Francistown

CityNorth East, Botswana

Francistown is a CITY in North East, Botswana.

Francistown, Botswana's second-largest city, is a vibrant cultural crossroads where Tswana, Kalanga, and Ndebele traditions blend with a rich mining heritage. Known as the 'Capital of the North', this bustling hub offers fascinating historical sites like the Supa Ngwao Museum, the atmospheric Old Francistown Cemetery, and the nearby Tachila Nature Reserve's wildlife. The city thrums with energy at the Blue Jacket Street Market, where vendors sell everything from fresh produce to handmade crafts. Foodies will adore sampling seswaa (pounded beef) with pap (maize porridge) at local eateries, while history buffs can explore remnants of the 19th-century gold rush. Francistown's strategic location makes it the perfect gateway to the Okavango Delta and Zimbabwe border, offering an authentic slice of Botswana's urban life beyond the safari circuit.

Best time to visit Francistown

April to October (dry season) for pleasant temperatures. September is particularly lively with the Francistown Agricultural Show.

October

Now

Typical for October

Weather
Hot 24-33°C, dry start

Travel notes

Crowds
Low
Prices
Low

Heat builds, fewer crowds

Know before you go

Getting there

FRW

Francistown Airport

Domestic

5 km away

GBE

Sir Seretse Khama International Airport

International

430 km away

Getting around

"Combis (shared minibuses) operate on set routes. Taxis are unmetered - negotiate fares beforehand. Walking is feasible in the city center, but distances between attractions often require transport."

Stay connected

WiFi speed

15 Mbps

Mobile data

Good

WiFi

Available in hotels and some cafes; speeds vary

Local SIM

Local SIM from Mascom or BTC available at airport from $5

Stay safe

Overall

8/10

Generally safe but exercise standard precautions.

Night safety

7/10

Generally safe but exercise standard precautions.

Transport

9/10

Scam risk

6/10

"Avoid walking alone at night. Keep valuables secure in crowded areas. Be cautious when withdrawing money from ATMs - use those inside banks. Roadside vendors may be aggressive but are generally harmless."

Entry and health

Health information

"Malaria prophylaxis recommended, especially for visits to surrounding areas. Tap water is generally safe but bottled water is widely available. Private clinics (like Nyangabgwe Hospital) are preferable for emergencies."

Culture

Local customs

"Greet elders first with 'Dumela Rra/Mma' (Hello Sir/Madam). Remove shoes when entering homes. Use your right hand for eating and giving/receiving items. Avoid public displays of affection."
SetswanaEnglishKalangaNdebele

Costs and practicals

Cost level

Budget

Meals

$5 | a cheap local meal costs ~$5

Hotels

$40-80 | budget hotels range $40-80/night

Local transport

$1 | local bus ride ~$1

Cost notes

Francistown is affordable for budget travelers; mid-range options available.

Timezone

Africa/Gaborone +02:00 (GMT+2)

More facts

Population

Approximately 103,000

Area

79 km²

ISO code

BW-FR

Type

City

Frequently Asked Questions

Also known as: Francistown Spin Palace

Gateway CityHistoricFamily-FriendlyNature ReserveCultural