Why Serowe
Serowe is a prominent urban village serving as the capital of the Serowe District within Botswana's Central District. Recognized as the country's third-largest village, it acts as a major commercial and trading hub for the surrounding region. The settlement established its historical significance in 1902 when Chief Khama III founded it as the new capital of the Bamangwato people. The name derives from a Setswana word for a local bulb plant indicative of water, which was later adapted into its current spelling by British settlers. It is famously known as the traditional seat of the Bamangwato tribe and the birthplace of several Botswanan leaders, including the nation's first president, Sir Seretse Khama, and former president Festus Mogae.
Geographically, the village sits in a fertile, well-watered area along the Lotsane River. It lies just west of the main road connecting Gaborone and Francistown, making it easily accessible for travelers. Serowe also serves as the starting point for the highway leading northwest toward the diamond mining town of Orapa. The local topography is marked by two prominent hills named Rra-Swaneng and Mma-Swaneng, and the nearby town of Paje hosts a Botswana Defence Force base.
Visitors to the area can explore several cultural and historic landmarks. The Khama III Memorial Museum features the Bessie Head Room, honoring the South African-born author who lived in Serowe and immortalized the area in her writing. Educational heritage is also tied to the Swaneng Hill School, established by Patrick van Rensburg as the first institution of the Brigades Movement. Modern civic features in the village include the Serowe Stadium sports complex, the Institute of Health Sciences, and the state-of-the-art Sekgoma Hospital, which replaced an older facility that has since been converted into a 24-hour health clinic.
Just 25 kilometers north of the town along the road to Orapa lies the Khama Rhino Sanctuary. Founded in 1992 by the local Ballentine and Watson families alongside Ian Khama, this 4,300-hectare charitable game reserve consists of Kalahari sandveld dedicated to preserving black and white rhinoceroses, offering a key wildlife experience close to the historic settlement.
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