Located in
Botswana :: Eastern Botswana/Tuli
:: Serowe
Category:
Places :: Town Medium
Serowe was founded in 1903 by Kgosi Khama III, leader of the Bamangwato tribe. Today, it's the capital of the Central District and the capital of the Bamangwato people. With a population of just over 55 000, it's the fifth largest settlement in Botswana and almost the same size as the busy tourist hub of Maun.
Sir Seretse Khama, son of Kgosi Khama III, and the first president of independent Botswana, was born here. The village played centre stage in the drama around his marriage to an European english woman, Ruth Williams. They are both buried in the Royal Cemetery in town, and a statue for Sir Khama can be found at the kgotla (meeting place) at the foot of Serowe Hill.
Traveller DescriptionThe Khama III Memorial Museum displays furniture, uniforms, correspondence and photographs centered around the Khama family and the history of Serowe. The town is still referred to as the Royal Village due to its connection with the Khama family.
Built in 1912, the London Missionary Society church was at the time one of the first modern architectural designs, standing out amongst the small mud huts and rondavels.
The Khama Rhino Sanctuary, 30 km northeast of Serowe, is an excellent overnight stop on the way to the interior and well worth an extra night or two on your journey. The sanctuary was established in 1992 to protect the remainder of Botswana's rhinos; both white and black rhinos are present here as well as several mammal species and more than 230 bird species. The venue offers large shaded campsites as well as self-catering bungalows.
Address : | Serowe, Eastern Botswana/Tuli, Botswana | ||
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Cellphone Reception : | Good | Main Cellular Network : | Mascom. Orange. Be Mobile |
Police Telephone : | +267 463 0222 |
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Hospital Telephone : | +267 463 0333 |
Doctor Telephone : | +267 463 7663 |
Petrol Type : | LRP/ ULP |
Night Drives, Picnics, Donkey Cart Drives, Diving, Snorkelling, Surfing, Sea_Kayaking, Sailing |
Closest Main Route : | B145 |
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CAMPING EQUIPMENT:
Serowe Canvas sells canvas camping products and will do canvas repairs, while the Midas sells vehicle spares and outdoor equipment.
EMERGENCY SERVICES:
Sekgoma Memorial Hospital is a large training hospital and offers modern medical facilities with the latest technological equipment.
SERVICES:
There's a Midas Spares, Battery Centre and Toyota in town, as well as a number of fuel stations. Bus Terminal/s.
The shopping centre at Boiteko Junction has a well-stocked Super Spar, banks and a tyre repair shop.
If you plan to overnight at Khama Rhino Sanctuary, book an early morning rhino tracking safari, or hire a knowledgeable guide to accompany you in your vehicle for a two hour game drive. You can buy wood, ice, and beer at the gate.