Francistown Travel Guide
City City in Botswana, second largest city
Once a gold‑rush hub along the Tati River, Francistown still shows mining relics, rail heritage and busy markets. Travelers pass through for small museums, Mopane bush drives and as a jumping‑off point toward northern parks and Zimbabwe border crossings.
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Why Visit Francistown? #
With deep gold-rush roots, Francistown draws visitors interested in mining history, the Tati River and the region’s pioneering heritage. The Supa Ngwao Cultural Museum and lively central markets explain local traditions, while historic buildings trace the town’s boom-era past. Travelers often use Francistown as a gateway to northern Botswana, combining cultural stops with excursions to nearby wildlife areas and rural communities.
Who's Francistown For?
Francistown is a regional commercial centre tied to mining and transport. It has decent mid-range hotels, meeting spaces and regular road and rail links to other northern towns - practical for regional business trips.
As a transport hub on the A1, Francistown hosts budget guesthouses and overland travellers heading north. Accommodation is basic but cheap; expect local minibuses for onward travel to parks and border crossings.
Day trips to nearby game areas and historical sites (like Domboshaba ruins) work well from Francistown. Local operators can arrange short safaris and rural excursions on modest budgets.
Surrounding bushveld and small private reserves offer birdwatching and short wildlife drives close to town. It’s not a safari capital, but makes a useful base for quick nature outings.
Best Things to Do in Francistown
All Attractions ›
Francistown Bucket List
- Supa Ngwao Museum and Cultural History Centre - Excellent museum of northeastern Botswana history, culture, and traditional crafts.
- Francistown Railway Station - Historic railway station dating to colonial-era lines, a local transport hub.
- Francistown Main Market - Bustling covered market selling fresh produce, crafts, and lively local exchanges.
- Tati Riverbanks - Shaded riverside areas in town offering peaceful walks and local gatherings.
- Tati River - Quiet stretches of river where locals relax, fish, and picnic away from traffic.
- Francistown Main Market (Central Market) - Small stalls and food vendors reveal regional ingredients and everyday Francistown life.
- Railway-era architecture on Station Hill - Scattered colonial-era buildings around Station Hill hinting at the city's mining origins.
- Local craft stalls around the museum - Cluster of artisans near Supa Ngwao selling woven baskets, beadwork, and carved souvenirs.
- Domboshaba Cultural Monument - Stone-walled hilltop ruins near Bobonong, showcasing pre-colonial Tswana settlement architecture and views.
- Nata Bird Sanctuary - Wetland reserve near Nata attracting flamingos and waterbirds during the rains.
- Khama Rhino Sanctuary - Community-run reserve near Serowe where you can track white rhino on game drives.
- Makgadikgadi Salt Pans (via Nata) - Expansive salt pans reached from Nata, memorable for seasonal wildlife and stark landscapes.
Regions of Francistown #
City Centre
Francistown’s centre is where bus and train travellers converge; it’s functional and lively during the day, with markets and informal eateries. A practical base for exploring surrounding mineral-country sites and local attractions.
Top Spots
- Main street - Shops, cafés and the transport hub.
- Central market - Local produce and everyday goods.
- Railway area - Historic station surroundings.
Soweto/Residential South
The southern residential areas are authentic and community-driven, with local bars and markets. Good for budget stays and to see everyday life in Francistown - polite curiosity and caution recommended after dark.
Top Spots
- Neighbourhood markets - Daily shopping and street food.
- Community centres - Local events and social spots.
- Local bars - Low-key evening gatherings.
Tati & Mining Belt
Areas around the Tati River and old mining operations tell Francistown’s story as a mining hub. Not touristy but interesting if you want local history and to understand the town’s economic roots.
Top Spots
- Historic mining sites - Remnants of old mining activity.
- Industrial areas - Working yards and light industry.
- Local waypoints - Practical stops for regional travel.
Plan Your Visit to Francistown #
Best Time to Visit Francistown #
The best time to visit Francistown is the cool, dry winter (May-August) when days are pleasant, skies clear and roads are firm for game drives. If you prefer green scenery and abundant birds, go during the rainy season (November-March), but expect hot, humid afternoons and occasional muddy roads.
Best Time to Visit Francistown #
Francistown's climate is classified as Hot Semi-Arid - Hot Semi-Arid climate with hot summers (peaking in November) and mild winters (coldest in July). Temperatures range from 6°C to 32°C. Semi-arid with limited rainfall with a pronounced dry season.
January
January is warm with highs of 31°C and lows of 19°C. The wettest month with heavy rain (111 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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February
February is warm with highs of 30°C and lows of 19°C. Regular rainfall (88 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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March
March is mild with highs of 30°C and lows of 18°C. Moderate rainfall (47 mm).
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April
April is mild with highs of 28°C and lows of 14°C. Light rainfall and mostly sunny skies.
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May
May is mild with highs of 26°C and lows of 10°C. Almost no rain and clear sunny skies.
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June
June is cool with highs of 24°C and lows of 7°C. The driest month with just 1 mm and clear sunny skies.
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July
July is the coolest month with highs of 24°C and lows of 6°C. The driest month with just 1 mm and clear sunny skies.
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August
August is mild with highs of 27°C and lows of 9°C. The driest month with just 1 mm and clear sunny skies.
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September
September is mild with highs of 31°C and lows of 14°C. Almost no rain and clear sunny skies.
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October
October is warm with highs of 32°C and lows of 17°C. Moderate rainfall (33 mm) and mostly sunny skies.
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November
November is the warmest month with highs of 32°C and lows of 19°C. Moderate rainfall (71 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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December
December is warm with highs of 31°C and lows of 19°C. Regular rainfall (87 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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How to Get to Francistown
Francistown is the main commercial hub in northeastern Botswana; it has a small domestic airport (Francistown Airport, FRW) and is linked by road and rail to Gaborone and neighbouring countries. Most international visitors arrive via Gaborone (GBE) or by road/bus from South Africa and Zimbabwe.
Francistown Airport (FRW): Francistown Airport is the city’s local airport, a short drive from the centre. From FRW you can get into town by metered taxi (typical fares ~30-80 BWP; journey ~10-20 minutes depending on traffic) or by pre-booked hotel transfer/shuttle (typically ~100-200 BWP; 10-20 minutes). There is no regular city bus from the airport.
Sir Seretse Khama International Airport (GBE), Gaborone: Gaborone’s main international airport is the usual entry point for many international travellers. Domestic flights and long-distance buses connect Gaborone with Francistown; a domestic flight GBE-FRW is about 1 hour (return fares vary widely by season). Overland, scheduled intercity buses run between Gaborone and Francistown (see By Train & Bus card); bus travel takes roughly 5-7 hours and fares typically cost in the low hundreds of pula or several hundred rand depending on operator and class.
Train: Francistown is served by Botswana Railways at Francistown Station. Passenger services operate on selected routes linking to other towns and to the southern line; trains are slower than buses but useful for some long-distance connections. Typical intercity train journeys to Gaborone or onward to Zimbabwe are long (often overnight); ticket prices and timetables are irregular - check Botswana Railways for current schedules and fares.
Bus: Long-distance coach operators run regular services to Francistown: Intercity/Intercape-style coaches connect Francistown with Gaborone and Johannesburg (journeys to Gaborone typically 5-7 hours; to Johannesburg around 6-8 hours depending on border formalities). Expect fares in the low hundreds of pula (or a few hundred rand) for standard coach seats; premium or sleeper options cost more. Within the city and region, minibuses/shared taxis (kombis) provide frequent short hops - fares are small (usually a few pula) but change frequently, so pay attention to local signage and drivers.
How to Get Around Francistown
Francistown is easiest to navigate by a combination of coach or train for intercity travel and taxis/minibuses for local trips. For comfort and reliability, use scheduled intercity coaches or hire a car; for short local journeys, metered taxis or minibuses are the most practical and economical options.
- Botswana Railways (Francistown Station) (varies (check operator)) - Francistown Station is the city's rail hub for Botswana Railways services. Trains run on selected schedules between Francistown and other Botswana towns (and cross-border routes at times). Rail is economical for overnight travel but slower and less frequent than buses; always check the official Botswana Railways timetable before planning.
- Intercity coach (e.g., Intercape and similar) (≈100-400 BWP / 200-600 ZAR (depending on route and class)) - Long-distance coaches connect Francistown with Gaborone, Johannesburg and other regional centres. Coaches are generally comfortable, run on set timetables and are the most reliable overland option for visitors without a car. Expect journey times of ~5-7 hours to Gaborone and ~6-8 hours to Johannesburg (including border formalities); bring snacks and ID for crossings.
- Local minibuses / shared taxis (≈2-10 BWP) - Shared minibuses (kombis) are the backbone of local public transport inside Francistown and to nearby townships. They follow set routes but have flexible stops; fares are low (a few pula) and cash-only. They can be crowded and operate on informal schedules - use them for short hops if you are comfortable with local travel norms.
- Metered taxis & ride-hail (≈30-150 BWP) - Metered taxis are the easiest door-to-door option from the airport and around town; fares are reasonable for short trips but always confirm a rough price or insist on the meter. There is limited presence of international app-based ride-hail services - in practice local taxi operators are the quickest option for many visitors.
- Car hire (≈300-700 BWP per day (depending on vehicle)) - Car hire is a good choice if you plan to explore the region - roads on major routes are generally in good condition. Book in advance for the best rates and confirm insurance and cross-border rules if you intend to drive into Zimbabwe or South Africa. Petrol stations are frequent on main roads but more sparse in remote areas.
- Walking - Central Francistown is compact enough for short walking trips between shops, restaurants and the main hotel strip. Sidewalk quality varies, so wear sensible shoes and avoid walking after dark in poorly lit areas. Walking is the best way to get a feel for the city centre.
Where to Stay in Francistown #
- Cresta Thapama Hotel (Francistown) - Simple rooms, central location.
- Cresta Thapama Hotel (Francistown) - Good mid-range with dining options.
- Francistown Meridian Hotel - Comfortable rooms and business facilities.
- Cresta Thapama Hotel (Francistown) - Top local full-service option.
- Cresta Thapama Hotel (Francistown) - Central, easy transport access.
- Francistown Meridian Hotel - Convenient for first-time visitors.
- Cresta Thapama Hotel (Francistown) - Family rooms and dining available.
- Francistown Meridian Hotel - Spacious units, pool access.
- Cresta Thapama Hotel (Francistown) - Business centre and decent Wi‑Fi.
- Francistown Meridian Hotel - Quiet rooms, reliable connectivity.
Where to Eat in Francistown #
Francistown offers honest, no-frills food built around markets and road traffic passing through the town. Expect grilled meats, generous plates of starch and simple breakfasts in cafés clustered near the railway and market.
If you need international flavors, hotel restaurants and small takeaways provide Chinese and Indian options. For something local, the Main Market is best for fresh produce and quick, affordable meals.
- Francistown Main Market - Local produce, goat meat and fish stalls.
- Roadside grills on A1 corridor - Grilled meats and nshima-style plates.
- Local cafés near the railway station - Hearty breakfasts and meat pies.
- Hotel restaurants in town centre - Buffets and international mains for travelers.
- Chinese and Indian takeaways - Rice and curry dishes popular locally.
- Small bistros - Casual international plates and coffee.
- Local market stalls - Beans, maize and seasonal greens.
- Cafés offering salads - Light meals and sandwiches available.
- Hotel buffets - Vegetarian sides and salads on request.
Breakdown of cuisine types found across Francistown's restaurants and food venues, based on OpenStreetMap data.
Nightlife in Francistown #
Francistown is a practical, modest-nightlife city: pubs, a few late-night restaurants and hotel bars form the core of evening entertainment. The scene is more local than tourist-oriented; expect friendly crowds and simple venues. Most places close around midnight on weeknights and later on weekends. Use hotel taxis for late travel and avoid walking in dimly lit side streets.
Best Bets
- Francistown city centre bars - Cluster of local pubs and eateries for after-dark socializing.
- Hotel bars - Reliable spots for live music and quieter evenings.
- Evening restaurants - Family-friendly dinner spots that stay open late.
- Local weekend events - Occasional parties and DJ nights - check local notices.
- Street-food stalls - Grab late snacks near the central market.
- Small clubs and function venues - Mostly weekend-only dance nights and private events.
Shopping in Francistown #
Francistown’s shopping is practical and locally focused: municipal markets, small malls and streets of independent retailers. The central market is where residents shop for fresh food and everyday items, and there are small electronics and clothing shops downtown. Bargain at open-air markets; town stores usually have fixed prices.
Best Bets
- Francistown Main Market - Primary market for produce, meat and household supplies.
- Downtown shops and trading streets - Electronics, clothing and small appliance retailers in central blocks.
- Local craft and bead stalls - Beadwork, woven items and small souvenirs from local artisans.
- Small shopping malls - Compact malls with supermarkets, clothing stores and services.
- Supermarkets and provision stores - Useful for packaged goods, toiletries and travel essentials.
- Periodic street fairs and markets - Occasional markets selling produce, crafts and household items.
