Supa Ngwao Museum: Showcasing Francistown's Heritage

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Explore the cultural heritage of northeastern Botswana at the Supa Ngwao Museum in Francistown. Discover history, traditions, and local crafts.

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Supa Ngwao Museum

The Supa Ngwao Museum in Francistown is dedicated to preserving and showcasing the history, culture, and traditions of northeastern Botswana, particularly the Kalanga people. Exhibits range from historical artifacts to traditional crafts, offering visitors a glimpse into the region's rich heritage.

A brief summary to Supa Ngwao Museum

RGR5+M39, New Bridge Rd, Francistown, Government Village, BW
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Local tips

Allocate at least an hour to fully appreciate the museum's exhibits and gain a deeper understanding of the region's history and culture.
Engage with the museum staff; they can provide deeper insights into the displays and the city's history.
Check ahead for temporary art exhibitions and cultural events that may coincide with your visit.
Support local artisans by purchasing crafts from the museum shop.

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Getting There

Walking

The Supa Ngwao Museum is located on New Bridge Road in the Government Village of Francistown. From the Francistown City Mall, head northeast on Thabo Mbeki Road for approximately 1.5 kilometers. Turn left onto New Bridge Road; the museum will be on your left. The walk is about 20 minutes.
Public Transport

From anywhere in Francistown, you can take a combi (minibus) or taxi to the museum. Minibuses are a common form of transport; ask a local for the correct route to Government Village. Taxis are also readily available; simply tell the driver you want to go to the Supa Ngwao Museum on New Bridge Road. A short taxi ride within the city center typically costs around P20-P30.

Discover more about Supa Ngwao Museum

Supa Ngwao Museum, meaning “to show culture” in Setswana, is located in Francistown, Botswana, and serves as the regional museum for the city and the surrounding North East region. Established in 1986 as a mobile museum, it found a permanent home in a century-old Government Camp building and officially opened to the public in 1992. The museum aims to preserve historical information about Francistown and its surrounding villages, as well as the heritage of the Kalanga people and other groups in northern Botswana. The museum occupies three sections within the historic Government Camp building, which includes former police facilities like an old prison and canteen, adding historical depth to the exhibition space. Inside, visitors can explore a diverse collection of artifacts, photographs, and documents that highlight the local way of life from pre-colonial times to the present day. Exhibits include traditional Kalanga textiles, historical photographs chronicling Francistown's evolution from a mining hub, farming tools, woven baskets, and musical instruments. The Haskins Archives, a dedicated section, preserves documents and records pivotal to understanding the city's past. The museum also supports local artisans by featuring a craft shop where visitors can purchase unique, locally made goods such as leather key-holders, woodcarvings, traditional jewelry (dibaga), and palm-woven baskets (ditlatlana). Guided walking tours of Francistown are available, providing a deeper understanding of the city's history and significant sites like the Old Jail House, the Hexagonal Building, and the Miners' Cottage at Nyangabgwe Hill.