-lah]
Can you show me (on the map)?O ka nna le go bona (ka map)?[oh kah nah leh goh boh-nah (kah map)]
When's the next (bus)?Ke eng molaetsa o o tla a tswa?[keh ehng moh-lah-eh-tsah oh oh tlah ah tswah]
A ticket (to ....)Tikete (go ....)[tee-keh-teh goh]

History of Francistown

Kalanga Settlement and Regional Exchange

Before the rise of the modern town, north-eastern Botswana was home to Kalanga-speaking communities whose settlements, farming systems and trading networks connected the region with present-day Zimbabwe and neighbouring areas. The Tati River and surrounding watercourses supported movement through a predominantly dry landscape, while local communities developed political and cultural traditions that remain important to Francistown’s identity. Archaeological sites across the region, including the stone-walled settlement of Domboshaba north of the city, demonstrate the depth of this history. Francistown therefore emerged in a landscape that already had established communities, routes and cultural connections rather than on an empty frontier.

The Tati Gold Discoveries

Gold discoveries in the Tati area in 1869 transformed the region’s economic importance. Prospectors and traders arrived from across southern Africa, and the mining activity encouraged the development of services, settlements and commercial links. The Tati Concession, granted in the early 1870s, placed much of the area under the control of a concessionary company, reflecting the wider pattern of mineral exploitation that shaped colonial southern Africa. The initial gold rush did not create a long-lived equivalent of Johannesburg, but it established Francistown as a centre of commerce and administration. Its name is associated with Daniel Francis, a mining prospector involved in the early goldfield.

Railway and Colonial Town Development

The railway reached Francistown in 1897 as part of the route linking the Cape Colony with the territories to the north. This connection changed the town’s prospects more permanently than the short-lived gold boom, making it a forwarding point for people, goods and mining equipment. Commercial premises, warehouses and administrative services grew around the transport corridor, and Francistown became an important settlement within the Bechuanaland Protectorate. The surviving older urban fabric reflects this period of expansion, when rail transport helped tie the town’s economy to regional markets while colonial administration increasingly shaped land use and public institutions.

A Commercial Centre in Bechuanaland

During the first half of the twentieth century, Francistown developed as a trading and service centre for north-eastern Bechuanaland. Its railway station and commercial streets supported wholesalers, retailers, transport businesses and services serving surrounding cattle, farming and mining communities. Like other colonial towns, it was affected by racial segregation and unequal access to land, services and economic opportunity. At the same time, African communities maintained their own social, religious and cultural institutions, creating a more complex urban society than the colonial administrative structure suggested. The city’s later growth was built on this combination of railway commerce, regional trade and established local communities.

Independence and Urban Expansion

Botswana became independent from Britain in 1966, and Francistown took on a larger role in the development of the new nation. Improved roads, public services and national institutions supported population growth, while the city continued to serve as a major commercial centre outside Gaborone. Its location near the Zimbabwean border also sustained cross-border trade and movement, although regional political and economic changes repeatedly affected those connections. New residential districts and shopping areas spread beyond the historic core, leaving the older railway and goldfield-era town as one layer within a larger modern city.

Francistown in Contemporary Botswana

Today Francistown is Botswana’s second-largest city and a significant centre for commerce, education, healthcare, transport and public administration in the north-east. Mining remains part of the wider regional economy, but the city’s identity is no longer defined by gold alone. Cultural institutions such as Supa Ngwao Museum help preserve Kalanga and regional heritage, while contemporary retail, business and residential development continue to reshape the urban landscape. Francistown also functions as a base for exploring nearby wildlife areas and archaeological sites, linking its industrial past with the cultural and environmental resources of north-eastern Botswana.

Francistown in Photos

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Evendo: Your Ultimate Travel Guide to Francistown, Botswana

Discover Francistown with Evendo – the 100% free app-based travel guide that offers comprehensive info on attractions, landmarks, restaurants, and more.

  • Detailed information on attractions, landmarks, shops, bars, nightclubs, restaurants, hotels, tours, and activities
  • Rich set of images, descriptions, local tips, maps, and contact details for each location
  • Easy booking for hotels, tours, tickets, and experiences directly through the app
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Plan your perfect trip to Francistown with Evendo. This free travel guide app provides detailed insights on attractions, landmarks, dining, and experiences, all in one place.

  • History of Francistown and travel essentials
  • Curated local tips to experience the city like a local
  • ‘Near Me’ feature to discover nearby attractions
  • 100% free with no in-app purchases or hidden costs
  • Global coverage with information on over 7,000 destinations worldwide

Welcome to Francistown, Botswana’s vibrant city steeped in history and culture. With Evendo, your travel experience is about to get a whole lot easier and more enjoyable. Imagine having a local guide right in your pocket, ready to offer you rich descriptions, stunning images, essential local tips, and detailed maps for all the best attractions, landmarks, shops, bars, nightclubs, restaurants, hotels, tours, and activities in Francistown.

Start your journey by exploring famous landmarks like the Supa Ngwao Museum, which offers a deep dive into the local heritage. Don’t miss out on the Tachila Nature Reserve for a serene escape into nature. For an authentic dining experience, visit the Thorn Tree Cafe or the more upscale Digger's Inn. Each of these locations, along with many others, is meticulously detailed in Evendo, ensuring you have all the information you need, including contact details and local insider tips.

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Download Evendo today and make the most of your trip to Francistown. Whether you’re a history buff, a foodie, or an adventure seeker, Evendo has something for everyone. And remember, with over 7,000 other destinations covered, your next adventure is just a tap away.

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