Discover the Hidden Gem of Selebi-Phikwe

• HelloDumela
  [doo-MEH-lah]
• GoodbyeTsamaya sentle
  [tsah-MAH-yah sehn-tleh]
• YesEe
  [ee]
• NoNnyaa
  [nn-yah]
• Please/You're welcomeTsamaya sentle
  [tsah-MAH-yah sehn-tleh]
• Thank youKe a leboga
  [keh ah leh-BOH-gah]
• Excuse me/SorryNke a leboga
  [nn-keh ah leh-BOH-gah]
• How are you?O kae?
  [oh kah-eh]
• Fine. And you?Ke gona. Le wena?
  [keh goh-nah. leh weh-nah]
• Do you speak English?O bua seTswana?
  [oh boo-ah seh-TSWAH-nah]
• I don't understandGa ke itse
  [gah keh eet-seh]

• I'd like to see the menu, pleaseKe kopa go bona menu, le kamoso
  [keh koh-pah goh boh-nah meh-noo, leh kah-moh-soh]
• I don't eat meatGa ke itse nyama
  [gah keh eet-seh nyah-mah]
• Cheers!Phila
  [pee-lah]
• I would like to pay, pleaseKe kopa go dira dipalo, le kamoso
  [keh koh-pah goh dee-rah dee-pah-loh, leh kah-moh-soh]

• Help!Boitumelo!
  [boy-too-MEH-loh]
• Go away!Tlatsa!
  [tlah-tsah]
• Call the Police!Bula maburu!
  [boo-lah mah-boo-roo]
• Call a doctor!Bula morago!
  [boo-lah moh-rah-goh]
• I'm lostKe a tlhoka
  [keh ah tlhoh-kah]
• I'm illKe itse
  [keh eet-seh]

• I'd like to buy...Ke kopa go rekela...
  [keh koh-pah goh reh-keh-lah]
• I'm just lookingKe rata go bona fela
  [keh rah-tah goh boh-nah feh-lah]
• How much is it?E e leng?
  [eh eh leh-ng]
• That's too expensiveEna e dira nngwe
  [eh-nah eh dee-rah nng-weh]
• Can you lower the price?O ka nnaletsa pampiri?
  [oh kah nnah-leh-tsah pahm-pee-ree]

• What time is it?Ke nako mang?
  [keh nah-koh mah-ng]
• It's one o'clockKe nako ya boraro
  [keh nah-koh yah boh-rah-roh]
• Half past (10)Nako e kete (le letsatsi la mararo)
  [nah-koh eh keh-teh (leh leh-tsaht-see lah mah-rah-roh)]
• MorningNako ya bomme
  [nah-koh yah boh-meh]
• AfternoonNako ya borra
  [nah-koh yah boh-rah]
• EveningNako ya lefatshe
  [nah-koh yah leh-faht-sheh]
• YesterdayNako ya boraro
  [nah-koh yah boh-rah-roh]
• TodayNako yeo
  [nah-koh yeh-oh]
• TomorrowNako e kae
  [nah-koh eh kah-eh]
• 1Motho
  [moh-thoh]
• 2Bobedi
  [boh-beh-dee]
• 3Boraro
  [boh-rah-roh]
• 4Boraro le bobedi
  [boh-rah-roh leh boh-beh-dee]
• 5Boraro le boraro
  [boh-rah-roh leh boh-rah-roh]
• 6Boraro le boraro le motho
  [boh-rah-roh leh boh-rah-roh leh moh-thoh]
• 7Boraro le boraro le bobedi
  [boh-rah-roh leh boh-rah-roh leh boh-beh-dee]
• 8Boraro le boraro le boraro
  [boh-rah-roh leh boh-rah-roh leh boh-rah-roh]
• 9Boraro le boraro le boraro le motho
  [boh-rah-roh leh boh-rah-roh leh boh-rah-roh leh moh-thoh]
• 10Lesome
  [leh-soh-me]

• Where's a/the...?Kae...?
  [kah-eh]
• What's the address?E kae gole?
  [eh kah-eh goh-leh]
• Can you show me (on the map)?O ka lebisa ka mepa?
  [oh kah leh-bee-sah kah meh-pah]
• When's the next (bus)?Kae kae (bus) e tlaa?
  [kah-eh kah-eh (bus) eh tlah]
• A ticket (to ....)Sepotikete (go ....)
  [seh-poh-tee-keh-teh goh]

Selebi-Phikwe, often referred to simply as Phikwe, was established in the early 1970s as a mining town. It was developed around the discovery of substantial copper and nickel deposits in the region. The town derives its name from two villages in the area: Selebi and Phikwe.

The 1970s and 1980s marked a period of rapid growth and development for Selebi-Phikwe, driven by the mining industry. The Bamangwato Concessions Limited (BCL) mine became the centerpiece of the town, attracting workers from all over Botswana and neighboring countries. This influx led to a burgeoning population and the establishment of infrastructure to support the mining operations.

The late 1990s and early 2000s brought economic challenges to Selebi-Phikwe as global commodity prices fluctuated. The town's heavy reliance on the mining sector made it particularly vulnerable to these changes, leading to economic instability and job losses. Efforts were made to diversify the local economy, though the mining sector remained dominant.

In 2016, the BCL mine was officially closed due to financial difficulties and declining global copper and nickel prices. This event had a profound impact on Selebi-Phikwe, leading to significant economic and social challenges for the town's residents. The closure marked the end of an era and prompted a renewed focus on economic diversification and revitalization efforts.

Selebi-Phikwe is home to a diverse community that reflects Botswana's rich cultural heritage. The town hosts various cultural festivals and events, showcasing traditional music, dance, and crafts. The presence of different ethnic groups has fostered a vibrant cultural scene that celebrates the unique traditions and customs of its residents.

In recent years, Selebi-Phikwe has been positioning itself as a gateway to some of Botswana's natural attractions. The nearby Tswapong Hills and the Thune Dam offer opportunities for hiking, bird watching, and water sports. These attractions, along with efforts to promote eco-tourism, are part of the town's strategy to diversify its economy and attract visitors.

Selebi-Phikwe is located in the Central District of Botswana. The nearest international airport is Sir Seretse Khama International Airport in Gaborone, approximately 400 kilometers away. From Gaborone, you can take a domestic flight to Francistown, followed by a bus or taxi to Selebi-Phikwe. Alternatively, you can drive from Gaborone to Selebi-Phikwe, which typically takes around 5 to 6 hours by road.

Selebi-Phikwe has a range of transportation options. Local taxis are readily available and relatively inexpensive. There are also minibus taxis that operate within the town and connect to nearby villages. For those who prefer more flexibility, renting a car can be a convenient option for exploring the surrounding areas at your own pace.

The official currency in Botswana is the Botswana Pula (BWP). Credit cards are accepted in most hotels, restaurants, and shops, but it is advisable to carry cash for smaller establishments and rural areas. There are several ATMs available in Selebi-Phikwe where you can withdraw cash.

Selebi-Phikwe is generally a safe destination for tourists. However, it is advisable to take standard precautions. Avoid walking alone at night in unfamiliar areas and keep an eye on your belongings in crowded places. There are no specific high-crime areas targeting tourists, but it is always best to stay vigilant and aware of your surroundings.

In case of emergency, dial 999 for immediate assistance. The local police station and medical facilities are available in Selebi-Phikwe. It is recommended to have travel insurance that covers medical emergencies. For minor health issues, there are pharmacies in the town where you can purchase over-the-counter medications.

Fashion: Do dress modestly, especially in public places. Avoid wearing revealing clothing. Religion: Do respect local customs and traditions. Always cover your head when entering religious sites. Public Transport: Do be respectful and give up your seat to elderly passengers. Don’t eat or drink on public transport. Greetings: Do greet people with a handshake. A smile and a slight nod of the head are also appreciated. Eating & Drinking: Do try local delicacies and accept food offerings graciously. Don’t refuse hospitality, as it is considered impolite.

To experience Selebi-Phikwe like a local, visit the local markets where you can buy fresh produce and traditional Botswanan goods. Engage with locals, as they are often friendly and willing to share stories about the town's history and culture. Don’t miss visiting the Selebi-Phikwe Copper and Nickel Mine, which has played a significant role in the town's development. For a unique experience, take a walk around the Phikwe Dam, offering beautiful views and a peaceful atmosphere.