MakwateMakwate at a Glance
Costs: Very low-cost, rural Botswana - expect $20-$40 per day in very rural Botswana towns.
Safety: Quiet but remote-plan ahead - generally safe but remote areas lack services; prepare for basic medical access only.
Best Time: Dry winter months best - may-October dry season offers cooler days and easier travel on dirt roads.
Why Visit Makwate?
Makwate offers a window into Botswana’s rural life for travelers interested in Setswana culture, cattle-country landscapes and hands-on local experiences. Visitors come for community rhythms like kgotla meetings, traditional cuisine such as seswaa and opportunities to observe everyday herding and crafts. Its position in the Central District also makes trips to nearby game areas and Mopane woodlands straightforward for birdwatching and seasonal wildlife viewing. Expect straightforward hospitality and a slower pace.
Makwate Bucket List
Don't Miss
Makwate village kgotla - Village kgotla where community meetings, local crafts and oral traditions often take place.
Traditional cattle posts - Traditional cattle posts offering insight into Tswana herding life and seasonal activities.
Regional market days - Regional market days with fresh produce, crafts and social gatherings in nearby towns.
Hidden Gems
Craft cooperatives - Small cooperatives producing baskets and beadwork, available directly from village artisans.
Seasonal birdwatching near pans - Temporary pans and floodplains attract waterbirds after rains, ideal for birdwatching trips.
Community homestays - Community homestays offer meals, cultural exchange and guided village walks with hosts.
Day Trips
Gaborone regional visit - Gaborone’s national museum, markets and city services reachable by regional road connections.
Palapye area exploration - Palapye town for local shops, railway heritage and accessible roadside attractions nearby.
Nearby Cities #
Best Time to Visit Makwate
For Makwate, visit during the cool dry months (May-August) for the best wildlife viewing, clear skies and easier travel. The rainy season brings lush scenery but heavy storms and insects.
Rainy Season
Lush landscape and breeding wildlife but heavy afternoon storms, muddy tracks and abundant insects make travel trickier; excellent for birding and dramatic skies.
Cool Dry Season
Crisp mornings, clear skies and excellent road conditions; game concentrates at waterholes, making wildlife viewing and photography ideal without many insects.
Hot Dry Season
Scorching days and dusty tracks before rains; excellent for spotting newborns and predators, but mid-day heat makes activities tiring quickly.
Makwate's climate is classified as Hot Semi-Arid - Hot Semi-Arid climate with hot summers (peaking in January) and cool winters (coldest in July). Temperatures range from 4°C to 33°C. Semi-arid with limited rainfall with a pronounced dry season.
| Month | Comfort | Temp | Feels | Rain | Sky | Humidity | Wind | UV | Daylight |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | Excellent | 20° - 33° | 26° | 75 mm | partly cloudy | 54% | 2.3 m/s | 2.9 extreme | 13.3h |
| February | Excellent | 19° - 32° | 26° | 71 mm | some cloud | 53% | 2.3 m/s | 2.7 extreme | 12.8h |
| March | Excellent | 17° - 31° | 24° | 54 mm | some cloud | 54% | 2.1 m/s | 2.3 extreme | 12.1h |
| April | Excellent | 14° - 29° | 21° | 26 mm | some cloud | 53% | 2.1 m/s | 1.7 very high | 11.4h |
| May | Ideal | 8° - 26° | 17° | 8 mm | clear | 45% | 2.0 m/s | 1.3 high | 10.9h |
| June | Ideal | 4° - 23° | 14° | 3 mm | clear | 47% | 1.9 m/s | 1.0 moderate | 10.6h |
| July | Ideal | 4° - 24° | 14° | 2 mm | clear | 43% | 1.8 m/s | 1.0 high | 10.7h |
| August | Ideal | 7° - 26° | 16° | 1 mm | clear | 37% | 2.4 m/s | 1.3 high | 11.2h |
| September | Ideal | 12° - 30° | 21° | 7 mm | clear | 34% | 2.8 m/s | 1.7 very high | 11.8h |
| October | Ideal | 16° - 33° | 24° | 29 mm | mostly sunny | 39% | 3.3 m/s | 2.2 extreme | 12.5h |
| November | Excellent | 18° - 33° | 26° | 55 mm | partly cloudy | 47% | 2.9 m/s | 2.6 extreme | 13.1h |
| December | Excellent | 19° - 33° | 26° | 72 mm | partly cloudy | 53% | 2.6 m/s | 2.8 extreme | 13.4h |
How to Get to Makwate
How to Get Around Makwate
- Walking -
- Bus -
- Train -
- Taxi / Rideshare -
- Car rental -
Where to Stay in Makwate
Budget
Gaborone / Central District - $20-60/night
Makwate is a small settlement with no formal hotels; budget travelers generally stay in Gaborone or larger district towns with basic guesthouses.
Budget options in Botswana (booking) - Hostels and guesthouses in regional towns
Gaborone budget hotels (booking) - More choice in the capital
Mid-Range
Gaborone - $60-130/night
Mid-range hotels are concentrated in Gaborone with full services, pools, and dining - the most practical base for visiting smaller settlements.
Avani Gaborone Resort - Popular mid-range resort in capital
Cresta President Hotel (Gaborone) - Comfortable, business-friendly hotel
Luxury
Gaborone / Safari lodges - $150+/night
Makwate has no luxury hotels; for five-star service and safaris, travelers base themselves in Gaborone or book lodges elsewhere in Botswana.
International luxury chains in Gaborone - Highest-end options in capital city
Top lodges and hotels (booking) - Search for premium stays across Botswana
Nightlife in Makwate
Nightlife options are minimal in Makwate - social life centers around local gatherings and a few informal bars. For organised nightlife or late-night venues you will need to visit a larger town with more amenities.
Shopping in Makwate
Expect only basic retail in Makwate: small shops selling essentials and possibly a market on certain days. For supermarkets, specialty goods or wider choice, plan a trip to the nearest larger town or district centre.