Francistown

Francistown is not merely the second-largest city in Botswana, but the living history of the region, often referred to as the "Capital of the North." Founded during the height of the first gold rush in Southern Africa, it has preserved a unique atmosphere where echoes of the colonial past coexist with the dynamics of a modern industrial and commercial centre.

Thanks to its strategic location, the city serves as a vital tourism hub and a convenient starting point for further journeys to famous nature parks and reserves. Here, travellers can immerse themselves in authentic culture, visit interesting museums, and feel the true rhythm of local life before setting off to encounter the wild nature.

The fastest way to reach the city is by air. Francistown has its own international airport (IATA code: FRW), located just a few kilometres from the centre. This is an excellent option for those who value time and wish to avoid long overland journeys.

As the airport is regional, there are no direct intercontinental flights here, and the route is usually planned with a connection. Most often, travellers arrive on flights from Gaborone or Johannesburg. Regular service is provided by the national carrier, allowing for a comfortable journey to the "Capital of the North" with a convenient connection in the major hubs of South Africa.

Currently, it is not possible to arrive in Francistown directly by train. Passenger rail services within the country, including the previously popular night express from Gaborone, are temporarily suspended. The city's railway station is not currently serving regular passenger trains, so tourists should plan alternative logistics in advance.

Nevertheless, enthusiasts of railway romance can travel by train to major transport hubs in neighbouring countries and cover the remainder of the journey by road. The nearest convenient point is Bulawayo in Zimbabwe. One can also consider routes through Polokwane in South Africa or the picturesque Victoria Falls, from where it is easy to reach the "Capital of the North" by intercity bus or taxi.

Bus services connect Francistown with key cities in neighbouring countries, offering travellers scenic and budget-friendly routes. One of the shortest trips departs from Bulawayo: the bus covers the distance of 190 kilometres in approximately 3–4 hours, including time for border crossing. The route from the famous Victoria Falls is also popular, taking about 7–8 hours and allowing passengers to enjoy views of the African savannah on the way south.

For tourists heading from South Africa, Polokwane serves as a convenient transit hub. The journey, spanning about 450 kilometres, takes on average 6 hours, passing through the colourful landscapes of the Limpopo province. Comfortable intercity coaches run regularly, making this mode of transport a reliable alternative to air travel.

Travelling by car offers freedom of movement and the opportunity to enjoy African landscapes at your own pace. The fastest route runs from the city of Bulawayo: the distance of 190 kilometres is usually covered in 2.5–3 hours, although extra time should be allowed for border procedures. A much more scenic but longer road leads from Victoria Falls — this is about 500 kilometres of travel, which will take approximately 6–7 hours, with a chance to spot wildlife along the highway.

For tourists heading from South Africa, the key transit point will be Polokwane, located 450 kilometres away; the drive from there will take about 5–6 hours on quality road surfaces. If you do not plan to rent a car, you can use private taxi services, but tariffs for international transfers will be high, and the final cost of the trip must be firmly agreed upon with the driver in advance.

Preparing for a trip to Francistown requires attention to detail to ensure your stay in the "Capital of the North" is as comfortable and carefree as possible. We have compiled a list of practical recommendations to help you quickly adapt to local conditions and avoid common mistakes.

1. Clothing and Climate. Since the weather here is often hot and arid, opt for modest, light clothing made from natural breathable fabrics such as cotton or linen, and be sure to wear a head covering. However, for evening walks and early mornings, it is worth packing a windbreaker or fleece jacket, as temperature fluctuations can be noticeable.
2. Transport. The most reliable mode of transport for a tourist is an official taxi, easily recognised by blue number plates. Although minibuses (combis) operate in the city, they are often overcrowded and have a complex route system; if you choose a taxi without a meter, ensure you agree on the price before getting into the car.
3. Finances. The national currency is the Pula (BWP); dollars or euros can be exchanged at banks and official exchange bureaus. Major shopping malls, hotels, and restaurants accept Visa and Mastercard without issues, but always carry cash for visiting markets or small shops.
4. Health and Hygiene. Tap water in the country's major cities is generally considered safe, but tourists are recommended to purchase bottled water for drinking to rule out any risk of stomach upset. Also, do not forget to pack a first aid kit with insect repellents and high-factor sunscreen.
5. Communication. English is an official language and is widely spoken, so you will not encounter problems communicating in the service sector. Nevertheless, locals will be pleasantly surprised if you learn a couple of greeting phrases in the national language, Setswana, such as "Dumela" (Hello).
6. Local Etiquette. In Botswana, politeness and a measured pace are highly valued: it is customary to greet people (even strangers) before asking a question or starting a conversation. Showing respect to elders and maintaining a calm tone of voice will help you build rapport with your interlocutor.
7. What to Avoid. It is strictly prohibited to photograph government buildings, police stations, military facilities, and the airport — this can lead to serious legal problems. Also, refrain from photographing local residents without their explicit permission.
8. Electricity. The power grid uses sockets of the British (Type G) and South African (Type M) standards. European plugs do not fit these, so we strongly recommend purchasing or bringing a universal travel adapter in advance.

By following these simple tips, you can avoid minor domestic inconveniences and focus entirely on exploring the city and its surroundings. Francistown is a hospitable city, open to travellers who respect local traditions and rules.