Palapye - Discovering Botswana

Travelling to Palapye

In this page you can find every information for a holiday in Palapye, a pretty good destination in Botswana (all info about the whole country here).
We will answer the most important questions: what to visit, when to go, how to get to Palapye and what means of transport to use to get around. We will describe typical foods, the costs for tourists and where to find accomodation. We will list also the places to see around Palapye, and we will also talk about safety and how each type of traveler can enjoy a trip here.
So, if you are travelling through Botswana, here's everything to know about Palapye for a perfect holiday.

General info for a trip to Palapye

Palapye is a town located in the Central District of Botswana, in southern Africa. It has a population of approximately 60,000 people and is the third-largest town in the country. The town is situated on the main highway between Botswana's capital city, Gaborone, and Francistown, which is another major center in the country. Palapye is also home to the Palapye Wildlife Sanctuary, where visitors can see a variety of wildlife, including giraffes, zebras, and impalas. The town has several hotels, restaurants, and shops, making it a convenient stopover for travelers exploring Botswana.

What to visit in Palapye

Here are some popular tourist attractions in Palapye, Botswana: 1. Moremi Gorge: Located in the Tswapong Hills, this breathtaking gorge offers visitors a chance to explore the natural beauty of Botswana. The gorge is complemented by lush green vegetation, a waterfall, and the scenic Palapye Hills. It is a popular hiking spot with numerous trails for visitors to explore.
2. Serowe Museum: This museum tells the story of Sir Seretse Khama, one of Botswana’s most influential leaders, as well as the history of the Bangwato tribe. The museum provides an insight into the culture, history, and traditions of the local people.
3. Khama Rhino Sanctuary: A conservation project devoted to protecting the endangered white rhino in Botswana, the Khama Rhino Sanctuary offers visitors a chance to see these majestic animals up close. Besides the rhinos, visitors can also expect to see other wildlife such as giraffes, zebras, and antelopes.
4. Palapye Desert Campsite: This popular campsite attracts visitors from all over the world who want to experience the beauty of Botswana's natural surroundings. The campsite offers visitors a chance to explore the desert's fascinating flora and fauna, as well as the nearby Mokolodi Game Reserve.
5. Boipuso Cultural Centre: A museum that showcases the local culture and traditional artifacts of the Batswana people through its exhibitions. The museum includes displays of traditional dress, crafts, and instruments of the Batswana people.
6. Botswana International University of Science and Technology (BIUST): This state-of-the-art university offers visitors a chance to explore and interact with cutting-edge technology, such as robotics and biotechnology. The campus also offers a beautiful botanical garden tour.
7. Palapye Thermal Power Station: A power plant that generates electricity for Botswana, the Palapye Thermal Power Station is an excellent place to learn about energy production in the country, its history and future plans. These are just a few of the many attractions that Palapye has to offer. Visitors to the area will find no shortage of things to see and do while they are here!
In this website, you can find many other destinations to visit in Botswana, so you can have a look in the "USEFUL LINKS" sections in this page for other places that could inspire your trip.


You can find more information in this page dedicated to the top 10 attractions to visit in Palapye.

When to go on holiday to Palapye

The best time to go on holiday to Palapye, Botswana is during the dry season, which is from May to October. During this time, the weather is sunny and warm with little to no rain, making it ideal for outdoor activities such as game drives and wildlife watching. However, it can get quite chilly during the night and early morning, so it's advisable to bring warm clothing. The wet season from November to April is also a good time to visit Palapye, as the landscape is lush and green, and there are fewer tourists. However, be prepared for rain showers and potential flooding in some areas.

You can book here visit and activities to do during your holiday!

How to get to Palapye

Palapye is located in central Botswana, approximately 250km north-east of the capital, Gaborone. There are several ways to get to Palapye: 1. By road: You can take a bus, taxi or drive your own vehicle to Palapye from Gaborone. The journey takes about 3-4 hours, with good road conditions.
2. By air: You can fly from Gaborone to the nearby town of Serowe, which is about 40 km from Palapye. There are several airlines that operate flights to Serowe, including Air Botswana and Mack Air.
3. By train: The Botswana Railways operates a passenger train service between Gaborone and Francistown, which stops at Palapye. The journey takes about 6-7 hours.
Whichever option you choose, it's advisable to book your transportation in advance, especially during peak travel seasons.
To find the most convenient flights, compare (and book if you like!) the best offers here on Skyscanner.
To hire a car to visit Palapye, I recommend to check this: COMPARE HERE ALL OFFERS FOR CAR RENTAL

Typical foods in Palapye

Palapye is a town in Botswana known for its diverse and delicious cuisine. Here are some of the typical foods of Palapye: 1. Seswaa - a Botswana staple meat dish made from beef or goat that is slow-cooked, shredded and mashed with salt, pepper and water until it is soft and tender.
2. Bogobe - a traditional soupy, starchy porridge made from sorghum, maize or millet that is usually served with an accompanying sauce or meat dish. 3. Morogo – a traditional accompaniment to meat dishes made from wild or cultivated green vegetables like spinach or kale, boiled then fried with onions and tomatoes.
4. Matemekwane - a sweet and savoury dumpling that is made from pumpkin and maize meal, boiled then served with a tomato-based sauce.
5. Magwinya - a fried bread roll that is popular around Southern Africa. The Palapye variant may be filled with minced meat or beans, but is usually eaten plain.
6. Dikgobe - a dish made from beans and vegetables such as leeks or carrots, the beans are cooked then boiled together with vegetables.
7. Seswaa-stuffed Morogo - a flavor-packed dish of morogo leafy greens stuffed with Seswaa meat and tomatoes as filling. 8. Mokoto - a traditional tripe soup made from the stomach lining of goat, cow or sheep that is boiled with salt and other spices for hours till it becomes soft and tender.
9. Pilau - a spiced rice dish that is yellow in colour from adding spices like turmeric, cinnamon and cardamom, may include diced potatoes and beef pieces. A trip to Palapye is not complete without trying these delicious traditional dishes.
You can find general info about typical foods in Botswana here.

Is Palapye an expensive destination for tourists?

Palapye, Botswana can be considered a relatively affordable destination for tourists. However, prices may vary depending on the type of accommodation, activities, and services you choose. Generally, accommodation in Palapye can range from budget-friendly options like guesthouses and campsites to more luxurious hotels and lodges. Prices for meals and transportation are also reasonable but may be higher for visitors who opt for more exclusive experiences.
It is worth noting that the cost of activities such as wildlife safaris and cultural experiences can be quite high in Palapye and throughout Botswana. However, there are also many free or low-cost activities like hiking, bird watching, and visiting local markets that can make for an enjoyable and affordable trip.
All in all, while Palapye and Botswana may not be the cheapest destinations in Africa, they offer a unique and rewarding travel experience that is well worth the investment.

Where to find accomodation in Palapye

In Palapye, the best areas to find accommodation are: 1. The Central Business District (CBD) - Here you'll find a variety of accommodation options, from hotels to guesthouses, all within walking distance of shops, restaurants and other amenities.
2. The University of Botswana Campus - This area has a number of guesthouses and B&Bs, and is a convenient location if you're visiting the university.
3. The outskirts of town - If you're looking for a more rural and peaceful setting, there are a number of lodges and campsites on the outskirts of Palapye, offering easy access to hiking trails and wildlife reserves.
You can check hotel prices at Palapye here:
Booking.com

Is Palapye a safe destination for tourists?

Yes, Palapye in Botswana is safe for tourists, generally. The crime rate in the country is relatively low, and the Botswana government has made efforts to ensure the safety of locals and visitors. However, as with any other travel destination, it is always advisable to take necessary precautions and be vigilant, especially when traveling alone or at night. Also, it is important to follow local laws and customs to avoid any unwanted attention.
You can find general info about safety for tourists in Botswana here. Always check updated government info about travelers's safety on the ufficial Foreign Affairs website of your government, before visiting Palapye.

What type of travelers will enjoy Palapye the most?

Palapye, Botswana can be enjoyed by different types of travelers, but it is more commonly visited by families and those seeking adventure and outdoor activities. Palapye has numerous natural attractions such as the Khama Rhino Sanctuary, which is home to various wild animals such as the rare white rhino, and the Tswapong Hills, a scenic mountain range with stunning views and hiking trails. Families can also enjoy the many cultural experiences in the area, such as visiting traditional villages and craft markets.
While there may not be as many nightlife options in Palapye as in other cities in Botswana, there are still some bars and restaurants that offer a lively atmosphere. Additionally, couples looking for a romantic getaway could enjoy the peaceful surroundings and luxurious lodges in Palapye.
Overall, Palapye is a destination that caters more to adventure seekers and nature lovers, but it still has something to offer for travelers of all ages and interests.

How to get around Palapye

In Palapye, you can move around using a combination of transportation modes such as taxis, buses, and rental cars. Taxis are readily available and relatively affordable for short trips within the town. Buses are also available, and they have fixed routes with designated stops. Rental cars are ideal for visitors who want to explore the town and surrounding areas at their own pace.

What to see around Palapye

Sure, here are some options for nice day trips from Palapye, Botswana: 1. Khama Rhino Sanctuary - a wildlife reserve with an abundance of rhinos and other animals.
2. Makgadikgadi Pans National Park - a great spot for a scenic drive and a chance to see the vast salt pans.
3. Moremi Gorge - a beautiful natural gorge with trails for hiking and stunning views.
4. Tswapong Hills - a mountain range that offers great hiking trails and stunning views of the valley below.
5. Tuli Block - a region with diverse wildlife, birdwatching opportunities, and scenic landscapes.
6. Chapmans Baobab - a historic and iconic tree located on the road between Palapye and Francistown.
7. Bamangwato Concession - a conservation area with diverse wildlife, bird life and great views.
These day trips are perfect for those who want to escape the city and enjoy the natural beauty of Botswana.
For every travel information about Botswana you can click here.

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