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Supa Ngwao Museum

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Historical site
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Supa Ngwao Museum (Botswana)

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The Supa Ngwao Museum in Francistown is the leading cultural and historical hub for northern Botswana, dedicated to preserving the heritage of the Tati region. Established in the mid-1980s, the museum is housed in a historic colonial-era building that formerly served as a government prison and administrative post. Its name, 'Supa Ngwao,' translates to 'Show Culture' in the local language, embodying its mission to showcase the diverse traditions of northern ethnic groups, particularly the Kalanga people. The exhibits provide a comprehensive overview of Francistown's history, from the 19th-century gold rush to its evolution as a major railway center. Visitors can explore collections of historical photographs, ethnographic artifacts, and displays on traditional mining techniques. The museum also supports the local economy by operating a craft shop that sells authentic regional baskets, pottery, and woodcarvings. As a lively educational center, it hosts regular cultural festivals and school tours, making it a cornerstone of regional identity.

Best time to visit & climate

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

JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
Avg °C252524221916151923262626
Rain mm100896123441082568102

📋 Practical info

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Visiting
Supa Ngwao Museum in Francistown is a public museum showcasing the history of the Kalanga people and the gold rush. Entry is typically ticketed, and the museum is open to visitors.
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Typical hours
The museum has typical hours, usually from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM with a lunch break. Weekends and holidays may bring different hours, so contacting ahead is recommended.
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Photography
Photography without flash is usually allowed in the exhibition rooms, while some areas with sensitive artifacts may prohibit it. Tripod or commercial photography typically requires a permit.
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Time needed
A museum visit typically takes one to one and a half hours, depending on interest in the exhibits. If you want to read the extensive information about the gold rush era, allow two hours.
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Combine with
Francistown also features a historic district with the old railway station and colonial-era gold mines. The nearby Tati River provides opportunities for walks and birdwatching.
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Getting there
The museum is located in central Francistown and is within walking distance from most hotels and the bus station. Parking is available nearby, and local taxis are a convenient option.
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Insider tip
Ask the museum staff about the special history of the building housing the museum - it has an interesting past itself. Plan your visit on a weekday to enjoy the museum in a quieter atmosphere.

Geography

Coordinates
-21.16870, 27.50280

Facts

  • The museum was established in 1986 as a non-governmental organization.
  • The facility is housed in a former colonial government prison.
  • The Tati region was the site of Southern Africa's first gold rush in 1866.
  • The name 'Supa Ngwao' means 'Show Culture' in the Setswana language.
  • It features a specialized gallery dedicated to Kalanga history.
  • The museum is located in Francistown, Botswana's second-largest city.

Explore nearby

Notable places around

Supa Ngwao MuseumSupa Ngwao Museum<1 km · WExplore →
BMC Francistown AbattoirBMC Francistown Abattoir2 km · NWExplore →
Tati Nickel MineTati Nickel Mine8 km · NEExplore →
Tati RiverTati River11 km · NExplore →
Shashe RiverShashe River32 km · NWExplore →
Matsitama Minerals ComplexMatsitama Minerals Complex61 km · SExplore →
Domboshaba RuinsDomboshaba Ruins68 km · EExplore →
PlumtreePlumtree75 km · NEExplore →

Route planner — Car & Motorhome

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

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© OpenStreetMap contributors · OpenRouteService

Sights in the town Supa Ngwao Museum (4)

Kenneth Nkhwa Interchange

Traffic interchange in Francistown, named after politician Kenneth Nkhwa.

Tebo House🏰 castle

Historic building in Francistown, used as a residence or administrative office.

Supa Ngwao Museum🏛 museum

Museum in Francistown with exhibits on regional history and culture.

Francistown Records Centre🏛 museum

Archive and documentation centre in Francistown for preserving historical records.

Sights nearby

Frequently asked questions

What is special about the Supa-Ngwao Museum?
It specializes in the culture and history of the Kalanga people.
Can one touch the exhibits?
No, most objects are kept in display cases.
Is there a cafe there?
No, but there are several dining options nearby.
Is flash photography allowed?
No, to protect the historical artifacts, flash is prohibited.
What is the best way to get there?
The easiest way is by taxi or rental car.
Supa Ngwao Museum: where is it located?
Supa Ngwao Museum is located in Botswana.
Supa Ngwao Museum: what is there to see?
Highlights include Kenneth Nkhwa Interchange, Tebo House, Supa Ngwao Museum.
Supa Ngwao Museum: when is the best time to visit?
The most pleasant time to visit is Apr, Aug, Sep.
Supa Ngwao Museum: why is it worth visiting?
The Supa Ngwao Museum in Francistown is the leading cultural and historical hub for northern Botswana, dedicated to preserving the heritage of the Tati region.
View on map → The Top 50 Attractions → OpenStreetMap →
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Nearby cities

Plumtree — Supa Ngwao Museum (Botswana)
Plumtree
Plumtree is Zimbabwe's primary western gateway, located on the border with Botswana.

History & landmarks

Supa Ngwao Museum — Supa Ngwao Museum (Botswana)
Supa Ngwao Museum
Supa Ngwao is a key cultural landmark in Francistown, preserving the history and traditions of northern Botswana's diverse peoples.

More places

Francistown Dry Port — Supa Ngwao Museum (Botswana)
Francistown Dry Port
The Francistown Dry Port serves as a crucial logistics and transit point in northern Botswana.
Francistown Old Gold Mines — Supa Ngwao Museum (Botswana)
Francistown Old Gold Mines
The ruins of early gold mines around Francistown reflect the 19th-century gold rush that predates the Witwatersrand discovery.
BMC Francistown Abattoir — Supa Ngwao Museum (Botswana)
BMC Francistown Abattoir
The abattoir in Francistown serves the cattle industry in northern Botswana.
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Tati Nickel Mine
The Tati Nickel Mine, located near Francistown, was a significant producer of nickel concentrate in Botswana.
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Tati River
The Tati River flows through the city of Francistown, serving as a key drainage system in the northeastern region.
Shashe River — Supa Ngwao Museum (Botswana)
Shashe River
The Shashe River is a major ephemeral river that forms part of the international border between Botswana and Zimbabwe.
Matsitama Minerals Complex — Supa Ngwao Museum (Botswana)
Matsitama Minerals Complex
The Matsitama region has been explored for its significant copper and mineral potential.
Domboshaba Ruins — Supa Ngwao Museum (Botswana)
Domboshaba Ruins
Domboshaba is an iron-age stone walled settlement that served as a regional capital for the Great Zimbabwe-style culture.