Francistown Travel Guide

Francistown sits in northeastern Botswana near the Zimbabwe border and is widely regarded as the country's second city after Gaborone. Named after a British prospector, Daniel Francis, who worked the area's gold deposits in the late 19th century, it carries a modest colonial-era history that most visitors sense rather than see — a handful of older buildings dot the town centre, but Francistown is primarily a working commercial city rather than a heritage destination.

For most travelers, the city functions as a practical stopover or regional base. It connects road corridors heading north to Kasane and Chobe, east toward Zimbabwe's Bulawayo, south to Gaborone, and west toward the Makgadikgadi Pans. The infrastructure — fuel stations, supermarkets, banks, medical facilities, and a small airport — is more complete here than at many Botswana towns, which makes it a useful resupply point for those on longer overland journeys.

The city has a diverse population including Kalanga, Tswana, and Ndebele communities, and its proximity to the Zimbabwe border gives it a regional, cross-border character. Expect a straightforward urban environment: functional, unhurried, and friendly, without the polish of a major tourism centre.

Visas

Botswana has visa arrangements with a number of countries, but requirements can change. Do not rely on outdated information. Check TravelerPulse's Visas section and verify current entry rules with the Botswana Department of Immigration before you travel.

Health

• Malaria is present in parts of northern Botswana, including areas around Francistown. Consult a travel health professional about prophylaxis before departure.
• Carry any prescription medication with documentation, as pharmacies may have limited stock.
• Tap water quality can vary; bottled or filtered water is advisable for short-term visitors.
• Travel insurance including medical evacuation cover is strongly recommended for all Botswana travel.

Money

• ATMs are available in Francistown at major banks. Confirm your card's international compatibility before travel.
• South African Rand is sometimes accepted informally near the border, but the Pula is the standard currency.
• Credit card acceptance is inconsistent outside larger hotels and supermarkets; carry enough cash for smaller vendors and fuel.

By Air

Francistown Airport (FRW) receives domestic flights connecting the city to Gaborone and occasionally other Botswana destinations. International visitors typically fly into Sir Seretse Khama International Airport in Gaborone and travel onward by road or domestic flight. Check current schedules and carriers locally or on airline websites, as routes and frequencies change.

By Road

Francistown lies on the A1 highway, Botswana's main north–south corridor. Cross-border entry from Zimbabwe is possible via the Ramokgwebana/Plumtree border post, roughly 80 km to the east. Bus and shared-taxi (combi) services connect the city to Gaborone, Kasane, and cross-border to Bulawayo, Zimbabwe. Verify timetables and fares on arrival at the main bus rank, as schedules are not always published reliably online.

By Rail

A rail line historically connected Francistown to Gaborone and the broader Botswana rail network, though passenger services on Botswana's railway system have been limited and unreliable for many years. Verify current passenger rail status locally before planning a rail journey.

Francistown is navigable by foot in the central commercial areas, but the city spreads across a considerable area and distances between districts can be significant in heat. Combis (minibus taxis) run set informal routes around the city and are the most common mode of public transport for residents. Standard taxis are available and can be arranged through hotels or flagged in busier areas — agree on the fare before departing.

Car hire is available in Francistown, though options may be more limited than in Gaborone. A self-drive vehicle is the most practical option for reaching nearby attractions such as the Tuli Block or Makgadikgadi, where public transport does not reach. Verify rental availability and road conditions locally, particularly if considering travel on unpaved routes during or just after the rainy season (November–April).

Francistown has a functional range of accommodation that suits its role as a transit and business hub. Options range from budget guesthouses to mid-range hotels serving business travelers and long-haul overland visitors. Facilities at reputable establishments typically include Wi-Fi, parking, and en-suite rooms. Luxury or boutique accommodation is not a feature of the city; travelers seeking high-end lodges will find them in the Tuli Block or other nearby reserves rather than in town.

Book accommodation in advance during public holidays and major regional events, when demand can outpace supply. Verify current listings, pricing, and availability on established booking platforms or directly with properties, as the market can change.

Supa Ngwao Museum

The Supa Ngwao Museum is Francistown's main cultural institution, housing exhibits on the history, archaeology, and ethnography of northeastern Botswana. It covers the region's gold-mining past, traditional Kalanga and Tswana material culture, and natural history displays. Opening hours and admission fees should be verified locally, as they are subject to change.

Dutlwe and Tati River Areas

The Tati River and its surroundings offer informal green space on the edge of the city, appreciated by residents for relaxed walks. Bird diversity in riparian areas is reasonable for those with a casual interest in birding.

Day Trips and Surroundings

Francistown's greatest value for visitors is often as a base for excursions. The Tuli Block — a stretch of private game reserves along the Limpopo River — is accessible by road to the south. The Makgadikgadi salt pans lie to the west via the A3 road. These destinations require advance planning and, in most cases, booked accommodation.

• Shopping centres and a market provide a low-key glimpse of ordinary Botswana urban life.
• The Monarch area has some commercial activity worth exploring on foot.

Francistown has a practical range of eating options for a city of its size, though it is not a notable culinary destination. Supermarkets and fast-food outlets (including regional chains) are present in the main shopping centres. Local restaurants and takeaways serve Botswana staples such as seswaa (slow-cooked pounded meat), bogobe (sorghum or maize porridge), and braai (grilled meat), alongside simple international menus.

Several sit-down restaurants cater to the business-traveler and local middle-class market, offering grills, chicken dishes, and basic continental options. Prices are generally moderate by southern African standards. Alcohol is available at licensed restaurants, bottle stores, and some hotels. Verify opening hours locally, as they vary and some establishments close early on Sundays or public holidays.

Key Practical Information

• Emergency services: Carry the numbers for local police, ambulance, and your country's nearest embassy or consulate. Verify current emergency numbers locally on arrival, as they may differ from country defaults.
• Banking: Several major Botswana banks (including First National Bank Botswana, Stanbic, and Barclays/ABSA) have branches with ATMs. Confirm hours and availability.
• Fuel: Francistown is a reliable place to fill a tank before heading into more remote regions. Fuel availability and pricing should be confirmed at the pump.
• Mobile connectivity: Botswana's major networks (BeMobile, Mascom, Orange/Btc) all have coverage in Francistown. Prepaid SIM cards are available from network shops.
• Electricity: 230V, 50Hz; South African-style three-round-pin plugs are standard. Bring a universal adapter.
• Business hours: Government offices and banks generally operate Monday–Friday. Retail hours vary; many shops open on Saturdays.
• Public holidays: Botswana observes a number of national holidays on which banks, government offices, and some businesses close. Check dates before a time-sensitive visit.

Francistown is generally considered one of the more stable urban environments in the region, and serious violent crime against tourists is not a common pattern. That said, standard urban precautions apply: keep valuables out of sight, be attentive in crowded areas such as the bus rank, and avoid walking alone at night in poorly lit or unfamiliar parts of the city.

The border area with Zimbabwe has historically seen some cross-border smuggling activity; travelers should use official border crossings only and follow all customs and immigration procedures correctly. If traveling onward into Zimbabwe, verify current conditions independently before crossing.

Always keep copies of important documents (passport, visa, insurance) stored separately from the originals. If an incident occurs, report it to local police and contact your embassy or consulate as appropriate.

Francistown reflects the cultural diversity of northeastern Botswana, with Kalanga, Tswana, Ndebele, and other communities represented. Setswana is the national lingua franca, but Ikalanga is widely spoken in this region, and many residents also speak English and Ndebele given the proximity to Zimbabwe.

Botswana society places value on courtesy and respectful greetings. Taking a moment to greet someone — even briefly — before asking a question or conducting business is appreciated and reflects local norms. Dress is generally conservative outside resort settings; modest clothing is appropriate for most public spaces. Photography of individuals should always be done with permission.