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Southern District
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Explore Southern District, Botswana, for Kanye’s heritage, Manyana’s rock art, Lobatse’s history, dryland scenery and village culture.

Southern District occupies a varied stretch of south-eastern Botswana, where low hills, dry valleys and open savannah surround long-established villages and the historic town of Lobatse. Kanye, the district capital, is the principal cultural centre and a useful base for understanding the Bangwaketse heartland. Elsewhere, Moshupa, Goodhope, Mabutsane and Manyana offer a more dispersed experience shaped by village life, cattle keeping, Christianity and enduring chiefly traditions.
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The landscape is generally semi-arid, with summer rainfall producing a brief flush of grass and wildflowers before the dry season returns. Rocky hills around Kanye and Moshupa provide relief from the flatter plains, while seasonal streams and dams are important features in a region where water has long influenced settlement. Distances between communities can be considerable, and the district is best approached as a collection of places rather than a compact sightseeing circuit.
Kanye is particularly significant for visitors interested in Botswana’s pre-colonial and early modern history. It became an important centre of the Bangwaketse kingdom, and its hills, traditional institutions and cultural collections help explain the political organisation of communities in southern Botswana. Manyana is known for ancient rock paintings and historic religious associations, while Lobatse has a distinct colonial and industrial legacy linked to the railway, meat processing and the development of Botswana’s modern institutions.
The district’s cultural character is most visible in village architecture, kgotla spaces, churches, craft traditions and public gatherings. A kgotla is a traditional community meeting place, and visitors should treat these spaces as working cultural institutions rather than simply as tourist sights. Local museums and heritage sites are modest in scale but valuable for connecting archaeological evidence, oral history and the stories of chiefly communities.
Food is generally rooted in Botswana’s wider culinary traditions, including sorghum and maize preparations, stews, grilled meat and locally produced dairy or baked goods. Evening entertainment is quieter than in Gaborone, with social life centred on taverns, restaurants, community events and family gatherings. Southern District suits travellers who value historical context, rural landscapes and direct encounters with the settled, lived-in character of southern Botswana.

When is the best time to visit Southern District?

Best: April, September–October · 23–27°C
Average daytime high and rainfall by month
MonthHigh (°C)Rainfall (mm)
January2990
February2980
March2760
April (best)2430
May2020
June1710
July1610
August1910
September (best)2320
October (best)2730
November2960
December2980

Getting to and around Southern District

How to get there

Southern District is reached mainly by road from Gaborone, which lies outside the district and is the principal international gateway for most visitors arriving in Botswana. From Gaborone, paved routes lead towards Lobatse and the southern settlements, while Kanye and other district centres are connected by regional roads. Visitors arriving by air generally use Sir Seretse Khama International Airport near Gaborone, then continue by hired car, private transfer or bus. There is no major international airport in Southern District, so allow for a further overland journey after landing.

Transportation

A hire car is the most convenient option for exploring Southern District because attractions, villages and heritage sites are dispersed and public transport is geared primarily to local travel. Minibuses and buses connect larger settlements, but services may be less frequent outside the main corridors and are not designed around sightseeing. Taxis are more useful within towns than between distant villages. Check road conditions before using minor tracks, especially after summer rain, and avoid driving after dark where possible because livestock and wildlife can be difficult to see.

Top city travel guides in Southern District

The cities of Southern District, and the easiest places to base yourself.

Best attractions in Southern District

Southern District’s attractions are principally cultural, historical and landscape-based rather than concentrated in large purpose-built complexes. Kanye offers insight into Bangwaketse history through its chiefly setting, local heritage displays and hill landscapes, while Moshupa provides another perspective on established Tswana settlement and community life. Manyana is especially notable for its rock paintings and historic religious associations, although visitors should confirm access and conservation rules before arriving. Lobatse presents a contrasting experience, with the town’s railway-era development, public institutions and cattle-processing history forming the basis of its appeal. Across the district, village walks, churches, kgotla spaces, small museums and craft activities can be more informative than formal sightseeing alone when approached with local guidance. The surrounding semi-arid countryside adds opportunities for birdwatching, landscape photography and short walks, particularly after summer rain when vegetation changes quickly. Travellers should not expect a conventional safari destination within the district; its value lies in the relationship between dryland scenery, living communities and the historical processes that shaped southern Botswana.

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Best landmarks in Southern District

Kanye’s hills are among Southern District’s most recognisable natural and cultural landmarks, rising above a settlement that has long served as the centre of Bangwaketse political life. Their importance is not limited to views: the surrounding landscape reflects the relationship between settlement, defence, chiefly authority and water in southern Botswana. Manyana’s rock-art sites are significant archaeological landmarks, preserving images created by earlier communities on exposed rock surfaces; they require careful treatment and should never be touched. The historic church and associated buildings at Manyana represent the nineteenth-century meeting of missionary activity and established local society. Lobatse has a different visual identity, shaped by railway-era planning, government buildings, industrial facilities and the cattle economy. Dams, rocky outcrops and broad dryland horizons complete the district’s landmark landscape, revealing the practical importance of water, transport and livestock to its development.

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Best restaurants in Southern District

Dining in Southern District is generally informal and closely connected to everyday Botswana food culture. In Kanye, Lobatse and other larger settlements, visitors can find cafés, takeaway counters, hotel restaurants and small eateries serving grilled meat, stews, rice, chips, sorghum or maize-based dishes and simple baked goods. Traditional foods such as seswaa, a slow-cooked shredded meat dish, may appear alongside more familiar regional fare, while seasonal produce and dairy products are more often encountered through local shops or community markets than formal farm-to-table restaurants. Roadside food can be convenient, but choose busy vendors with good food turnover and sensible hygiene. Lobatse’s long association with cattle gives meat a particular local significance, although menus also reflect Botswana’s national culinary patterns rather than a sharply separate Southern District cuisine. Carry snacks and water when travelling between villages, as cafés and restaurants are less frequent outside the main towns.

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Best bars in Southern District

Nightlife in Southern District is modest and town-focused. Lobatse and Kanye have the widest choice of pubs, taverns, hotel bars, casual restaurants and venues where local music or televised sport provides the evening focus. In smaller settlements, social life usually centres on neighbourhood drinking places, family gatherings, community events and informal conversation rather than dedicated nightclub districts. Some venues may become busier at weekends or around special occasions, but opening arrangements and entertainment can change, so local advice is more reliable than assuming a fixed programme. Visitors should dress appropriately for the venue, arrange transport before drinking and avoid treating alcohol consumption as the sole way to engage with local culture. Evenings in rural parts of the district are often quiet, making sunset drives, stargazing from suitable accommodation and early starts more practical than late-night entertainment.

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Best nightclubs in Southern District

Nightlife in Southern District is modest and town-focused. Lobatse and Kanye have the widest choice of pubs, taverns, hotel bars, casual restaurants and venues where local music or televised sport provides the evening focus. In smaller settlements, social life usually centres on neighbourhood drinking places, family gatherings, community events and informal conversation rather than dedicated nightclub districts. Some venues may become busier at weekends or around special occasions, but opening arrangements and entertainment can change, so local advice is more reliable than assuming a fixed programme. Visitors should dress appropriately for the venue, arrange transport before drinking and avoid treating alcohol consumption as the sole way to engage with local culture. Evenings in rural parts of the district are often quiet, making sunset drives, stargazing from suitable accommodation and early starts more practical than late-night entertainment.

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Best shops in Southern District

Shopping in Southern District is concentrated in the high streets, supermarkets, small shopping areas and informal markets of Lobatse, Kanye and other larger settlements. Visitors will find practical supplies, clothing, household goods and food more readily than specialist tourist retail. Local shops and market stalls may offer woven items, beadwork, decorative crafts and Botswana-made food products, although selection varies by town and season. Kanye is a useful place to look for locally connected cultural goods, while Lobatse’s commercial character reflects its role as a service and industrial centre. Regional staples, dried foods and baked goods can make useful gifts when packed appropriately for travel. Bargaining should not be assumed in ordinary shops, and asking permission before photographing craftspeople or market stalls is courteous. For a broader selection of contemporary retail, international brands and services, visitors generally travel to Gaborone outside the district.

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Southern District essentials

Currency and Payment
The currency is the Botswana pula (BWP), used throughout the country. Cards and contactless payments are commonly accepted by established hotels, supermarkets, fuel stations and larger businesses in towns such as Lobatse and Kanye, although connectivity or equipment can occasionally fail. Carry pula in cash for small shops, local transport, informal food stalls and rural visits. A mixture of notes and smaller denominations is useful, and visitors should not assume that every community attraction or roadside service can process an international card.
Safety
Normal precautions are appropriate in Southern District: keep valuables out of sight, secure accommodation and vehicle doors, and avoid displaying large amounts of cash. The main practical hazards are heat, dehydration, sun exposure, poor visibility after dark and livestock on roads. Summer storms can affect unpaved routes, while isolated heritage sites may have little shade or mobile coverage. Respect village boundaries and local guidance, particularly around kgotlas, churches, cemeteries and culturally important rock-art sites.
Emergency Situations
Botswana’s national emergency numbers apply in Southern District: call 999 for police, 997 for an ambulance and 998 for the fire service. Mobile coverage is generally better in towns and along major routes than in remote areas, so note your location before setting out and tell someone your intended route. For a serious road incident or medical problem, contact emergency services and ask accommodation staff or local authorities for the most appropriate nearby assistance. Travel insurance with medical and evacuation cover is sensible for visitors driving in rural areas.
Do's and Don'ts
Dress modestly when visiting villages, churches and public institutions, and ask permission before taking photographs of people or ceremonies. Treat a kgotla as a functioning community space and follow local instructions about where visitors may stand or sit. Do not touch rock paintings, enter restricted areas or remove stones, artefacts or plants. Queue politely, greet people before beginning a request and avoid assuming that a rural setting means photographs or access are automatically unrestricted. Tipping is discretionary, while small service gestures are best handled with courtesy rather than obligation.
Local Tips
Plan heritage visits in advance and ask locally about access, guides and suitable roads, particularly around Manyana and smaller settlements. Combine the cultural collections and historic setting of Kanye with the more institutional and industrial history of Lobatse rather than treating the district as a single-town destination. Early morning and late afternoon are more comfortable for walks and landscape photography. Markets and small shops are useful for locally made food and everyday goods, but stock and trading times can vary, so do essential shopping in the larger centres.
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
HelloHowdy[haʊdi]
GoodbyeSee ya[si jə]
YesYup[jʌp]
NoNope[noʊp]
Please/You're welcomeNo problem[noʊ ˈprɑːbləm]
Thank youThanks[θæŋks]
Excuse me/SorryPardon me[ˈpɑːrdən mi]
How are you?How's it going?[haʊz ɪt ˈɡoʊɪŋ]
Fine. And you?Good. You?[ɡʊd ju]
Do you speak English?Do ya speak English?[du jə spiːk ˈɪŋɡlɪʃ]
I don't understandI don't get it[aɪ doʊnt ɡɛt ɪt]
Eating & Drinking
EnglishLocalSay it
I'd like to see the menu, pleaseCan I see the menu?[kæn aɪ si ðə ˈmɛnju]
I don't eat meatI don't do meat[aɪ doʊnt du miːt]
Cheers!Cheers![ʧɪrz]
I would like to pay, pleaseCan I get the check?[kæn aɪ ɡɛt ðə ʧɛk]
Emergencies
EnglishLocalSay it
Help!Help![hɛlp]
Go away!Leave me alone![liːv mi əˈloʊn]
Call the Police!Call the cops![kɔl ðə kɑps]
Call a doctor!Get a doctor![ɡɛt ə ˈdɑktər]
I'm lostI'm lost[aɪm lɔst]
I'm illI'm sick[aɪm sɪk]
Shopping
EnglishLocalSay it
I'd like to buy...I want to buy...[aɪ wɑnt tə baɪ]
I'm just lookingJust browsing[dʒʌst ˈbraʊzɪŋ]
How much is it?What’s the price?[wʌts ðə praɪs]
That's too expensiveThat’s too pricey[ðæts tu ˈpraɪsi]
Can you lower the price?Can you cut the price?[kæn jə kʌt ðə praɪs]
Time & Numbers
EnglishLocalSay it
What time is it?What time is it?[wʌt taɪm ɪz ɪt]
It's one o'clockIt's one o'clock[ɪts wʌn əˈklɑk]
Half past (10)Half past ten[hæf pæst tɛn]
MorningMorning[ˈmɔrnɪŋ]
AfternoonAfternoon[ˌɑːftərˈnuːn]
EveningEvening[ˈiːvnɪŋ]
YesterdayYesterday[ˈjɛstədeɪ]
TodayToday[təˈdeɪ]
TomorrowTomorrow[təˈmɔroʊ]
1One[wʌn]
2Two[tuː]
3Three[θriː]
4Four[fɔr]
5Five[faɪv]
6Six[sɪks]
7Seven[ˈsɛvən]
8Eight[eɪt]
9Nine[naɪn]
10Ten[tɛn]
Transport & Directions
EnglishLocalSay it
Where's a/the...?Where’s the...?[wɛrz ðə]
What's the address?What’s the address?[wʌts ði əˈdrɛs]
Can you show me (on the map)?Can you show me on the map?[kæn jə ʃoʊ mi ɒn ðə mæp]
When's the next (bus)?When's the next bus?[wɛn ðə nɛkst bʌs]
A ticket (to ....)A ticket to...[ə ˈtɪkɪt tə]

History of Southern District

Early settlement and rock-art heritage

Southern District contains evidence of long human occupation, including the rock paintings associated with Manyana. These images belong to the wider archaeological record of southern Africa and provide clues about earlier hunter-gatherer communities, their environments and symbolic practices. The paintings should not be treated as isolated curiosities: they form part of a broader cultural landscape in which later settlement, oral tradition and sacred places developed. Their survival also highlights the need for careful conservation, since weathering, touching and unregulated visitation can permanently damage exposed rock surfaces.

The rise of the Bangwaketse kingdom

Kanye became the principal centre of the Bangwaketse, one of the major Tswana-speaking polities of the region. Political authority was organised through chiefly leadership, wards, kinship networks and the kgotla, where public matters could be discussed. The hills around Kanye offered a defensible and symbolically important setting, while control of people, livestock and water shaped the kingdom’s influence. The Bangwaketse story remains central to the cultural identity of Southern District and is visible in local traditions, chiefly institutions and heritage collections.

Missionaries, Christianity and Manyana

During the nineteenth century, Christian missionaries travelled through the communities of what is now Southern District, contributing to changes in education, religious practice and written communication. Manyana retains associations with this period through its historic church and related traditions. Missionary activity did not replace existing social structures overnight; it interacted with chiefly authority, local belief systems and established community life. The resulting religious landscape, with churches standing alongside traditional institutions, reflects the layered history of southern Botswana rather than a single, uniform transformation.

Colonial administration and the railway era

The construction of the railway through southern Botswana strengthened Lobatse’s importance during the colonial period. Rail connections linked the territory more closely with the wider regional economy and encouraged the growth of administrative, commercial and service functions. Lobatse subsequently developed a character different from the older chiefly centres such as Kanye: its history is associated with transport, government, industry and the movement of livestock and goods. Historic buildings and the town’s layout provide reminders of this period, although much of its significance is institutional rather than monumental.

The cattle economy and Lobatse’s meat industry

Cattle have long been central to livelihoods, status and exchange in southern Botswana. In the twentieth century, formal meat-processing infrastructure in Lobatse connected pastoral production with regional and overseas markets, while also influencing employment and town development. The Botswana Meat Commission became an important part of the country’s modern economic history. This industrial legacy helps explain why Lobatse occupies a distinctive place in Southern District: it is not only a historic settlement but also a centre shaped by the regulation, processing and export of livestock.

Independence and the modern district

Botswana’s independence in 1966 brought new national institutions, expanded public services and a gradual rebalancing of economic activity towards Gaborone and the growing towns of the south-east. Southern District retained its importance through agriculture, livestock, public administration and established cultural centres, while roads and modern communications made its villages more closely connected. The region today combines national institutions and contemporary commerce with chiefly traditions, historic settlements and rural livelihoods that remain important to local identity.

Southern District in Photos

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Evendo: Your Ultimate Travel Guide to Southern District, Botswana

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