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Serowe Royal Cemetery

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Serowe Royal Cemetery (Botswana)

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The Serowe Royal Cemetery is located atop Thataganyane Hill in the heart of Serowe and serves as the burial ground for the Khama dynasty, the ruling family of the Bangwato people. This cemetery holds immense historical significance as it contains the grave of Sir Seretse Khama, the first President of Botswana and a key architect of the nation's independence. Also interred here are his wife, Lady Ruth Khama, and the influential regent Tshekedi Khama. The graves are simple yet dignified, marked by a bronze statue of a duiker (Phuti), which is the sacred totem animal of the Bangwato tribe. From this vantage point, visitors can overlook the sprawling traditional village of Serowe, once the capital of the Bamangwato. The site symbolizes the continuity of Tswana leadership and the country's peaceful transition to a modern democracy. It remains a place of profound respect and national pilgrimage, reflecting the deep-rooted respect for traditional authorities in Botswana's social fabric.

📋 Practical info

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Visiting
The Royal Cemetery in Serowe is a significant cultural landmark that can be visited during the day. Visitors should enter the sacred site with respect and enjoy the tranquility of the surroundings.
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Typical hours
The cemetery has no fixed opening hours, but is usually accessible from sunrise to sunset. It is best to choose a time of day when it is quiet.
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Photography
Photography is generally allowed, but only without flash and with consideration for funeral ceremonies. Please do not take selfies at the graves of kings.
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Time needed
A visit lasts about 20 minutes - enough to see the graves and enjoy the panoramic view over Serowe. Longer stays are unnecessary, but respectful behavior matters.
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Combine with
The cemetery overlooks the village of Serowe, which houses historic buildings like Khama House. Combine the visit with exploring Serowe's traditional architecture and local landmarks.
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Getting there
Serowe is about a 3-4 hour drive from Gaborone. The cemetery is on a hill; hikers can climb from the village center in 10 minutes.
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Insider tip
Respect local traditions and avoid loud conversations. A visit in the late afternoon provides beautiful light for photos and a peaceful atmosphere.

Geography

Coordinates
-22.38500, 26.71250

Facts

  • Burial site of Sir Seretse Khama, 1st President
  • Located on the historical Thataganyane Hill
  • Marked by a statue of the Duiker (Phuti) totem
  • Resting place of the Bangwato royal family
  • Overlooks Serowe, a major traditional Tswana village
  • Grave of Lady Ruth Khama is located here

Explore nearby

Notable places around

Serowe Royal CemeterySerowe Royal Cemetery<1 km · WExplore →
Serowe HillsSerowe Hills2 km · SWExplore →
Serowe Rhino SanctuarySerowe Rhino Sanctuary5 km · NEExplore →
Khama Rhino SanctuaryKhama Rhino Sanctuary8 km · EExplore →
Morupule Power StationMorupule Power Station37 km · NExplore →
Morupule Coal MineMorupule Coal Mine40 km · NExplore →
Palapye Glass Manufacturing PlantPalapye Glass Manufacturing Plant50 km · NExplore →
Matloutse RiverMatloutse River50 km · NEExplore →

Route planner — Car & Motorhome

Where do you start? We build the route here, with stops and country notes along the way.

Vehicle
Only stops with (optional):

© OpenStreetMap contributors · OpenRouteService

Sights in the town Serowe Royal Cemetery (1)

Khama III Memorial Museum🏛 museum

Dedicated to the history of the Bamangwato people, this museum chronicles the legacy of Chief Khama III and preserves important regional artifacts.

Sights nearby

Frequently asked questions

Who is buried at the Serowe Royal Cemetery?
Members of the Khama family, including Sir Seretse Khama, Botswana's first president.
Can you visit the cemetery?
Yes, visitors are allowed, but respectful behavior is expected at this sacred site.
Where is the royal cemetery located?
Located on Thataganyana Hill in Serowe, overlooking the village Kgotla.
Is photography allowed?
Restricted; it is advisable to ask for permission and avoid disturbing any ceremonies.
What is the significance of the site?
It is an important historical site honoring the legacy of the Bamangwato royalty.
Serowe Royal Cemetery: where is it located?
Serowe Royal Cemetery is located in Botswana.
Serowe Royal Cemetery: why is it worth visiting?
The Serowe Royal Cemetery is located atop Thataganyane Hill in the heart of Serowe and serves as the burial ground for the Khama dynasty, the ruling family of the Bangwato people.
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History & landmarks

London Missionary Society Ruins — Serowe Royal Cemetery (Botswana)
London Missionary Society Ruins
The red-brick ruins of the London Missionary Society church are the most iconic landmark of the abandoned Old Palapye settlement.
Moeng College Building — Serowe Royal Cemetery (Botswana)
Moeng College Building
Moeng College is a historic educational institution established by Tshekedi Khama in a remote and scenic valley.

More places

Serowe Royal Cemetery — Serowe Royal Cemetery (Botswana)
Serowe Royal Cemetery
This cemetery is the final resting place of the Khama family, including Botswana's first president, Sir Seretse Khama.
Khama III Memorial Museum — Serowe Royal Cemetery (Botswana)
Khama III Memorial Museum
Located in Serowe, this museum preserves the history of the Khama dynasty and the cultural heritage of the Bangwato people.
Serowe Hills — Serowe Royal Cemetery (Botswana)
Serowe Hills
Hilly landscape near the town of Serowe.
Serowe Rhino Sanctuary — Serowe Royal Cemetery (Botswana)
Serowe Rhino Sanctuary
A local reserve for preserving the rhino population.
Khama Rhino Sanctuary — Serowe Royal Cemetery (Botswana)
Khama Rhino Sanctuary
A conservation project dedicated to saving the white rhino.
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Morupule Power Station
The Morupule Power Station is the largest thermal power plant in Botswana.
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Morupule Coal Mine
Morupule Coal Mine is the primary source of coal in Botswana, fueling the national power supply.
Palapye Glass Manufacturing Plant — Serowe Royal Cemetery (Botswana)
Palapye Glass Manufacturing Plant
Palapye hosts specialized manufacturing facilities, including those focusing on glass production utilizing regional resources.