Francistown, Commercial city in North-East District, Botswana
Francistown sits at the junction of the Tati and Ntshe rivers in north-eastern Botswana, roughly 400 kilometers north of the capital. It functions as a major transportation hub with an international airport, rail links to Zimbabwe, and roads connecting northern and southern regions.
Gold discovery along the Tati River in 1867 triggered the first gold rush in Southern Africa and led to this settlement's establishment. This early mining activity shaped its development as a trading and transportation center for many decades.
The Supa Ngwao Museum preserves heritage from northern Botswana through displays of Kalanga community objects and runs a craft shop supporting local artisans. Visitors experience regional artistic traditions directly through these collections.
Visitors benefit from good road connections, a functioning airport, and rail links that make navigation straightforward. The city serves as a practical base for traveling to northern regions or crossing into Zimbabwe.
The Tachila Nature Reserve nearby covers 8,000 hectares and provides habitat for leopards, hyenas, and kudus. Visitors can observe wildlife on their own and experience the region's animals firsthand.
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