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Shoshong Historic Site

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Historical site
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Shoshong Historic Site (Botswana)

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The Shoshong Historic Site, positioned in the Shoshong Hills, served as the preeminent political and economic hub for the Bangwato people during the 19th century. Under the leadership of Kgosi Sekgoma I and later Khama III, the settlement provided a strategic stronghold protected by rugged terrain against Ndebele raids. During its peak in the 1870s, Shoshong supported a population of approximately 30,000 residents, making it one of the largest urban centers in Southern Africa at the time. Renowned European missionaries, including David Livingstone and Robert Moffat, established a presence here, which played a pivotal role in the introduction of Christianity to the region. Severe water shortages eventually forced the migration of the capital to Palapye in 1889 and subsequently to Serowe. Today, the site features ruins of an early London Missionary Society church and remnants of traditional stone walling, offering a window into the formative years of the Botswana nation.

Best time to visit & climate

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

JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
Avg °C262524211815141822252626
Rain mm79695527792112285786

📋 Practical info

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Visiting
The Shoshong historic site consists of ruins and is freely accessible. The remains of the former trading town can be visited without a guide.
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Typical hours
Since there is no official management, the site is accessible anytime during daylight. It's best not to stay after sunset as there is no lighting.
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Photography
Photography is allowed everywhere - the ruins and surrounding landscape offer good subjects. A tripod can be useful for long exposures.
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Time needed
A visit to the site takes about 30 minutes to 1 hour, depending on interest. The area is compact but allows wandering among the ruins.
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Combine with
Shoshong is located near the town of Serowe. Combine the visit with the Khama III Memorial Museum or the Serowe National Museum.
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Getting there
The site is accessible by car via a dirt road from Serowe. A regular car suffices in dry weather; 4x4 is recommended in rain.
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Insider tip
Bring water and a hat as there is little shade. The best time to visit is early morning when temperatures are pleasant.

Geography

Coordinates
-22.95500, 26.49500

Facts

  • Former capital of the Bangwato in the 19th century
  • Peak population reached over 30,000 by 1870
  • Visited by David Livingstone in the mid-1840s
  • Strategic defensive position against Ndebele attacks
  • The capital moved to Palapye in 1889 due to drought
  • Remains of an early London Missionary Society church exist

Explore nearby

Notable places around

Serowe HillsSerowe Hills60 km · EExplore →
Serowe Royal CemeterySerowe Royal Cemetery61 km · NEExplore →
Serowe Rhino SanctuarySerowe Rhino Sanctuary66 km · NEExplore →
Khama Rhino SanctuaryKhama Rhino Sanctuary68 km · EExplore →
Morupule Power StationMorupule Power Station73 km · NEExplore →
Morupule Coal MineMorupule Coal Mine76 km · NEExplore →
Palapye Glass Manufacturing PlantPalapye Glass Manufacturing Plant82 km · NEExplore →
Old Palapye (Phalatswe)Old Palapye (Phalatswe)93 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 nearby

Frequently asked questions

What was Shoshong in the past?
In the 19th century, it was the capital of the Bangwato people and a major trading hub in Southern Africa.
What ruins can be seen there today?
You can see the remains of old mission stations and traditional settlement structures.
Where is the Shoshong historic site located?
The site is located about 40 km west of Mahalapye at the foot of the Shoshong Hills.
Is a 4x4 vehicle needed to get there?
The main roads are good, but a sturdy vehicle is advantageous for exploring the immediate surroundings.
Are there tourist facilities available?
Facilities are minimal; visitors should bring their own water and supplies.
Shoshong Historic Site: where is it located?
Shoshong Historic Site is located in Botswana.
Shoshong Historic Site: when is the best time to visit?
The most pleasant time to visit is Apr, May, Sep.
Shoshong Historic Site: why is it worth visiting?
The Shoshong Historic Site, positioned in the Shoshong Hills, served as the preeminent political and economic hub for the Bangwato people during the 19th century.
View on map → The Top 50 Attractions → OpenStreetMap →
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History & landmarks

Serowe Royal Cemetery — Shoshong Historic Site (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.
London Missionary Society Ruins — Shoshong Historic Site (Botswana)
London Missionary Society Ruins
The red-brick ruins of the London Missionary Society church are the most iconic landmark of the abandoned Old Palapye settlement.
Moeng College Building — Shoshong Historic Site (Botswana)
Moeng College Building
Moeng College is a historic educational institution established by Tshekedi Khama in a remote and scenic valley.

More places

Serowe Hills — Shoshong Historic Site (Botswana)
Serowe Hills
Hilly landscape near the town of Serowe.
Khama III Memorial Museum — Shoshong Historic Site (Botswana)
Khama III Memorial Museum
Located in Serowe, this museum preserves the history of the Khama dynasty and the cultural heritage of the Bangwato people.
Serowe Royal Cemetery — Shoshong Historic Site (Botswana)
Serowe Royal Cemetery
This cemetery is the final resting place of the Khama family, including Botswana's first president, Sir Seretse Khama.
Serowe Rhino Sanctuary — Shoshong Historic Site (Botswana)
Serowe Rhino Sanctuary
A local reserve for preserving the rhino population.
Khama Rhino Sanctuary — Shoshong Historic Site (Botswana)
Khama Rhino Sanctuary
A conservation project dedicated to saving the white rhino.
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Morupule Power Station
The Morupule Power Station is the largest thermal power plant in Botswana.
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Morupule Coal Mine
Morupule Coal Mine is the primary source of coal in Botswana, fueling the national power supply.
Palapye Glass Manufacturing Plant — Shoshong Historic Site (Botswana)
Palapye Glass Manufacturing Plant
Palapye hosts specialized manufacturing facilities, including those focusing on glass production utilizing regional resources.