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London Missionary Society Ruins

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London Missionary Society Ruins (Botswana)

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The London Missionary Society Ruins, often referred to as the Old Palapye Church Ruins, are the impressive remains of a monumental church in the former capital of the Bamangwato people. Built between 1891 and 1894 under the reign of King Khama III, the church was a significant religious center in Southern Africa. Constructed from local red sandstone in the Neo-Gothic style, the structure testified to the influence of Christianity and Khama's close ties with the London Missionary Society. When the capital was moved to Serowe in 1902, Palapye was abandoned, and the church fell into ruins over the decades. Today, prominent sections of the gables and walls still stand, rising solitary above the landscape. The ruins are part of an archaeological reserve that also includes remains of old residential areas and fortifications. They serve as an important witness to the political and religious transformation of Botswana at the end of the 19th century.

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
The ruins of the London Missionary Society church in Old Palapye are freely accessible. You can inspect the red brick walls up close and explore the grounds.
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Typical hours
The ruins are accessible anytime as they are outdoors. Best visited during daylight to see the details of the brick architecture.
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Photography
Photography is explicitly allowed; the red brick ruins make great photo subjects. Try to contrast the ruins with Botswana's blue sky.
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Time needed
Allow about 20 to 30 minutes to view the ruins and take photos. You can also explore the surrounding landscape of Old Palapye.
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Combine with
Combine the visit with a walk through the abandoned settlement of Old Palapye. The nearby Khama III Memorial Museum in Serowe is also worth a trip.
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Getting there
The ruins are about 20 km south of Serowe on the road to Palapye. Best reached by rental car or taxi; follow the signs to Old Palapye.
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Insider tip
Bring plenty of water as it can get very hot in this region. Wear a hat and sunscreen, especially during midday.

Geography

Coordinates
-22.64500, 27.27980

Facts

  • The church was constructed between 1891 and 1894 under King Khama III.
  • It was built using local red sandstone in the Neo-Gothic architectural style.
  • The site was abandoned in 1902 when the Bamangwato people moved to Serowe.
  • The ruins are considered one of the most important monuments of Christian missions.
  • Nearby attractions include the Malaka Falls and Iron Age archaeological sites.
  • The remaining gable walls are the most prominent features of the ruins today.

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 London Missionary Society Ruins (1)

Old Palapye entrance area🏺 historical

This entrance area features the remains of the historical infrastructure from an abandoned settlement.

Sights nearby

Frequently asked questions

What are the Old Palapye ruins?
They are the remains of a large London Missionary Society church built in the 1890s.
How do I get to the church ruins?
They are located about 20 km from Palapye town; a sturdy vehicle is recommended.
Why was the church abandoned?
The settlement was abandoned in 1902 when the capital moved to Serowe.
Is photography allowed?
Yes, the photogenic ruins are a popular subject for visitors.
Are there guided tours?
A local caretaker is often on-site to provide information about the history.
London Missionary Society Ruins: where is it located?
London Missionary Society Ruins is located in Botswana.
London Missionary Society Ruins: when is the best time to visit?
The most pleasant time to visit is Apr, May, Sep.
London Missionary Society Ruins: why is it worth visiting?
The London Missionary Society Ruins, often referred to as the Old Palapye Church Ruins, are the impressive remains of a monumental church in the former capital of the Bamangwato people.
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History & landmarks

Moeng College Building — London Missionary Society Ruins (Botswana)
Moeng College Building
Moeng College is a historic educational institution established by Tshekedi Khama in a remote and scenic valley.
Serowe Royal Cemetery — London Missionary Society Ruins (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

🗺️
Old Palapye (Phalatswe)
Old Palapye was the 19th-century capital of the Bangwato, established by Kgosi Khama III before moving to Serowe.
Palapye Glass Manufacturing Plant — London Missionary Society Ruins (Botswana)
Palapye Glass Manufacturing Plant
Palapye hosts specialized manufacturing facilities, including those focusing on glass production utilizing regional resources.
Moremi Gorge — London Missionary Society Ruins (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 — London Missionary Society Ruins (Botswana)
Shumba Energy Coal Project
Shumba Energy is an energy developer focused on tapping into Botswana's vast coal reserves for power generation.
🗺️
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.
🗺️
Toutswemogala Hill
An archaeological hill site linked to the ancient Toutswe culture.
Lerala Diamond Mine — London Missionary Society Ruins (Botswana)
Lerala Diamond Mine
Lerala is a diamond mine situated in the Tswapong Hills region.