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Old Palapye (Phalatswe)

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Historical site
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Old Palapye (Phalatswe) (Botswana)

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Old Palapye, also known as Phalatswe, is a significant historical ruined city located in Botswana's Central District. Between 1889 and 1902, it served as the capital of the Bamangwato people under the leadership of Khama III, one of the most influential chiefs in Botswana's history. The settlement was planned with European influences and at its peak housed an estimated 30,000 residents. The most prominent feature of Old Palapye is the skeletal remains of the London Missionary Society church, constructed from red fired bricks, with its grand facade still standing as a striking landmark. Khama III utilized the capital to implement social reforms and promote Christian education, famously enforcing a total prohibition of alcohol. Due to persistent water shortages and strategic shifts, the city was abandoned in 1902 as the population relocated to Serowe. Today, the site is a protected national monument that chronicles the era of resistance against colonial encroachment and rapid cultural transition. Set against the scenic Tswapong Hills, the ruins offer a poignant glimpse into Botswana's late 19th-century political heart.

Best time to visit & climate

The most pleasant time to visit is Apr, May, Sep.

JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
Avg °C262524221916151822252626
Rain mm967959286172110387296

📋 Practical info

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Visiting
Old Palapye (Phalatswe) is an abandoned historic settlement that can be freely visited. You can explore the ruins of the 19th-century Bangwato capital.
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Typical hours
The entire site is accessible anytime as it is an open-air site. Best visited during daylight to see the ruins and landscape.
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Photography
Photography is allowed throughout the site. The red brick church ruins and remains of traditional houses offer diverse subjects.
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Time needed
Allow about 30 to 45 minutes to walk through the settlement and see the main ruins. For a more thorough exploration, you can plan an hour.
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Combine with
Combine the visit with the London Missionary Society ruins on the same site. The Khama III Museum in Serowe is also worth a detour.
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Getting there
Old Palapye is about 20 km south of Serowe off the A14. Best reached by rental car; the road is a dirt track but passable with a normal vehicle.
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Insider tip
Visit the site early in the morning to avoid the heat and enjoy the ruins peacefully. Bring binoculars for bird and wildlife watching.

Geography

Coordinates
-22.64550, 27.27980

Facts

  • The city was established as the Bamangwato capital by Khama III in 1889.
  • The London Missionary Society church was built between 1891 and 1894.
  • At its height, the city's population reached approximately 30,000.
  • Old Palapye is located near the contemporary village of Malaka.
  • The capital was abandoned in 1902 primarily due to severe water shortages.
  • The site was formally designated as a national monument in 2011.

Explore nearby

Notable places around

Palapye Glass Manufacturing PlantPalapye Glass Manufacturing Plant19 km · SEExplore →
Moremi GorgeMoremi Gorge20 km · NExplore →
Shumba Energy Coal ProjectShumba Energy Coal Project26 km · EExplore →
Morupule Coal MineMorupule Coal Mine29 km · SEExplore →
Morupule Power StationMorupule Power Station31 km · SEExplore →
Toutswemogala HillToutswemogala Hill40 km · EExplore →
Moeng College BuildingMoeng College Building48 km · NExplore →
Lerala Diamond MineLerala Diamond Mine55 km · NExplore →

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 Old Palapye (Phalatswe) (1)

Old Palapye entrance area

Ruins of the first Christian church in the area. Entrance fee P20 per person + P20 per vehicle.

Sights nearby

Frequently asked questions

What is Phalatswe (Old Palapye)?
This is the historical site of the former capital of the Bamangwato.
What is there to see today?
One can find ruins of churches and old settlement structures amidst nature.
Is the place easily accessible?
The journey requires some planning as it is off the main roads.
Is a guided tour necessary?
A guide is recommended to understand the hidden historical details.
What is the best time to visit?
The cooler months are well-suited as there is a lot of walking involved.
Old Palapye (Phalatswe): where is it located?
Old Palapye (Phalatswe) is located in Botswana.
Old Palapye (Phalatswe): when is the best time to visit?
The most pleasant time to visit is Apr, May, Sep.
Old Palapye (Phalatswe): why is it worth visiting?
Old Palapye, also known as Phalatswe, is a significant historical ruined city located in Botswana's Central District.
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History & landmarks

London Missionary Society Ruins — Old Palapye (Phalatswe) (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 — Old Palapye (Phalatswe) (Botswana)
Moeng College Building
Moeng College is a historic educational institution established by Tshekedi Khama in a remote and scenic valley.
Serowe Royal Cemetery — Old Palapye (Phalatswe) (Botswana)
Serowe Royal Cemetery
Overlooking the village from a hill, the Royal Cemetery is a sacred landmark where generations of Bangwato royalty are laid to rest.

More places

Palapye Glass Manufacturing Plant — Old Palapye (Phalatswe) (Botswana)
Palapye Glass Manufacturing Plant
Palapye hosts specialized manufacturing facilities, including those focusing on glass production utilizing regional resources.
Moremi Gorge — Old Palapye (Phalatswe) (Botswana)
Moremi Gorge
This scenic gorge in the Tswapong Hills is a sacred site for the local community, featuring permanent waterfalls and ancient shrines.
Shumba Energy Coal Project — Old Palapye (Phalatswe) (Botswana)
Shumba Energy Coal Project
Shumba Energy is an energy developer focused on tapping into Botswana's vast coal reserves for power generation.
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Morupule Coal Mine
Morupule Coal Mine is the primary source of coal in Botswana, fueling the national power supply.
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Morupule Power Station
The Morupule Power Station is the largest thermal power plant in Botswana.
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Toutswemogala Hill
An archaeological hill site linked to the ancient Toutswe culture.
Lerala Diamond Mine — Old Palapye (Phalatswe) (Botswana)
Lerala Diamond Mine
Lerala is a diamond mine situated in the Tswapong Hills region.
Serowe Rhino Sanctuary — Old Palapye (Phalatswe) (Botswana)
Serowe Rhino Sanctuary
A local reserve for preserving the rhino population.