Francistown: Botswana's Historic Gem

• 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]

• 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]

• 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]

• 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]

• 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]

• 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]

Francistown, one of Botswana's oldest towns, has a rich history that dates back to the late 19th century. The area was originally inhabited by the Bakalanga people, who settled here centuries ago and played a crucial role in the region's early development. The Bakalanga were known for their skills in agriculture, hunting, and iron smelting.

The discovery of gold in the 1860s marked a pivotal moment in the history of Francistown. European prospectors, including the town's namesake Daniel Francis, flocked to the area in search of fortune. The gold rush led to the establishment of several mines and the rapid development of the town as a mining hub.

During the colonial period, Francistown grew significantly under British rule. The town served as an important administrative and commercial center, benefiting from its strategic location near the Shashe River and the railway line connecting Bulawayo in Zimbabwe to South Africa. The colonial architecture from this era can still be seen in some of the town's historic buildings.

With Botswana's independence in 1966, Francistown continued to thrive. The town experienced substantial growth and modernization, becoming a key economic and cultural center in the northeastern region of the country. The establishment of various industries, including textiles and manufacturing, contributed to its economic diversification.

Francistown is a melting pot of cultures, reflecting its diverse history. The town is home to various ethnic groups, including the Kalanga, Ndebele, and Tswana, each contributing to the vibrant cultural tapestry. Traditional music, dance, and festivals are an integral part of life in Francistown, offering visitors a glimpse into the rich cultural heritage of the region.

Today, Francistown is a bustling urban center that seamlessly blends its historical roots with modern advancements. The town boasts modern infrastructure, educational institutions, and healthcare facilities. Despite its growth, Francistown remains deeply connected to its past, with numerous museums and cultural sites preserving its rich history for future generations.

Francistown is accessible by air and road. The Francistown International Airport (FRW) offers flights from major cities in Botswana and some regional destinations. If you're traveling by road, Francistown is well-connected via the A1 highway from Gaborone, which is approximately 430 kilometers away. The journey by car or bus takes about 5-6 hours. Regular bus services also operate between Francistown and other major cities in Botswana.

In Francistown, public transportation options include minibuses, known locally as 'kombis,' and taxis. Kombis are the most economical way to travel around the city, while taxis are more convenient for direct routes. Car rental services are available for those who prefer to drive. Walking is also an option in the city center, where many attractions are within close proximity.

The official currency in Botswana is the Botswana Pula (BWP). Credit cards are widely accepted in hotels, restaurants, and larger shops. However, it's advisable to carry some cash for smaller establishments and markets. ATMs are readily available throughout Francistown, and most accept international cards.

Francistown is generally safe for tourists, but it's important to take standard precautions. Avoid walking alone at night in unfamiliar areas, and be cautious with your belongings in crowded places such as markets and bus stations. Areas with higher crime rates targeting tourists include the bus station area and some parts of the city center. Always stay vigilant and aware of your surroundings.

In case of an emergency, dial 999 for police assistance, 998 for an ambulance, and 997 for the fire department. Francistown has several medical facilities, including the Nyangabgwe Referral Hospital, which offers comprehensive medical services. It's recommended to have travel insurance that covers medical emergencies. Pharmacies are also available for minor health issues.

Fashion: Do dress modestly to respect local customs. Avoid wearing very revealing clothing. Religion: Do respect religious practices and places of worship. Remove your shoes and cover your head when entering mosques. Public Transport: Do be courteous and offer your seat to elderly passengers. Don't argue with drivers or conductors. Greetings: Do greet people with a handshake. It's customary to say 'Dumela' (hello) when meeting someone. Eating & Drinking: Do try local dishes and accept food offerings graciously. Don't eat or drink in public during Ramadan out of respect for those fasting.

To experience Francistown like a local, visit the bustling Francistown Market for fresh produce and traditional crafts. Engage with locals, who are generally friendly and willing to share stories about the city's history and culture. Don’t miss the Supa Ngwao Museum to learn about the region's heritage. For a unique experience, attend a local music or dance performance, which are often held in community centers or open spaces.