Francistown
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
NowTypical 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
Francistown Airport
Domestic
5 km away
Sir Seretse Khama International Airport
International
430 km away
Getting around
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
8/10Generally safe but exercise standard precautions.
Night safety
7/10Generally safe but exercise standard precautions.
Transport
9/10Scam risk
6/10Entry and health
Health information
Culture
Local customs
Costs and practicals
Cost level
Meals
Hotels
Local transport
Cost notes
Timezone
More facts
Population
Approximately 103,000
Area
79 km²
ISO code
BW-FR
Type
City
Frequently Asked Questions
Also known as: Francistown Spin Palace



